Noah Clowney

Fairfax Harrison, a notable American lawyer and businessman born on March 13, 1869, enjoyed a prolific career spanning many decades, before passing away on February 2, 1938. With his primary career focused on the Southern Railway Company, Harrison played a vital role in molding the American railway landscape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In 1896, freshly introduced into the world of business, Harrison was assigned to work for the Southern Railway Company as a lawyer. His dedicated service to the company rapidly propelled him up the corporate ladder and just ten years later, in 1906, he was promoted to the vice-president of finance. His exceptional contributions and unyielding commitment did not go unnoticed.

In 1913, Harrison made history by becoming the president of Southern. He sought to leave an indelible mark on the company and indeed, American rail travel, through infrastructure expansion. Under his guidance, the Southern Railway Company burgeoned into an 8,000-mile network that spanned 13 states, exponentially increasing its presence.

The advent of the First World War saw an abrupt change in Harrison’s career trajectory. The US federal government assumed control over the country’s railroads, which were managed under the United States Railroad Administration. Harrison lent his expertise to this federal body, servingly notably during this crucial time.

In the aftermath of World War I, Harrison returned to the Southern Railway Company seeking to spearhead a series of initiatives for improvement. His impact was manifold: he enhanced public relations, upgraded the locomotive stock with more powerful engines, expanded the existing railway track, and extended the range of regions serviced by the railway.

However, just as the company began embracing these improvements, the Great Depression of the 1930s struck, causing significant economic turmoil. However, despite the economic downturn’s grip on the nation, Harrison managed to steer the Southern Railway Company through these challenging times, ensuring it remained operational. By 1936, the company emerged from the ashes of the depression more profitable than before.

After serving the railway industry for the better part of four decades, Fairfax Harrison decided to bid goodbye to his illustrious career in 1937. Unfortunately, retirement was short-lived, and he passed away just three months later.

Among other significant events that occurred on March 13 is the birth of Ethel Reed, an internationally recognized American graphic artist in 1874. A photograph of Reed, captured by Frances Benjamin Johnston around 1895, is currently housed in the U.S. Library of Congress.
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