This week’s photograph is of Governor Andrew L. Harris, Mrs. Harris, and Walter C. Harris. This photo comes from the Walter C. Harris Scrapbook collection. (We are still seeking photos of Preble County events, places, and people. If you would like to donate, or loan photos you can drop them off at the Preble County and Genealogy Room located at 450 S. Main St. Eaton.)
A brief history moment…
Governor Andrew Lintner Harris was born on a farm in Milford Township, Butler County, Ohio on Nov. 17, 1835, to Benjamin and Nancy (Lintner) Harris, both natives of Ohio. In 1838, Benjamin Harris moved his family from Butler County to Dixon Township in Preble County and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. Benjamin Harris would remain there until his death in 1872 when he was sixty-nine. Benjamin Harris held many township offices and was a member of the school board.
Andrew grew up working on the family farm and attended the district school before attending Miami University. He graduated in 1860 and then briefly began studying law, for self-improvement, in Eaton with Thompson and Harris. In April of 1861, President Lincoln made the call for troops and Andrew L. Harris was quick to join. In the Civil War, Harris first enlisted as a private and then served as Captain in Company C of the 20th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He then served as Colonel and commander of the 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
Colonel Harris served in 18 battles in the Civil War including McDowell, Virginia on May 8, 1863, the second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Chancellorsville, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Siege of Fort Wagner, South Carolina. He was breveted brigadier general for gallant conduct on the field of battle on March 13, 1865. He was wounded twice, once at the Battle of Gettysburg and permanently disabled at the Battle of McDowell.
After the Civil War, General Harris returned home to his farm in Preble County. Due to his injuries from the war, it was difficult to return to manual labor on the farm and he began to prepare for the bar, he was admitted to practice by the district court of the county in 1865. That same year, he was elected to serve in the state Senate. He would continue practicing law until 1876.
Andrew Harris was twice elected the Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, first under William McKinley from January 1892 to January 1896, then again in 1906 under John M. Pattison. Governor Pattison died on June 18, 1906; Andrew Harris was at home in Eaton. The oath of office was administered by Judge Elam Fisher on the front porch of the Fisher home on the southeast corner of Cherry and High Streets in Eaton, making Andrew L. Harris the 44th Governor of Ohio.
Governor Harris retired from state politics in 1909 and returned to Eaton. Upon his return from the Civil War in 1865, he married Caroline Conger, daughter of Eli and Lucinda McWhinney Conger. They had one child, Walter C. Harris. The Harris Family homestead still stands near the intersection of Cherry and High Streets.
Governor Harris died on Sept. 13, 1915, of heart trouble, he was 79. He is interred, along with his wife and son, in Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton.
25 years ago…
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 1998
Chief meteorologist Carl Nichols will be the grand marshal for the 28th annual Preble County Pork Festival to be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, at the county fairgrounds, 722 S. Franklin St., Eaton.
Nichols has been forecasting local weather for 20 of his 28 years as a meteorologist. He heads up Storm Team 2’s weather coverage on 2News.
50 years ago…
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 1973
Robert E. Lee, 21, New Paris, will begin duties Saturday as a Preble County Deputy Sheriff. Jan M. Spitler, sheriff, announced. He is the son of Joseph E. Lee, Former Preble County Commissioner and former deputy sheriff under the present sheriff’s father, Floyd Spitler.
Lee replaces Wayne Simpson, who resigned as a deputy, but will remain with the department as a part-time deputy.
75 years ago…
Wednesday, Sept. 8, 1948
County Agent C.C. Bowen disclosed last week that the Swine barn at the Preble County fairgrounds is being enlarged with a new addition for the benefit of this year’s agricultural event. The greater part of the labor involved is being donated by the members of the Preble County Purebred Swine Breeders’ Association. The construction of the addition which will add about 2000 square feet to the swine exhibit space, began last Tuesday and it is expected to be completed by the fair opening date.
100 years ago…
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 1923
Final steps are now in progress for the reception of the Cincinnati Reds—that ball team that has made a record for itself this season. Advertisements are appearing which announce the coming of this great team to Eaton on October 2 next, or four weeks from next Tuesday.
The team will play an exhibition game with the local team and those who have never witnessed a major league team in action will admit themselves well paid for having taken in this game.
Many of the businesses will be closed during the game and everything is being done that will make October 2nd a big day for the Reds and a red letter day for Eaton.
