Legislator Details
Image Description:
Portrait from Bowen, facing p.608
Number of sessions served 3
Gender: Male
Age at election: 56
Vital Records Information:
Birth
Date: 6/7/1832
City: Burmot, NY
County: Saratoga County, NY
Country: US
Death
Date: 10/19/1908
City: Norwood, MI
County: Charlevoix County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial: interred
Burial
Date: 10/23/1908
City: Battle Creek, MI
County: Calhoun County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Oak Hill Cemetery
Marital Information:
married Marion Angell, 1860. Died 1877; children: 3, Bertha, Carrie (died at age 14), Ernest
Number of Children: 3
Background
Religion:
Military Service:
Occupation: farmer, teacher
Race: Caucasian or White
Education:
attended common/district schools and Kalamazoo College.
Biographical Sketch:
Youngest of 8 children born to Rev. John & Sarah (Waterbury) Harris. He came to Michigan and located on farm near Battle Creek, 1836. Supervisor of Battle Creek Township, 1864-65. Located in Norwood, 1866. Served as supervisor of Marion Township and of Norwood Township for 23 years. Served as deputy postmaster and postmaster of Norwood. Served as probate judge, register of deeds, member and secretary of board of school examiners. Member of the Masons.
Notable Facts:
His father organized the first Baptist churches in Battle Creek and Climax Prairie. Organized Marion Township, named for his wife. Known as 'Apple Blossom William' after introducing legislation to make the apple blossom the state flower. His daughter, Bertha, was the first white child born in Norwood Township.
Sessions Served:
Committees Served On: Apportionment , Home for Feeble Minded , Printing , Railroads
City of Residence: Norwood
County of Residence Charlevoix
District Description: Counties of Antrim, Charlevoix and Kalkaska
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed
Maritial Status: Widow/Widower
Committees Served On: Public Health , University , Select Committee on Municipal legislation
City of Residence: Norwood
County of Residence Antrim
District Description: Counties of Antrim, Charlevoix and Kalkaska
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Maritial Status: Widow/Widower
Committees Served On: Education , Michigan Asylum for Insane Criminals, Rules and Joint Rules
City of Residence: Norwood
County of Residence Charlevoix
District Description: Counties of Antrim, Charlevoix and Manitou
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed
Maritial Status: Widow/Widower
Notes: Re-elected in 1894
Bibliography:
Bowen p.608-10, portrait facing p.608; MI Manual 1895, p.568-69; MIBiog 1:376;
Michiganology
