On December 10, 1895, Paul Laurence Dunbar left Dayton for Chicago to take part in the wedding of his friend Richard B. Harrison, an actor and elocutionist.
Mr. Paul Dunbar left Tuesday morning for Chicago. He will act as best man in the Washington-Harrison wedding.
The Cleveland Gazette (Cleveland, Ohio). December 14, 1895. Page 4.
Paul Dunbar, the well-known colored poet from Dayton, O., author of "Oak and Ivy," and generally recognized as the foremost literary character of his race, is in Chicago. He came to act as best man at a friend's wedding, and to arrange for the introduction of his new book of poems, "Majors and Minors." Dunbar is exceedingly popular among colored Chicagoans. While here he has been the guest of his brother at 3014 Dearborn Street.
"Writes Good Verse," by James D. Corrothers. Unidentified newspaper clipping [Chicago, Illinois. December 19, 1895]. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
The marriage of Miss Gertrude Washington and the noted elocutionist, Mr. Richard B. Harrison was performed by Rector Thomas at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in the presence of a host of admiring friends. The wedding was one of the social events of the season, and unites a popular pianist in the person of the bride, and one of our most gifted readers. The poet, Paul Dunbar, acted as best man.
"Social Notes: ILLINOIS," by Fannie Barrier Williams. The Woman's Era (Boston, Massachusetts). January 1896. Pages 15 - 16.
Paul mentioned the Chicago wedding in a letter to his future wife Alice Ruth Moore. When the Harrisons had their first child a few years later, Paul told his mother Matilda that they named the baby after him.
You were much talked of about December eleventh when I was in Chicago acting as best man for my dear friend Richard B. Harrison, whom you know. His wedding was a very beautiful one and quite as swagger as the most decided swell could wish. I would you had been there. Dick is a very happy man and he has a perfect right to be, for he has married one of the purest, dearest and brightest little girls in the world. Perhaps I am a little enthusiastic over the new Mrs. Harrison, but I love her very dearly -- she has been and is like a sister to me.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, December 29, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
I had a letter from Dick Harrison yesterday and they have named the baby Laurence after me. Its middle name is Gilbert.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, October 2, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Harrison was a successful Black actor who, during his stage appearances, recited Paul's poetry alongside Shakespeare's. Though they lived far apart, Paul and Harrison were close friends for years, and Paul often visited when he was in Chicago.
I did what you might expect and went to Dick's first and did not get away until this morning. Dick said I must rest and then he came into my room and talked till half-past two.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, February 27, 1900. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
The genial and pleasant Paul Laurence Dunbar was seen circulating among his numerous friends on the South Side in the early part of the week. A number of young men, friends of the poet, gave an informal luncheon in his honor Wednesday evening at the home of Richard B. Harrison.
"CHICAGO: The 'World's Fair City' Viewed by the Appeal Man." The Appeal (St. Paul, Minnesota). June 1, 1901. Page 4.
Mr. Harrison is without doubt one of the best entertainers that is before the American public today. Among those who have spoken in commendation of Mr. Harrison may be mentioned Paul Laurence Dunbar who said: "Mr. Harrison has no equal as a reader of my verse."
"St. John A. M. E. Church." The Plaindealer (Topeka, Kansas). March 6, 1908. Page 5.