Harris, John R., 1790-1829

John Richardson Harris was born on October 22, 1790, in Cayuga, New York, the son of John Harris and Mary Richardson. On May 13, 1813, he married Jane Birdsall, the daughter of Lewis Birdsall and Patience Lee. They had four children. After meeting Moses Austin, John R. Harris decided to go to Texas in 1824, leaving his family in New York. He gained title to over 4,000 acres of land within present day Harris County. With the help of Francis W. Johnson, he laid out the town of Harrisburg, Texas, and built a steam sawmill and gristmill. John R. Harris died of yellow fever on August 21, 1829, in New Orleans. Jane Harris arrived in Harrisburg in 1833. She was an innkeeper and hostess to the provisional government. Harrisburg and her home were destroyed by the Mexican Army in 1836. From 1839 to 1849, she owned stock in the Harrisburg Town Company. Jane Harris died August 15, 1869.

From the description of John R. and Jane Harris papers, 1814-1869, (bulk 1829-1850). (San Jacinto Museum of History). WorldCat record id: 50105481

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