John William Harrison was eldest son of William Harrison, founder and chairman of the Harrison Knitting & Textile Machinery Company Ltd. William employed his son from the age of 14 in various parts of the business, including demonstrating the bicycles the firm sold for a time. John also had the opportunity to travel to demonstrate Harrison's equipment, and is known to have visited South Africa.

On his father's death in July of 1914, John William Harrison took over the company as Chairman and Director. His younger brothers Charles and Pedro had also been employed by the business, and became directors too.

Harrison died in Colwyn Bay in March 1949.