Warren Harris, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of Warren Harris
WARREN HARRIS.
To the person who closely applies himself to any occupation which he has chosen as his calling in life, there can only come one result - that of success, and a high place in the esteem of those among whom he has made his home. Mr. Harris is no exception to the rule, for it has only been by industry and strict attention to agricultural pursuits that he has attained to the position which he now enjoys. He was born in Oxford County, Canada, near Ingersoll, September 6, 1841, a son of James D. and Martha Maria (Jackson) Harris, grandson of Arial Harris and great grandson of Arial Harris, who was born in Massachusetts of English origin. The latter was a participant in the Revolutionary War and afterward settled in Oswego County, New York, where he eventually died, having followed the occupation of farming throughout life. The paternal grandfather of Warren Harris was born, reared and died in Oswego County. He was a farmer by occupation, was a soldier of the War of 1812, and reared a family of seven children: Eli, Ira, James D., Sylvester, William, Gilbert and Eliza (Turner). After his death, the widow with her family removed to Canada, about 1830. James D. Harris was born in Oswego County, New York, June 9, 1806 and in 1826 removed to Canada, where he bought and improved a farm of 100 acres. He was called from life April 3, 1866, having for many years been a member of the Baptist Church. He was twice married and his first wife was Miss Esther Harris, who bore him one daughter, Belinda, who became the wife of Albert Poat, of Canada. His second wife bore him nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity: Arial died in Canada, leaving a widow and son: James P., of Canada; Clark, of Sanilac County, Michigan; Warren; John J., who died at Wheeler, left a widow and son; Esther L. (Haddock) of Port Huron, Michigan; Martha M. (Haddock) of Canada, and Mariah who died young. The mother of these children was born in Ogdensburg, New York, a daughter of John Jackson who was a member of the same family as Gen. Andrew Jackson. He was a Presbyterian in religious views, a farmer by occupation, and died when over sixty years of age. Warren Harris was reared in the country of his birth arid received the advantages of the common schools. He remained at home until 1867, when he came to the United States, and after a permanent residence of six months, began traveling over various parts of the country, especially in New York and North Carolina. In 1872 he located at Wheeler, Indiana, where he engaged in the manufacture of cheese, but at the end of two years he bought a farm of 110 acres, on which he now resides, in Section Two. This farm he has greatly improved and has made it one of the most desirable places in the county. In 1888 he was elected to the office of Township Trustee and has since filled the office very acceptably, and as an active Republican, he was a delegate to the State Convention in 1894. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and as a citizen, friend and neighbor he is spoken of in the highest terms by all who know him. He was married January 4, 1876 to Miss Jane C. Miller, daughter of John A. and Anna (O'Connor) Miller, natives of Canada and Ireland, respectively, the former being a carpenter and builder by occupation. He and his wife became the parents of four sons and two daughters, but Mr. and Mrs. Harris have no family, having lost two little ones in infancy.
Source: Goodspeed Brothers. 1894. Pictorial and Biographical Record of La Porte, Porter, Lake and Starke Counties, Indiana. Chicago, Illinois: Goodspeed Brothers. 569 p.
Page(s) in Source: 559-560
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook