TIMELINE

Henry Harris was born March 19, 1804, in New York.

Eliza Unknown was born about 1805 in Connecticut.

Henry Harris and Eliza Travis were married Unknown in New York.

After the death of Sarah's father 1849 in Canada, her uncle Orrin took her to Sheboygan Co., WI and from there to Fond du Lac Co., WI. In 1851, all of the Mary (Nugent) Abbey family returned to Canada, except for Wellington Abbey, who remained a resident of Fond du Lac until the fall of 1859, when he visited his mother in his native country of Canada, returning again to Wisconsin in 1861.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on September 21, 1850, shows Henry Harris (age 46) born in New York is a Laborer living in Jerusalem, Yates Co., NY. Living with him is Eliza Harris (age 45) born in New York. Also living there are five Harris people, all born in New York: John B. Harris (age 20), a Laborer; Sarah L. Harris (age 16); Maria I. Harris (age 13); William Harris (age 8); and Bertha Harris (age 5). A Laborer was also living there.

John Benjamin Harris and Sarah Ann Abbey were married October 7, 1859, in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI.

The 1860 U.S. Census taken on July 24, 1860, shows Henry Harris (age 54) born in New York is a Farmer with personal estate worth $75 is living in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI. Living with him is Eliza Harris (age 53) born in Connecticut. Also living in the household: John B. Harris (age 30) born in New York, a married Laborer; Sarah Harris (age 16) born in Canada, married; William Harris (age 18) born in New York, an unmarried Laborer; Bathana Harris (age 14) born in New York; and Francis Abbey (age 11) born in Canada.

John Benjamin Harris was residing in Lamartine, Fond du Lac Co., WI when he enlisted November 18, 1863, in Company A, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Wisconsin.

The last battle for the unit where John Benjamin Harris participated was fought on July 16, 1864, at Grand Gulf, MO.

John Benjamin Harris was listed as a deserter on September 1, 1864.

After their marriage, John Benjamin Harris and Sarah Ann (Abbey) Harris went to St. Cloud, Stearns Co., MN, for a few years, and then to Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN. 

The 1865 Minnesota State Census taken on June 1, 1865, shows shows Henry Harris is the Head of Household living in Clinton Falls, Steele Co., MN. Living with him are: John Harris; Wm. Harris; Eliza Harris; and Sarah Harris. Also living there are: Sarah Hale; Charlotte Hale; John Hale; Sarah G. Hale; Wm. Harris, Jr.; Ella Harris; a male, Georgie Harris; a female, B. Bigford; Martha Bigford; and Theodore Fish.

The 1870 U.S. Census taken on June 17, 1870, shows John Harris (age 39) born in New York is a Laborer living in Alberta Twp., Benton Co., MN with property worth $350. Living with him is his wife, Sarah Harris (age 25) born in Canada. Also living there are his children: Wm. Harris (age 10) born in Wisconsin; Ella Jane Harris (age 8) born in Wisconsin; George Harris (age 6) born in Wisconsin; Lizzie Harris (age 4) born in Minnesota; and Walter M. Harris (age 2) born in Minnesota. Also living in the household was a domestic servant. Living in an adjacent house were John's parents: Henry Harris (age 66) a Farmer with property worth $320 born in New York and Eliza Harris (age 63) born in Connecticut.

The 1875 Minnesota State Census taken on May 1, 1875, shows shows John B. Harris (age 44) born in New York to New York and Connecticut-born parents is living in Alberta Twp., Benton Co., MN. Living with him is Sarah A. Harris (age 31) born in Canada to Canadian-born parents. Also living there are: Wm. H. Harris (age 14) born in Wisconsin to New York and Canadian-born parents; Eliza J. Harris (age 12) born in Wisconsin to New York and Canadian-born parents; George W. Harris (age 11) born in Wisconsin; Lizzie M. Harris (age 9) born in Minnesota to New York and Canadian-born parents; Hetta M. Harris (age 8) born in Minnesota to New York and Canadian-born parents; Ida C. Harris (age 5) born in Minnesota to New York and Canadian-born parents; Violetta V. Harris (age 3) born in Minnesota to New York and Canadian-born parents; and Anna F. Harris (age 1) born in Minnesota to New York and Canadian-born parents. Also living in the household is Wm. A. Harris (age 34) born in New York to New York and Connecticut-born parents. Living in an adjacent house were John's parents: Henry Harris (age 71) born in New York to New York and Connecticut-born parents; and Eliza Harris (age 70) born in Connecticut to New York and Connecticut-born parents.

Henry Harris died March 25, 1879, in Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN, at age 75. Buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN.

The 1880 U.S. Census taken on June 8, 1880, shows John Harris (age 51) born in New York to New York-born parents is a farmer living in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. Living with him is his wife Sarah Harris (age 57) born in Canada to Canadian-born parents. Also living there are their children: William Harris (age 19) born in Wisconsin; Ella J. Harris (age 18) born in Wisconsin; George W. Harris (age 16) born in Wisconsin; Lizzie Harris (age 15) born in Minnesota; Hattie M. Harris (age 12) born in Minnesota; Ida C. Harris (age 9) born in Minnesota; and Della Harris (age 4) born in Minnesota. Also living in the household were John's widowed mother Eliza Harris (age 75) a boarder with a Palsy disability born in Connecticut to Connecticut-born parents; and John's unmarried brother, William Harris (age 43) who is a farmer born in New York of New York-born parents.

The 1885 Minnesota State Census dated May 1, 1885, shows J. B. Harris (age 55) born in New York, who served as a soldier in the Federal army during the rebellion is living in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. Living with him is Sarah A. Harris (age 41) born in Canada. Also living there are: W. H. Harris (age 24) born in Wisconsin; G. W. Harris (age 21) born in Wisconsin; Lizzie M. Harris (age 19) born in Minnesota; Ida Harris (age 14) born in Minnesota; Della Harris (age 9) born in Minnesota; Sadie Harris (age 5) born in Minnesota; and Earnest Harris (age 1) born in Minnesota. Also living in the household are: William Harris (age 44) born in New York; and William Lantry (age 18) born in Minnesota.

The 1890 Veterans Schedule taken June 1890 shows John B. Harris is living in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. He was a Private in Company A, 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry, and served from November 1863 to August 1864, for a total of 9 months.

The 1890 Veterans Schedule taken June 1890 shows William A. Harris is living in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. He was a Private in Company A, 1st Minnesota Infantry Wisconsin Cavalry, and served from February 1864 to July 1865, for a total of 1 year and 5 months. Leigh Larson note: William A. Harris and John B. Harris are brothers.

The 1895 Minnesota State Census dated June 14, 1895, shows John B. Harris (age 65) born in New York to New York-born parents, who served as a Soldier during the War of the Rebellion, and has lived Minnesota for 30 years and has lived in this district for 18 years is a Farmer living in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. Living with him is his wife, Sarah A. Harris (age 51) born in New York. Also living there are his five children: George W. Harris (age 31) born in Wisconsin and has lived Minnesota for 30 years and has lived in this district for 18 years, who is At Home; Della Harris (age 18) born in Minnesota; Sadie Harris (age 15) born in Minnesota; Ernest Harris (age 11) born in Minnesota; and John Harris (age 7) born in Minnesota.

The 1895 Minnesota State Census taken on 1885 June 13, 1895 shows Adaline Van Vorst (age 67) born in New York is a Farmer living in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. Living with her are: John Van Vorst (age 23) born in Minnesota and having lived in Minnesota for 23 years and having lived in this district for 2 years, a Farmer; William Harris (age 53) born in New York and having lived in Minnesota for 20 years and having lived in this district for 10 years, a Hired Man; and Addie R. King (age 17) born in Minnesota, a Hired Girl.

John Benjamin Harris died May 21, 1899, in Regal, Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN, at age 68. Buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN.

The 1900 U.S. Census taken on June 2, 1900, shows Sara Harris (age 56) born February 1844 in Canada to Canadian-born parents is a widow living in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN, with ten of the fourteen children born to her still alive. Living with her as head of the household is her unmarried son, George W. Harris (age 36) born August 1863 in Wisconsin of Canadian-born parents, who is a Farmer. Also there are her children: Earnest Harris (age 16) born May 1884; John A. Harris (age 12) born June 1887; and Sadie Harris (age 11) born July 1888. The last three children were born in Minnesota.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 15, 1900, shows William H. Harris (age 36) born October 1863 in Wisconsin to New York and English Canadian-born parents is a Farmer owning his own home free of a mortgage and living in Melrose Twp., Stearns Co., MN. Living with him is his wife of 10 years, Isey Harris (age 31) born September 1868 in Minnesota to Norwegian-born parents, with all five of the children born to her still living. Children living at home, all born in Minnesota to Wisconsin and Minnesota-born parents: Orin F. Harris (age 9) born October 1890; Worin Harris (age 7) born January 1893; Roy Harris (age 5) born August 1894; son, Allison Harris (age 4) born March 1896; and Cyrus Harris (age 1) born March 1899. Also living there is William's unmarried uncle, William A. Harris (age 57) born December 1842 in New York to New York and Connecticut-born parents, who is a Farm Laborer.

The 1905 Minnesota State Census taken on June 16, 1905 shows Wallae R. Van Vorst (age 39) born in Minnesota to New York-born parents and having lived in Minnesota for 40 years and having lived in this district for 37 years is a Farmer living in the Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. Living with him are: Lizzie Van Vorst (age 37) born in Minnesota to New York and Canadian-born parents and having lived in Minnesota for 37 years and having lived in this district for 27 years, a Farm Laborer; Robbins N. Van Vorst (age 12) and having lived in Minnesota for 12 years and having lived in this district for 12 years; Vilet M. Van Vorst (age 10) and having lived in Minnesota for 10 years and having lived in this district for 10 years; Eva B. Van Vorst (age 8) and having lived in Minnesota for 8 years and having lived in this district for 8 years; Alton Van Vorst (age 7) and having lived in Minnesota for 7 years and having lived in this district for 7 years; Beatrice Van Vorst (age 5) and having lived in Minnesota for 5 years and having lived in this district for 5 years; and Lloyd Van Vorst (age 3) and having lived in Minnesota for 3 years and having lived in this district for 3 years. Listed with the family is: William A. Harris (age 63) born in New York to New York and Connecticut-born parents and having lived in Minnesota for 40 years and having lived in this district for 27 years and having served as a soldier in the Civil War, a Farm Laborer.

The 1905 Minnesota State Census taken on June 14, 1905, shows Sarrah Harris (age 61) born in Canada to Canadian and Wisconsin-born parents and having lived in Minnesota for 34 years and having lived in this district for 26 years is a Farmers Widow living in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN.  Also living there are: George W. Harris (age 39) born in Wisconsin to New York and Wisconsin-born parents and having lived in Minnesota for 34 years and having lived in this district for 26 years, a Farmer; and Ernest Harris (age 21) born in Minnesota to New York and Wisconsin-born parents and having lived in Minnesota for 34 years and having lived in this district for 21 years, a Farm Laborer.

The 1910 U.S. Census taken on April 27, 1910, shows George W. Harris (age 44) born in Wisconsin to New York and English Canadian-born parents is an unmarried General Farm Farmer renting his farm and living in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. All ten of her children are still living. Living with him is his widowed mother, Sarah Harris (age 66) born in English Canada to New York and English Canadian-born parents, with all ten of the children born to her still living. Also living there is George's unmarried brother, Ernest Harris (age 24) born in Minnesota to New York and English Canadian-born parents, who is a Farm Laborer Working Out.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 19, 1910, shows William H. Harris (age 49) born in Wisconsin to New York-born parents is a General Farm Farmer owning his own mortgaged farm and is living in Melrose Twp., Stearns Co., MN. Living with him is his wife of 19 years, Isey H. Harris (age 43) born in Minnesota to Minnesota and Norwegian-born parents, with all nine of the children born to her still living. Children living at home, all born in Minnesota to Wisconsin and Minnesota-born parents: son, Allison Harris (age 13) a Farm Laborer on the Home Farm; Cyrus Harris (age 11); Melvin Harris (age 9); Alisemone Harris (age 7); Bernard Harris (age 5); Gorden Harris (age 3); and Sarah Harris (age 12/12).

The 1920 U.S. Census taken on January 5, 1920, shows Sarah is a widow (age 76) listed as the owner and head of household living on James Street, Paynesville Village, Paynesville Twp., Stearns Co., MN. Living with her is her unmarried son George W. Harris (age 50) born in Wisconsin, general farming, and one boarder.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 29, 1920, shows William H. Harris (age 61) born in Wisconsin to New York-born parents is a widowed General Farm Farmer renting his farm and is living in Compton Twp., Otter Tail Co., MN. Living with him are his unmarried children, all born in Minnesota to Wisconsin and Minnesota-born parents except Benjamin was born in North Dakota: Ray Harris (age 25) a Telephone Office Operator; Cyrus Harris (age 20) a Farm Laborer on the Home Farm; Alisemon Harris (age 16); Benjamin Harris (age 14); Gordon Harris (age 12).

Sarah Ann (Abbey) Harris died October 15, 1927, in Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN, at age 84.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 2, 1930, shows Will Harris (age 70) born in Wisconsin to New York-born parents is widowed and Retired and renting his home and is living alone in Bay Lake Twp., Crow Wing Co., MN. Living next door is son Roy A. Harris and family.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 2, 1930, shows Roy A. Harris (age 35) born in Minnesota to Wisconsin and Minnesota-born parents and first married at age 27 is Rawleigh Products Salesman renting his home in Bay Lake Twp., Crow Wing Co., MN. Living with him is his wife, Edith M. Harris (age 28) born in Minnesota to Wisconsin-born parents and first married at age 22. Also living there are two Harris daughters, both born in Minnesota to Minnesota-born parents: Mariel L. Harris (age 3-8/12); and Carrol E. Harris (age 2-4/12).

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 9, 1930, shows three unmarried Harris brothers are lodging at the Ira H. Foster residence, 2810 First Avenue, 8th Ward, City of Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., MN and all three were born in Minnesota to Wisconsin and Minnesota-born parents: Allison J. Harris (age 34) a Manufacturing Inspector; Cyrus W. Harris (age 31) a Manufacturing Inspector; and Gordon G. Harris (age 23) a Manufacturing Machine Operator.