Harris was born on November 27, 1849, in
Hope, New York, the son of William Harris and Susan Wadsworth. His paternal grandfather immigrated to America from Scotland. Harris served in the
American Civil War as a drummer. He later moved to
Northville, where he worked in the lumber business. He was also vice-president of the
Fonda, Johnstown and Gloversville Railroad and president of the Northville bank. and
1901. In 1872, Harris married Alice J. Russell of Hope. Their children were Samuel, Leona, and Susan. He was buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Northville. == References ==