US Congressman from New York. A member of the family that founded Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1789 he became the first white settler in Aurelius, New York and operated with partner James Bennett the Harris-Bennett Ferry, the first on Cayuga Lake. He also operated a dry goods store and tavern and acted as an interpreter and guide for white people who traded with and acquired land from upstate New York Indians. In 1800 he was a partner in the group that constructed the first bridge across Cayuga Lake, further opening western New York to white settlers and securing routes for those traveling further west to Ohio, Michigan and beyond. Harris was long active in the militia and achieved the rank of Colonel in 1806. In 1806 he was elected to the US House of Representatives as a Democratic-Republican and served one term, 1807 to 1809. He did not run for reelection and returned to his businesses in the Cayuga Lake area. In the War of 1812 Harris was commander of the New York Militia's One Hundred Fifty-eighth Regiment. He was the cousin of Robert Harris, who also served in Congress.
US Congressman from New York. A member of the family that founded Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1789 he became the first white settler in Aurelius, New York and operated with partner James Bennett the Harris-Bennett Ferry, the first on Cayuga Lake. He also operated a dry goods store and tavern and acted as an interpreter and guide for white people who traded with and acquired land from upstate New York Indians. In 1800 he was a partner in the group that constructed the first bridge across Cayuga Lake, further opening western New York to white settlers and securing routes for those traveling further west to Ohio, Michigan and beyond. Harris was long active in the militia and achieved the rank of Colonel in 1806. In 1806 he was elected to the US House of Representatives as a Democratic-Republican and served one term, 1807 to 1809. He did not run for reelection and returned to his businesses in the Cayuga Lake area. In the War of 1812 Harris was commander of the New York Militia's One Hundred Fifty-eighth Regiment. He was the cousin of Robert Harris, who also served in Congress.
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