Sarah Ann Abbey

John Benjamin Harris was born December 20, 1830, in Jerusalem, Yates Co., NY, and died May 21, 1899, in Regal, Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN, at age 68. Buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN. He is the son of Henry Harris of New York, and Eliza Travis of Connecticut. 

Sarah Ann Abbey was born February 22, 1844, in Clarke Twp., Newcastle Dist., Durham Co., Canada West, and died October 15, 1927, in Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN, at age 83. Buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN. She is the daughter of Nathaniel Abner Abbey of the Province of New York, and Mary Louisa "Polly" Nugent of County Cavan, Ireland.

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

John Benjamin Harris and Sarah Ann (Abbey) Harris had fourteen children:

  1. William Henry Harris: Born October 30, 1860, in the Town of Byron, Fond du Lac Co., WI; Died May 26, 1930, in Bertha, Todd Co., MN  (age 69). Buried in 1899 MN. Married December 18, 1890, in Kandiyohi Co., MN, to Isabel Estelle "Isey" Peterson: Born September 8, 1869, in Burbank Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN; Died August 21, 1910, in Melrose, Stearns Co., MN (age 40). Buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN.
  2. Ella Jane Harris: Born February 24, 1862, in the Town of Byron, Fond du Lac Co., WI; Died August 2, 1941, in Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN (age 80). Married (1) May 11, 1884, in Stearns Co., MN, to George W. Van Vorst: Born August 1851 in Wisconsin; Died August 22, 1907, in Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN (about age 66). Divorced 1883 in Minnesota. Married (2) October 1, 1929, in Stearns Co., MN, to Hamilton Russell Latterell: Born October 12, 1862, in Essex Co., NY; Died August 7, 1933 in Benton Co., MN (age 70).
  3. George W. Harris: Born August 6, 1863, in the Town of Byron, Fond du Lac Co., WI; Died July 4,  1937, in Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN (age 72). Never married.
  4. Elizabeth Mae Harris: Born July 30, 1865, in Byron Corners, Town of Byron, Fond du Lac Co., WI; Died July 27, 1913, in Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN (age 47). Buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN. Married December 20, 1891, in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN, to Wallace Reid Van Vorst: Born December 20, 1865, in Hawick, Kandiyohi Co., MN; Died March 2, 1945, in Rochester State Hospital, City of Rochester, Olmsted Co., MN (age 79). Buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN.
  5. Hattie Maria Harris: Born December 20, 1867, in Alberta Twp., Benton Co., MN; Died September 1, 1952, in Stowe Prairie Twp., Todd Co., MN (age 84). Buried in Hewitt Cemetery, Hewitt, Todd Co., MN. Married December 29, 1883, in Willmar, Kandiyohi Co., MN, to Alfred King: Born April 9, 1851, in Merton Twp., Waukesha Co., WI; Died September 8, 1929, in Bertha Twp., Todd Co., MN (age 78). Buried in Hewitt Cemetery, Hewitt, Todd Co., MN.
  6. Ida Carolina Harris: Born July 17, 1870, in Alberta Twp., Benton Co., MN; Died after 1927 in Unknown. Married October 16, 1890, in Crow Wing Co., MN, to Fenwick William Brewer: Born January 8, 1865, in New Brunswick, Canada; Died September 13, 1908, in Duluth, St. Louis Co., MN (age 43).
  7. Violetta V. Harris: Born about 1872 in Minnesota; Died about 1875 in Minnesota (age 3).
  8. Anna F. Harris: Born about 1874 in Minnesota City, Winona Co., MN; Died about 1876 in Minnesota (age 1 year and 10 months).
  9. Infant Son Harris: Born February 18, 1875, in Minnesota City, Winona Co., MN; Died March 10, 1875, in Minnesota (age 1 Month, 5 Days). Buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN.
  10. Della Mae Harris: Born February 18, 1875, in Minnesota City, Winona Co., MN; Died July 7, 1926, at the home of her daughter, Olive, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Canada (age 50). Buried in Velva Cemetery, Velva, McHenry Co., ND. Married October 27, 1897, in Kandiyohi Co., MN, to Charles Grant "Charlie" Newman: Born September 22, 1871, in Minnesota; Died January 29, 1956, in Minot, Ward Co., ND (age 82). Buried in Velva Cemetery, Velva, McHenry Co., ND.
  11. Sadie Samantha Harris: Born July 28, 1880, in Regal Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN; Died July 1953 in Waterloo, Black Hawk Co., IA (about age 73). Married October 30, 1901, in Willmar, Kandiyohi Co., MN, to Walter King: Born October 8, 1871, near Willmar, MN; Died April 2, 1942, in Redwood Falls, Redwood Co., MN (age 70).
  12. Ernest John Harris: Born May 30, 1885, in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN; Died April 19, 1958, in Farmington, Dakota Co., MN (age 72). Buried in Lebanon Cemetery, New London, Kandiyohi Co., MN. Married August 8, 1910, in the Willmar Courthouse, Willmar, MN, to Louisa Charlotte "Louise" Gaede: Born May 13, 1892, in Waukon, IA; Died March 22, 1975, in Anoka Co., MN (age 82).
  13. John B. Harris: Born June 28, 1888, in Regal Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN; Died May 16, 1957, in Cokato, Wright Co., MN (age 68). Buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN. Married April 27, 1908, in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN, to Anna F. "Annie" Gaede: Born September 10, 1890, in Franklin Twp., Allamakee Co., IA; Died March 9, 1965, in Cokato, Wright Co., MN (age 74). Buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN.
  14. Unknown Harris: Born before 1900; Died before 1900.

TIMELINE

John Benjamin Harris is buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.

Infant Son Harris is buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.

Ontario was known as: "Upper Canada" from December 26, 1791, to February 10, 1841; "Canada West" from February 10, 1841, to July 1, 1867; and "Ontario" after July 1, 1867.

This portion of the 1886 Township of Roseville map shows where the various Harris families are located.

Della May Harris Newman is in the center, holding one of her grandsons, probably Ernest Skoglund. Pearl Ann (Newman) Skoglund, Della's daughter, is on the left. The back of the photo says the woman on the right is "Grandma Newman." However, Matilda (Jarrett) Newman died in 1910. This is likely "Grandma Harris," in which case this may be Sarah Ann (Abbey) Harris. This photo was taken in 1924, two years before Della passed on, at her daughter Olive's house in Canada.

John Benjamin Harris was born December 20, 1830, in Jerusalem, Yates Co., NY.

Sarah Ann Abbey was born February 22, 1844, in Clarke Twp., Newcastle Dist., Durham Co., Canada West.

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 the Town of Byron, Fond du Lac Co., WI.

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 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 the Town of Byron, 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 the Town of 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.

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; Elize 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.

Clinton Falls, Steele Co., MN, is located south of Minneapolis, approximately midway between Mankato and Rochester.

In the spring of 1867 the John Benjamin Harris family moved to a farm in Alberta Township, about twenty miles east of St. Cloud, MN. Alberta Township is located in the northeastern part of Benton Co., MN. St. Cloud is in the southwestern part of Benton Co., MN.

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 their 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.

In the spring of 1876 the John Benjamin Harris family moved to a farm near Paynesville, in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. Regal is located in the north central part of Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. It is in the north eastern part of Kandiyohi Co., MN. They helped develop and settle the village of Regal.

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 of 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.

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 George W. Herres (age 36) born August 1863 in Wisconsin to French Canadian-born parents is an unmarried Farmer owning his farm with a mortgage and is living in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. Living with him is his widowed mother, Sara Herres (age 56) born February 1844 in French Canada to French Canadian-born parents, with 10 of the 14 children born to her still alive. Also living there are his siblings, all unmarried and born in Minnesota to French Canadian-born parents: Earnest Herres (age 16) born May 1884; John A. Herres (age 12) born June 1887; and Sadie Herres (age 11) born July 1888, a Servant.

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 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 and is renting his farm and is living in Roseville Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. Living with him are: 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 alive; and his unmarried brother, Ernest Harris (age 24) born in Minnesota to New York and English Canadian-born parents, a Farm Laborer Working Out. Also living there is an unmarried Servant, Louise Garde (age 17) born in Iowa to German-born parents, a Servant in a Private Family.

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).

In June, 1912, Sarah moved to the city of Paynesville. Paynesville is located east of Regal in the south western part of Stearns Co., MN.

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 the City of Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN at age 83. Buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN.

Sarah Ann (Abbey) Harris Death Certificate.

The Paynesville Press, Paynesville, MN, Thursday, October 20, 1927

OLD RESIDENT PASSES AWAY

Mrs. Harris Passed Away at Home of Daughter in This City on Saturday.

Friends here were surprised to learn of the death of Mrs. Sarah Harris which occurred Saturday, October 15th, at 1:40 P. M. at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ella Van Vorst, in this city. Although Mrs. Harris was 83 years, six months and twenty-two days old at the time of her death she had always been very active and spry and was ill only a few days before her passing. Sarah A. Abbey was born in Canada on February 22, 1844. In 1852 she moved to Fond du Lac and they lived in that city until the year of 1867 when they moved during the spring of the year to a farm about twenty miles east of St. Cloud, Minn. They moved to a farm near Paynesville in the spring of 1876 and being among the early settlers of that country, they helped develop and settle the town of Regal. Mr. Harris passed away on May 21, 1899. In June, 1912 Mrs. Harris moved to Paynesville and here she has made her home ever since. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Harris, eight of whom are living. The surviving children are William Harris of Deerwood, George Harris and Mrs. Ella Van Vorst of Paynesville, Ernest Harris of Regal, John Harris of Paynesville, Mrs. Walter King of Redwood Falls, Mrs. Alfred King of Bertha and Mrs. Ida Brewer of Detroit, Michigan. Four daughters have died, Ann, passed away at the age of 1 year, 10 months and Violetta at the age of three years. Mrs. Wallie Van Vorst (Elizabeth) died on July 26, 1914 at the home of Mrs. Ella Van Vorst in this city and Della, Mrs. Charles Neuman, died at the home of her daughter, Olive, in Canada on July 7, 1926. Besides her children she is survived by two brothers, Abner Abby of Grand Forks, N. D. and Frank Abby of Fairbury, Nebraska, and a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted from the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ella Van Vorst at 1:30 o'clock Monday afternoon and at 2 o'clock from the Methodist Episcopal Church of which she has been a member for a great number of years. Those acting as pall bearers were Hugh Burr, L. J. Foreman, Millard Carlock, Frank Brown, Paige Blaisdell and Dell Roach. The remains were laid to rest in the Paynesville cemetery. Those from out of town who were here to attend the funeral were Mrs. Walter King of Redwood Falls, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred King of Bertha, William Harris of Deerwood, Charles Neuman and daughter, Pearl, of Velva, N. D., Mrs. Eugene Nickels, Mr. and Mrs. Longwell and Robbins and Lloyd Van Vorst of Minneapolis.

The above obituary is courtesy of Jean Crump of Minneapolis.

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.