Edmund Harrison

Edmund Harrison (1764–1826) was a Virginia planter, politician, military officer and member of the Harrison family of Virginia. He represented the counties of Prince George and Amelia in the Virginia House of Delegates, and served as that body's Speaker from 1802 until 1803.

Early life and education Edmund, the eldest son of Nathaniel Harrison (1741-1782) and Mary Ruffin (1746-1767), was born into the First Families of Virginia. His father and paternal ancestors had served in the Virginia General Assembly. His uncle Benjamin Harrison V, also a planter and politician, signed the Declaration of Independence and served two terms as Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, an office Edmund won in his second term, but only briefly held. His great-grandfather, Robert Carter I had been nicknamed "King Carter" in his lifetime because of his vast landholdings and great political power, and so many of this boy's uncles and cousins also served in the legislature. Edmund Harrison received a private education appropriate to his class.

Edmund, just 18 years old at his father's death, offered the following eulogy: In 1804 Harrison's electoral fortunes began to fade, when he ran second to Thomas Randolph 115–140, although both were seated. In his last real attempt, Harrison lost to Randolph again in 1805, 99–109. However, in 1807, Amelia County voters unseated both men

Upon entry to his office as Speaker in the Virginia House, Harrison on December 30, 1802 wrote to President Thomas Jefferson in reply to a gift received from the latter, "Edmund Harrison presents his respectful acknowledgments to Mr. Jefferson,—thanks him for the parliamentary Manual, which is enhanced in value from the polite and friendly manner in which it was presented. Where the voice of Millions join in the wish that our present chief Magistrate may long fill the exalted station, which he has so much dignified, the single expression of an Individual conforming to that Wish, cannot be deemed intrusive."

Harrison served in the military during the War of 1812.