John Harrison, the earliest known progenitor of this family, was born say 1500, and he died between 4 January 1549/50, when he made his will, and 28 April 1551, when it was proved. He married Agnes -----, who married, second, ----- Britten. John and Agnes Harrison resided in the parish of Waltham Abbey, Essex. The family was probably armigerous. In 1593, John Harrison's son William affixed to the will of his nephew Edward Goldinge, a seal, which may well have displayed the family's coat of arms. Unfortunately, both signature and seal have been cut from the original will, and thus the seal can no longer be identified. … In his will dated 4 January 1549/50 and proved 28 April 1551, "John Haryson yeoman dwelling in the parishe of Waltham holy Crosse in the Cowntie of Essex being holle of mynde and memory," asked to be buried in the churchyard of St. Lawrence, Waltham.
