Harris - Thomas E.
Source: H. W. Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana. (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 367
In the fall of 1836 Thomas E. HARRIS bought 95 acres in the NW
1/4 Sec 25 (Walnut Twp). Even at this late day, though nearly all
the land had been entered, the says he found here and there a
little log cabin. Some had cut the wood partly from their
dooryards, and cleared an acre or so for corn. After purchasing
his land, Mr. Harris erected a house 16 x 18, 7' to the caves
from floor, roof of clapboards fastened down by poles (nails cost
too much), small round poles for joist and on these riven or
split boards for floor, two half logs sawed out of the side of
the house for a window two feet wide and 15 inches deep. in
winter this hole in the wall was covered with greased paper, wood
and clay chimney and fireplace 5' wide. Mr. H. lived in this
house six years and this was his courtroom. He was elected JP
soon after his arrival, and he held court at home. Within these
walls, Ben. F. RISTINE of Crawfordsville bar, made one of this
first speeches if not his maiden speech. An important case was to
be tried at the HARRIS court of justice. One KELLISON had
assaulted one George TIPTON with a knife and Kellison was
arrested for assault and battery and Ristine was employed as
defense, while Harris acted for plaintiff. Witnesses were
examined and the rising attorney, with the pomp the profession
always gives its practitioners, in language most emphatic, no
matter how argumentative, made his oratorical effort. How
different the surroundings from the lawyer! The plea was made,
the evidence weighed by the magistrate, and defendant bound over
to the circuit court. But just then a whisper ran throughout the
court room that the assault occurred over the line in Boone Co.
This whisper reached the ear of the dispenser of justice and put
a damper on all proceedings. Tipton, the plaintiff, acknowledged
the report to be true, and as the jurisdiction of that court did
not extend beyond the Montgomery line, the prisoner was
dismissed. The lawyer ret. to the city and the judge resumed his
farm duties. No six years of his life has Squire Harris enjoyed
as those lived in that log cot. But success wanted a change, so a
new hewn log dwelling was erected, 18 x 24 brick chimney, the
brick of which he moulded and burned himself. He got some lumber
and partitioned this, making two rooms. It also had an upstairs.
This was his abode for 16 years.
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Source: H. W. Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana. (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 386
Thomas E. HARRIS, farmer, New Ross is one of the old settlers
of Walnut Twp, and has been among her most prominent citizens.
Mr. H. was b. Sept 15, 1804 in Buckingham Co, Va. His father,
James Harris, was a native of the same place, and became a
leading planter, and was a lifelong democrat. He d. in 1853 at an
advanced age. His father, John Harris and grandfather to Thomas
E., fought in the revolution and was at Yorktown when Cornwallis
surrendered. The PENDLETON S and FREEMAN S, famous in Va, are
relatives of the Harrises. The mother of Thomas E., Ellen
(STAPLES) was an amiable woman, and d. in 1835 from sorrow at
losing her son while he was at medical college at Philadelphia.
Thomas E. Harris was raised ont he Va. farm. At the age of 22, in
1826, he was marr. to Rebecca POWERS and raised 9 children, four
of whom are living and following successful occupations and
upright lives, which is very gratifying to their father. These
four are: John F; James S; Mary A. and Martha E. In 1836, in the
fall, Mr. & Mrs. H, with their family, emigrated to
Montgomery Co. and settled in Walnut Twp, where he now lives. He
bought 95 acres of the NW 1/4 of Sec 25. Here he built a cabin
and proceeded to prepare for future years. Many were his
privations and hardships, yet happiness and love reigned within
the cabin of round logs for six years. About 1842 Mr. H. built a
hewn log house and was very particular to make it "neat." The
bricks he moulded and burned for the chimney. This house was 18 x
24 "with upstairs" and two rooms below. This was his habitation
for 15 years. he then erected a fine frame house, 18 x 30, with
ell 16 x 18, two stories. In 1868 he lost this by fire, yet
nothing daunted, he built his present commodious dwelling, 28 x
33, two stories at a cost of about $2,000. He has added to his
orig. 95 acres till he owns 381 acres, besides having given some
away. Soon after coming to the twp. he was elected justice of the
peace and afterward served as Twp. Trustee and inspector of
elections. In 1850 and 1851 Mr. H. represented Mont Co. in the
legislature and was offered the nominations again, but refused.
He has been a life-long democrat and has been respected by both
parties. His contributions to Church purposes and benevolent
causes have been liberal and his life has been one of uprightness
and integrity. He has been a member of the Baptist Church for
many years, also Church clerk. Mr. H. has been 3 times marr. His
first wife, who shared his early toils, died in 1853, aged 44 and
rests in the Pisgah graveyard. He then marr. Mrs. GEORGE, an
estimable lady, who died in 1862. His last wedding took place in
latter part of 1862, to Mary JOHNSON, daughter of Clement and
Nancy Johnson, old settlers of Montgomery Co. There are two
children by the last union: Virginia J, b. July 30, 1863, and
Robert E. b. June 30, 1876. Mr. Harris appears quite prominent in
the general history of the township. Perhaps no man has done more
toward developing Walnut Twp. than has Mr. Harris.
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Source: 1878 Montgomery County, Indiana Atlas p 55
HARRIS, Thomas E; PO New Ross; Farmer & Stock Raiser, Sec
25; native of Va; settled in this co. 1836.