HARRIS, Jonathan - 1890 Bio (1845-1920)

HARRIS, ESPY, BROWN, WILLIAMS, LUMPKINS, JAMISON

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/9/2007 at 19:17:42

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 194-195

Jonathan HARRIS, a farmer residing on section 7, Locust Grove Township, claims an honor of which few men of his age can boast, that of being a native of Jefferson County. He first opened his eyes to the light of day in 1845, his parents being Reuben and Mary HARRIS. His father is a native of Tennessee, became a resident of Hancock County, Ill., when a lad of some twelve summers and was there married. The year 1843 witnessed the arrival of himself and family in Jefferson County, Iowa, and on section 7, Locust Grove Township, he took up his residence, there making his home until 1881, when he removed to Batavia, where he and his wife are now living a retired life. He assisted in organizing the county, identified himself with its best interests, was prominently connected with its development and justly merits the title of an honored citizen and worthy pioneer. In the family of Reuben and Marry HARRIS were eleven children. William R., the eldest, is married and lives in Ottumwa, Iowa; Miranda, now Mrs. ESPY, is living in Seattle, Wash.; Jason is married and resides in Locust Grove Township; Serilda, now Mrs. BROWN, is living in Wapello County; Jonathan is the fifth in order of birth.

He was reared to farm life and in his youth had a taste of developing the wild land, his father clearing and improving six hundred and forty acres. He was educated in the subscription schools, common at that day, and remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, when he started out in life for himself. The occupation to which he was reared, he has made his life work and he began his efforts in Locust Grove Township. In Wapello County in 1866, Mr. HARRIS led to the marriage altar Miss Paulina A. WILLIAMS, who was born in Wapello County, and is a daughter of William H. and Julia (LUMPKINS) WILLIAMS. Her parents were born, reared and married in Kentucky and in 1845 emigrated to Wapello County, Iowa, where upon a farm they made their home until 1884 since which time they have been residents of Batavia, Jefferson County.

Mr. HARRIS has spent his entire life upon one farm and those who have known him from childhood are numbered among his stanchest friends, for they have witnessed the development of an upright moral character which wins the regard of all with whom he comes in contact. His memory goes back to the days when this community was but sparsely settled, when Fairfield was a mere trading post and the nearest markets were at Burlington and Keokuk, when no fences impeded the progress of one driving across the country and when travelers made their journey by stage or by private conveyance. He has witnessed the introduction of the railroad, the telegraph and the telephone, has watched the growth of the county seat, has seen many of the now thriving villages of the county spring into existence and the once wild land transformed into rich and fertile farms. His farm embraces sixty-six and two-thirds acres of highly improved land, forty of which are situated on section 8, and twenty-six and two-thirds acres on section 18, Locust Grove Township. In his political affiliations, Mr. HARRIS is a Democrat, and for the third time has been elected Justice of the Peace. He has also been a member of the School Board and has ever taken an active interest in educational matters. Socially he is a non-affiliated Odd Fellow, having been a member of Brookville Lodge during its existence. He and his wife hold membership with the Christian Church of Bladensburg, Wapello County.

Ten children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. HARRIS -- Henry Harvey, a resident of Ottumwa; Miranda, now Mrs. JAMISON of Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa; Robert, Julia, Jasper, Mary E., Leverett, Carroll R., Edith and Orville. The HARRIS household is noted for its hospitality and the members of the family hold a high position in the social world.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.