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October Program: John Harris Jr. (Founder of Harrisburg) Visits Halifax

By: Dylan Bowman, HAHS Board Member

October 27, 2024

John Harris Jr. (David Biser) holds up a map of historic Harrisburg at the Halifax Area Historical Society. Photograph by Dylan Bowman.


Living History

Whenever I think about the town of which I am from, I always consider it's conjunction to our state's Capitol, "just over The Mountain" as I like to say. And The Mountain is beautiful this time of year.


But for such a stunning and history-rich city in the Keystone State, it has always been obvious that there was much to the history of Harrisburg that I do not know, including that of the city's founder, John Harris Jr. My inadequacies would soon be remedied however, when I walked inside the Halifax Area Historical Society building two nights ago and saw what awaited us.


The founder of Harrisburg himself, John Harris Jr. sat there, pewter mug of pear cider in hand...and he had much to tell the folk in our town.


Of Harris Jr. & Halifax

John Harris Jr. proceeded to describe the story of his life and adventures throughout the time of the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and the building of Harrisburg and other critical infrastructure in the colony of Pennsylvania.


Interestingly enough, Harris Jr. had a decent bit of experience travelling to Halifax, as he and a team with six mules would travel up the side of Peter's Mountain carrying munitions and supplies to Forts Halifax and Augusta during the French and Indian War and Pontiac's Rebellion (1755-1763). On the way up the mountain, the steeds would all pull as normal, but when reaching the top of the mountain and preparing to descend the Northern side, Harris Jr. would have four of the mules hitched to the backside of the wagon, forming a set of brakes, and one hitched to each side, enabling steering. Anyone who has driven The Mountain before knows that brakes are crucial, and it sounds like nothing ever changed.


In those days, according to Harris Jr., it was a day's journey from Harrisburg to Halifax.


Additionally, alongside Colonel Clapham, John Harris Jr. had a major part to play in the design and stationing of many of Pennsylvania's garrisons and forts, including Fort Hunter, Fort Augusta, and Fort Halifax. In fact, again tying national history to that of our local legacy, Harris Jr. met several times with Benjamin Franklin at his home to design Fort Halifax. I could barely believe it myself. THE Benjamin Franklin had a hand in Halifax's history.


Harris Jr. continued to discuss numerous topics of his life with the enthralled visitors, including his service in the French and Indian War as well as the American Revolution, and how, after the war, he assisted in the establishment of our government and built up the plans for a new city in the center of the state. One second in beauty only to Philadelphia.


Harrisburg.


The city would eventually be built, established officially in 1791 (also the year of John Harris Jr.'s death). In 1790, 2,000 people lived there, and over the centuries that would follow, the city would grow into the third largest in the state, leaving a lasting testament to the life and legacy of John Harris Jr.

John Harris Jr. (David Biser) depicts his life story and adventures to guests. Photographs by Dylan Bowman.


The Reenactor

The man behind the talent for the evening was none other than David Biser, pastor of CrossPoint Church in Harrisburg, PA. As a skilled Revolutionary-era reenactor, Biser has been playing John Harris Jr. as a first-person interpreter for 20 years, and has been in many historical documentaries and films, including "Liberty" from PBS and HBO's "John Adams."


I have to admit as a film guy who loves history and the "John Adams" mini-series, I went a little bit nuts and was geeking out over that last part.


As the evening went on, it was clear to me and everyone else just how knowledgeable Biser was on the history and life of John Harris Jr. While in-character, I felt transported back in time, and as cheesy as that may sound, I truthfully found myself asking questions of Biser thinking he was the real Harris Jr.


His acting and knowledge were just that sharp and magical.


His book on the life and human side of John Harris Jr., titled "Visionary Road to the Capital: The Little Known Story of John Harris Jr.", was also available for purchase, and as the evening wound down and refreshments were enjoyed by all, he talked with guests and signed copies of his book for those who wanted to dive deeper into the hundreds of hours of research on Harris Jr. that he had done over the years.


As the brilliant leaves continue to fall on our town and the cold, crisp winds of winter begin to blow, I believe it is important to remember that history is everywhere. All around us. Without our care, none of it will be preserved and carried on to the generations to come. David Biser is a perfect example of what true preservation of history looks like, and I for one aim to use that inspiration from his incredible program this past Tuesday to fuel my work in doing the same.


Not everyone has to be a reenactor, but we can all do our part to tell our story.


Together, lets make history.

Visitors talk with Biser and one another, sharing in refreshments and love of history. Photographs by Dylan Bowman.


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