Have you ever known a Mississippi Music Man? I don’t mean just the famous – Elvis, Charlie Pride, Jimmie Rodgers, B. B. King, and many others. The Mississippi Music Man that I have in mind is the one who was important in your life – a talented vocalist or musician. A person who contributed to the magic of music, but not for personal gain. I know you will agree that this person would be a breed apart – a real Mississippian.

Now while you are thinking about your own personal Mississippi Music Man, I would like to tell you about mine. He was William Henry Harrison – my great grandfather.

He was born October 29 1866 at Newton County, Mississippi. He lived a simple life as a schoolteacher and business owner, but in addition to his love for family, he held an intense love for music. My mother called him Grandpa. She was the oldest grandchild, and he, I think, counted her as a favorite of the grandchildren. Momma always said, “Grandpa loved to sing.”

As you have probably noted, my Mississippi Music Man was born the year that followed the conclusion of the American Civil War. He was actually named for an uncle (a brother of his father) who was killed at the Battle of Atlanta. I can imagine, as my great grandfather grew, he was reminded of his namesake, and the great sacrifice the uncle suffered during the war and his lonely death upon the battlefield. Perhaps this lost life was musically gifted as well. I would like to think so, but one thing I know for sure – this Mississippi Music Man passed down through the family his musical talent. I have witnessed this fact through numerous cousins and other relatives, and yes, I have a tiny bit of the magic of musical talent embedded in my vocal cords – just a bit.

Great Grandfather Harrison was one of the leaders of The Newton County Christian Singing Convention. Their preferred musical style was Sacred Harp or “Shape Note” music. At the time of the early 1900’s, it was a large group of at least 200 people. I have an old photo during the time of my great grandfather’s leadership duty, and the singers are both male and female — all ages. Momma said they would travel as far at Birmingham, and into Tennessee, for performances – quiet an accomplishment for the time period.

Yes, he loved to sing.

At the time of Great Grandfather’s death in 1936, the Newton County Christian Singing Convention issued the following proclamation. (I have used the exact wording.)



Resolution in Memory of William Henry Harrison Deceased.

Whereas: One by One we see them go and on the 31 day of December 1936 we notice that death entered the home of Brother William Henry Harrison and took from the Newton County Christian Singing Convention another of its leaders and valued members. Brother Harrison was seventy years of age. He became a member and leader of this convention until our Lord saw fit in his wisdom to take from this stage of action to himself where he can sing songs of praises throughout ceaseless ages, whom we miss so much here.



Therefore: Be it resolved that by this convention it being duly assembled in its 63rd annual session and being held at Macedonia Church on this 26 day of June 1937, read and adopted the following resolutions, to wit.



First: That this convention sing one song to the memory of our departed brother, song no. 86, Ortonville, led by W. W. Rigdon and M. W. Hollingsworth.



Second: That a copy of this resolution be given to the family of the deceased brother.



Third: That the secretary of this convention make a record of this resolution in the minutes of this convention.



Signed by committee:

S. A. May, M. R. Jones, J. B. Gibbon, and H. P. Everett



I have a few old photos of the Harrison family displayed in the main hallway of my home. They have hung there for many years and have begun to fade. In particular, there is a studio photo of Great Grandfather Harrison. He wore a straw hat (sometimes called a straw boater or a Panama hat) and a white shirt with a black bow tie and a black suit. This dress was typical for a respectable gentleman of the time.

It was this photo that a friend of my son noticed. He spoke of it on more than one occasion. The friend was a very nice young man, and he enjoyed visits with my mother, who lived with us in her own “mother-in-law” type of apartment. She loved to talk to him. She talked about family and old times. She especially mentioned her Grandfather Harrison. As my mother’s health failed, she told me several times, “Grandpa came to see me today. I heard him humming in the hallway.” I assumed this sighting was her medication playing tricks on her. But, one afternoon the young friend stopped by our house, and he, too, saw Great Grandfather Harrison. He recognized him from the photos in the hallway. I believed him. Why should I question this sweet sighting of an old gentleman as he checked on his favorite grandchild?

I still live in the same house. The old photos are still on the wall. My mother died in 2003. I’ve never heard anyone hum in the hallway or seen an old gentleman who wandered through the house, but I am comforted to know there are real guardian angels on duty to help guide us through the Pearly Gates.

To my Mississippi Music Man and Guardian Angel: Don’t come to see me before it is Time, but when the Time does come, I’ll search for you and listen for the humming in the hallway.



Anne McKee is an author and storyteller. She lives in Meridian. Anne is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster, sponsored by Mississippi Arts Commission, as a dramatic and literary artist, storyteller, and as a Teaching Artist. She is active with the arts and educational communities throughout Mississippi.