George Leib Harrison (1811-1885)

He was born in Philadelphia. He entered Harvard University and although he did not graduate on account of ill health he was later awarded with the honorary degree of Master of Arts. He studied law in the offices of Joseph R. Ingersoll but just before being admitted to the bar his father died and joined the family business of Harrison Brothers. He was invited to join Powers & Weightman and with them enlarged the Falls at Schuykill while establishing his sons in the Franklin Sugar Refinery. He retired in 1854 and devoted his time and wealth to the promotion of religious and benevolent causes. He was Treasurer of the Episcopal Hospital; President of the State Board of Charities; and President of the U.S. Board of Public Charities. He took a deep interest in the treatment of the insane and was a leader in both the United States in Europe on the laws surrounding their care. Previous to the Bi-Centennial celebration of the settlement of the State, he helped negotiate the return of the bones of William Penn.

In the 1840s he lived at 927 Pine Street before moving to 1618 Locust Street. After 1856,  he acquired a summer home "Glenwood" in Germantown, the childhood home of his second wife. He was married twice: (1) In 1841, to Sarah Ann, daughter of Nathaniel Waples of Philadelphia by whom he had three sons and a daughter (2) In 1856, to Letitia, daughter of John Kearsley Mitchell of Philadelphia, by whom he had another son.