He served as a captain in the United States Army during World War I.
As mayor, Harrison arranged the finances for the construction of the Municipal Bridge (later renamed George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge), securing private financing after a bond initiative failed.
He also supported the purchase of the Von Zedtwitz estate, with the goal of establishing Bowman Field, the city's first airport.
Harrison ran for Governor of Kentucky in 1931 but was defeated by Ruby Laffoon.
After his term as Mayor, Harrison served as chairman of the Louisville Industrial Foundation for 14 years.