Harris, Lewis Birdsall, 1816-1893

Lewis Birdsall Harris was born in Waterloo, New York on July 1, 1816, the third child of John R. Harris and Jane Birdsall. When his mother left New York for Texas in 1833, he remained at the home of his grandparents until the spring of 1836. Although he arrived in Texas on April 21, he quickly joined the Texian Army. Harris later held government positions as a clerk for both Andrew Briscoe and DeWitt Clinton Harris and served in the military including participating in the Somervell Expedition. On 1849 Harris joined the rush for California. He eventually settled in Sacramento, where he served as county clerk. Lewis B. Harris was a prolific correspondent and wrote frequently to his relations in New York and Texas. Harris married Jane E. Wilcox in 1846. In 1854, he married Amanda C. Dell, and had two children, Lewis B. Harris, Jr. and Gordon B. Harris. Lewis B. Harris died in San Diego, California, on June 12, 1893.

From the description of Lewis Birdsall Harris papers, 1838-1871, (bulk 1838-1849). (San Jacinto Museum of History). WorldCat record id: 50105480

Lewis Birdsall Harris was born in Waterloo, New York on July 1, 1816, the third child of John R. Harris and Jane Birdsall. When his mother left New York for Texas in 1833, he remained at the home of his grandparents until the spring of 1836. Although he arrived in Texas on April 21st, he quickly joined the Texian Army. Harris later held government positions as a clerk for both Andrew Briscoe and DeWitt Clinton Harris and served in the military including participating in the Somervell Expedition. In 1849 Harris joined the rush for California. He eventually settled in Sacramento, where he served as county clerk.

Lewis B. Harris was a prolific correspondent and wrote frequently to his relations in New York and Texas. He maintained a journal from 1836 to 1842 describing his journey from New York to Texas and his life in Texas. Harris married Jane E. Wilcox in 1846. In 1854, he married Amanda C. Dell, and had two children: Lewis B. Harris, Jr. and Gordon B. Harris. Lewis B. Harris died in San Diego, California, on June 12, 1893.

From the guide to the Lewis Birdsall Harris papers MC066. 50105480., 1838-1871, (Bulk: 1838-1849), (Albert and Ethel Herzstein Library, )