1812 born Charlotte Co, VA son of Robert and Mary (Bailey) Harris
1830 move to Kentucky where he received his classical and medical education
graduated from Hahneman college, Chicago, M.D. degree
1837 – married Mary P. Wilson;
1840 – licensed by Centre College to preach
1841 – son William T. born in Stanford, Lincoln Co, KY
1848 – 1850 – nominated to professorship at McDonough College by Masonic Lodge of Macomb, IL; took charge of McDonough college and agreeing to receive tuition fee as his salary; principal and professor
1850 – assisted Rev. William K. Stewart, pastor of First Presbyterian of Macomb when Stewart became ill
1850 – Census of McDonough Co, IL: Minister O.S.P. w/wife & 7 children plus to students: William Gilmore age 14 and B. M. Casiday age 13
1850 – June 26. Honorary degree of A.M. bestowed by Center College
1851 – June. named Professor of Languages at McDonough College.
1852 – Apr 19; upon death of Rev. Stewart, became stated supply for Macomb First Pres.
1853 – Mar. 15; upon death of Rev. Ferguson, Pres. of McDonough College; Harris was appointed Pres. ad interim, holding the position until next board meeting when Ithamar Pillsbury was elected President
1853 – Fall. after death of Rev. Stewart, continued to serve 1st Presbyterian Church in Macomb; elected pastor Sept 17 and installed as pastor Nov
1854 – Aug. one of charter members of Macomb Masonic Lodge
1855 – Jan 20. resigned pastorate at Macomb and moved to Missouri; met with an accident which crippled him
1860 – Census of Grand River, DeKalb Co, MO: Clergyman O.S.P. w/wife & 9 children
1861 – returned to McDonough County, IL
1862 – Sept 1 – mustered in as Chaplain of 84th Illinois Infantry
1863 – Jan 22 resigned because of poor health
1864 he practiced medicine at Warsaw, Hancock county, Illinois, Pittsfield, Mt. Sterling and other places.
1870 – Census of Pittsfield, Pike Co, IL: w/wife & 4 children
1878 – moved to Colchester.
1880 – Census Colchester, McDonough Co, IL: medical doctor & clergyman w/wife & dau Dollie & granddau? Emma
m. Martha P. Hughs who died shortly afterward leaving one child Ella A.
1895 – buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Macomb, IL (10 children: James H., Macomb; William T., living in Iowa; Martha P., living at home; Ralph E. living in Macomb; John G., (deceased), Mary E., living in Iowa; Charles S., living in Prairie City; Sarah C., living at Mt. Sterling; and Dollie B., at home.)
Sources:
(1890) Portrait & biographical album of Jefferson & Van Buren counties, Iowa. online.
Clarke, S. J. (1878) History of McDonough County, Illinois. online.
(1853) Board of Trustees Minutes of Centre College 1825-1853 Vol. 2. online.