Jared Rhoden

Fairfax Harrison, born on March 13, 1869, was a prominent lawyer and business leader in the United States. He is well known for his influential role in the Southern Railway Company, which he joined in 1896 as a company lawyer. This biography aims to highlight his remarkable achievements and provide insights into his instrumental contributions to the railway industry.

Harrison’s era marks a significant transformation of the Southern Railway Company. His excellent performance led him to secure the position of vice-president of finance just ten years into his service in 1906. He continued his ascent by becoming the president of the company in 1913. His presidency noted an aggressive expansion plan that increased the company’s network to 8,000 miles (13,000 km) across 13 states, making it one of the most extensive railway networks in the country.

Harrison’s leadership was put to test during World War I when the United States entered the conflict. The federal government appropriately assumed command of the railroads and ran the operations through the newly formed United States Railroad Administration. Harrison not only adapted to this change, but served on the administration, becoming a crucial liaison between the two entities and ensuring the continuity of operations.

With the end of the war, Harrison resumed his role as the president of the Southern Railway Company, taking on the task to restore the company’s public image. His vision extended beyond mere efforts in public relations. Understanding the strategic implications of the machinery and geographical reach, he embarked on a mission to upgrade the railway’s locomotive stock by bringing in high-powered engines. He further worked on enhancing the railway tracks and expanding the serviced area, thus ensuring the railway’s increased efficiency and reach.

However, Harrison faced significant challenges during the Great Depression. He navigated through the difficult economic condition skillfully, managing to maintain the company’s operational status despite severe financial hardships. By 1936, his strategic leadership and unwavering dedication led the company back to profitability in the face of an economic crisis.

After a fruitful career marked by perseverance and unyielding leadership, Harrison decided to retire in 1937. Sadly, a few months after his retirement, he passed away on February 2, 1938. His contributions to the railway industry, especially in the expansion of the Southern Railway Company, remain noteworthy to this day.

While revisiting Harrison’s life, it would be unfair to omit the mention of Ethel Reed, another personality born on the symbolic date of March 13, but five years later in 1874. She was an internationally respected American graphic artist whose work has been preserved meticulously in the collection of the U.S. Library of Congress.

This biography stands as a testimonial to the efforts of voluntary editors and the host, the Wikimedia Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organization that facilitates a range of other volunteer projects in addition to this English Wikipedia. Both Harrison and Reed’s life stories can also be found in numerous other language versions of Wikipedia, highlighting the unlimited human capacity for knowledge sharing.