For
Muscatine County Iowa
1879
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1879 | |
Here is what the abbreviations in the bios stand for: far: farm; Co.: company or county; dir: dealer; IVA: Iowa Volunteer Artillery; IVC: Iowa Volunteer Cavalry; IVI: Iowa Volunteer Infantry; P.O.: Post Office; S. or Sec.: section; and st.: street.
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Biographical Section, 1879, page 674
J. B. HARRIS, with D. M. Benner, proprietor of Wilton Collegiate Institute; residence on Sycamore street between Fifth and Sixth Wilton; Mr. Harris was born near Gettysburg, Penn., Feb. 7, 1830; when 4 years of age, he was taken by his parents to Salem, Ohio, where, after receiving an academical education, at the age of 23 he engaged in teaching, as Principal of the graded schools of New Lisbon, Ohio, for seven years. During his residence in that city, in March, 1857, he married Annie, daughter of William Dorwart, who was born in Lancaster, Penn., April 2, 1834. In the fall of 1860, they came west and settled at Wilton, where he immediately proceeded to establish a school in the second story of what is now the Wilton House; commenced with two students, increased to thirty for that term, and continued for five years, with an average attendance of over eighty; about that time, a building was erected for his use on Fourth street (what is now the Porter House), in which he taught four and a half years, then in the second story of the Bacon Block for three years, turning out during these years many students, prepared for the Freshman and Sophomore Classes in college; also many who became successful teachers and business men, embracing all classes of professional and business men; he afterward taught at Durant and at various points, but for one year has been connected as above, which, under the present auspices, seems encouraging; particular attention is being paid to normal classes. Mr. Harris has five children--four daughters, and two of the daughters have for several years been engaged in teaching in this and adjoining counties, and are also successful as teachers of music. Members of the Presbyterian Church; Mr. H. is a Republican.
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