Biographical/historical information

Robert E. Harrill (1893-1972), a native of South Carolina, worked for many years as a linotype operator and jeweler in Shelby, N.C. Possibly influenced by the Taylor School of Bio-Psychology, Harrill about 1955 moved to Fort Fisher, N.C., where he lived in an abandoned World War II bunker until his death.

Written February 2024

Scope and arrangement

For further information concerning the Fort Fisher Hermit, see newspaper clippings and biographical material in this collection. Although the Hermit's family name is legally spelled "Harrill," he adopted the spelling "Harrell" for much of his correspondence.

Correspondence of Robert E. Harrill (1933-1973, undated) comprises the bulk of the collection. His letters, primarily to his sister, Mae, and his son, George, discuss family matters, mental health, psychology, politics, and his philosophy of life. Scattered letters to and from the Taylor School of Bio-Psychology of Chattanooga, Tennessee, reflect Harrill's interest in that field. The Harrill correspondence written from Fort Fisher reflects many themes present in the earlier correspondence but also discusses his life as a hermit.

Correspondence of George Harrill and others (1972-1981, undated) largely deals with publicity concerning the Hermit and George Harrill's desire to reopen the investigation of his father's death.

Robert Harrill's writings include poetry and discussions of family matters and his philosophy.

Also included in the collection are photographs of the Hermit, newspaper clippings (1958-1980, undated) and documents pertaining to his life at Fort Fisher and to his death, his 1937 divorce papers, and manuscript biographical material. The collection also contains pamphlets concerning the Taylor School (1923), writings by Harrill's wife, Katie, and Anson Gustavus Melton's Where is Love? and Other Poems (1938).

Administrative information

Custodial History

June 19, 1981, 160 items; Papers of the "Fort Fisher Hermit," including correspondence (1933-1972), clippings, photographs, and miscellaneous materials. Gift of George Edward Harrill, South Euclid, Ohio.

October 21, 1981, (addition 1) 30 items; Correspondence (1972-1981) and miscellaneous. Copies of original in possession of George Edward Harrill, South Euclid, Ohio.

February 2, 1984 (addition 2), 1 item; photograph of Fort Fisher Hermit. Donor: Richard F. Becker.

February 25, 1993 (addition 3), 3 items; a clipping, proclamation, and poem concerning Robert E. Harrill. Donor: Michael F. Edwards.

April 21, 1993 (addition 4), 1 item; a copy of "The Ft. Fisher Hermit." Donor: Michael F. Edwards.

June 15, 1995 (addition 5), 1 item; Booklet entitled "The Fort Fisher Hermit" by Stanley South. Donor: Dr. Stanley South.

February 8, 2000 (addition 6), 2 items; Audio cassette tape "My Life- The Ft. Fisher Hermit" and computer disc containing information about Robert E. Harrill. Donor: Mr. Michael F. Edwards.

April 3, 2023 ( addition 7), 3 items; February 1993 Charter of The Hermit's Society, 2001 booklet "A Hermit's Guide to Health and Happiness" by Michael F. Edwards (The Hermit Society), and a February 20, 1993, letter to Michael Edwards from Ed and Vergie Harrill. Ed Harrill was George Edward Harrill, son of Robert E. Harrill. Gift of Michael F. Edwards.

Source of acquisition

Gift of George Edward Harrill

Gift of Richard F. Becker

Gift of Dr. Stanley South

Gift of Mr. Michael F. Edwards

Processing information

Processed by M. York, November 1981

Reprocessed by Patrick Cash, February 2024

Encoded by Apex Data Services

Copyright notice

Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.

Key terms

Personal Names

Harrill, Robert E., 1893-1972

Corporate Names

Taylor School of Bio-Psychology

Topical

Eccentrics and eccentricities--North Carolina
Hermits--North Carolina--Fort Fisher

Titles

Melton, Anson Gustavus, 1890-1960. Where is love? and other poems

Container list