ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the biography of Samuel Harris and son, William Tell Harris. Samuel Harris settled in Aurora in 1821, emigrating from near Leeds, England. He had been for many years a clergyman of the Church of England. After settling in Aurora he became a member and then pastor of the Aurora Baptist Church. He was a man of great learning. His library was for many years the most extensive and valuable one in the State, and especially rich in theological works, which were presented after his death, by his son W. T. Harris, to the Hamilton Theological Seminary. William Tell Harris, was an Englishman by birth: a gentleman of refined social qualities, great learning/and an author of some note. Mr. Harris was an eccentric man in many respects, but that eccentricity never led him to wound the feelings of the most sensitive – always the polite and dignified gentleman, friendly to all, but familiar with none.