Jalen Wilson

Born on the 13th of March in 1869, Fairfax Harrison was a distinguished American lawyer and businessman whose career left an indelible mark on the Southern Railway Company. Occupying the company’s boardroom as a legal counsel in 1896, his contributions propelled him to the position of Vice President of Finance just ten years later, in 1906.

As a testament to his due diligence and business acumen, Harrison was elected as President of the Southern Railway Company in 1913, ushering in a period of rapid expansion under his leadership. The company elevated from a regional railway service to a vast network that sprawled across 8,000 miles (13,000 km), encompassing thirteen states.

Fairfax Harrison’s tenure at the Southern Railway Company coincided with a tumultuous period in history marked by World War I. The United States’ entry into the war led to nationwide militarization, with the federal government assuming control of railroads. During this time, Harrison, known for his unyielding commitment to the very roots of the Southern Railway Company, served on the United States Railroad Administration, helping oversee the operation of the nation’s railroads amidst the demands of the wartime economy.

The end of World War I marked the beginning of a new chapter for Harrison and the Southern Railway Company. Dedicated to reshaping the company’s image, he devoted efforts towards improving public relations and upgrading the company’s locomotive stock. Introducing more powerful engines marked a significant technological advancement for the company. His tenure was further characterized by efforts to enhance the company’s physical presence, with the amount of railroad track increased and the serviced area extended.

The Great Depression of the 1930s presented a formidable challenge to Harrison and his company. The economic gloom and the dwindling passenger and cargo revenues threatened the very existence of the Southern Railway Company. Under extreme duress, the company struggled to stay afloat.

However, Harrison’s strategic leadership and relentless commitment eventually led Southern Railway Company to profitability in 1936. His retirement in the following year marked the close of an extraordinary professional journey. Fairfax Harrison’s life came to an end three months after his retirement, on February 2, 1938.

In the same era, Ethel Reed, an internationally recognized American graphic artist, was born on March 13, 1874. A photograph taken of Reed around 1895 by Frances Benjamin Johnston is a prized part of the U.S. Library of Congress collection. Reed passed away in 1912, but her artwork continues to be celebrated today.

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