Author of Harrison's Calendar Cookbook, Richard Anson Harrison, was born May 9, 1855, in Haldimand and Monck County, Ontario. He and his wife, Henrietta, had three children -- a son, John, and two daughters, Margaret and Edith. The Harrisons were members of the Methodist church, and according to census records, all could read and write in English. The Harrison children all attended school between the years 1901 and 1911. Beyond this information, little is known about the family. 

Richard Harrison was a practicing pharmacist and optician working out of Harrison’s Drug Store in the small community of Dunnville, Ontario. In addition to being a prescription druggist and optician, Harrison also issued marriage licences, was a practicing chemist, and manufactured many of his own formulations. Harrison’s Calendar Cookbook was published in 1908, one of five formula recipe books published by various pharmacists in Ontario.