Mexican War Army Officer, US Congressman. After pursing classical studies and graduating from Washington College in Hartford, Connecticut in 1841, he was admitted to the Illinois State bar the next year and commenced law practice in Petersburg, Illinois. He served as school commissioner of Menard County in 1845 and during the Mexican War, raised a company that joined the 4th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was elected Major of the regiment and received a sword from the state of Illinois for gallantry during the Battle of Cerro Gordo. While away at war he was elected to the Illinois State Senate as a Democrat (1846). In 1849 he defeated Whig, Stephen Logan, for a seat in the United States House of Representatives, representing Illinois 6th District, and serving until 1851 after having been defeated in the 1850 election. Elected again in 1855 to represent the 7th District, Harris, now in frail health due to malaria contracted in Mexico, became an outspoken opponent of slavery's expansion. Too weak to walk without aid, he was carried to the floor to deliver an impassioned speech on the subject. He died two days later (November 24, 1858) and his body was returned to Petersburg.
Mexican War Army Officer, US Congressman. After pursing classical studies and graduating from Washington College in Hartford, Connecticut in 1841, he was admitted to the Illinois State bar the next year and commenced law practice in Petersburg, Illinois. He served as school commissioner of Menard County in 1845 and during the Mexican War, raised a company that joined the 4th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was elected Major of the regiment and received a sword from the state of Illinois for gallantry during the Battle of Cerro Gordo. While away at war he was elected to the Illinois State Senate as a Democrat (1846). In 1849 he defeated Whig, Stephen Logan, for a seat in the United States House of Representatives, representing Illinois 6th District, and serving until 1851 after having been defeated in the 1850 election. Elected again in 1855 to represent the 7th District, Harris, now in frail health due to malaria contracted in Mexico, became an outspoken opponent of slavery's expansion. Too weak to walk without aid, he was carried to the floor to deliver an impassioned speech on the subject. He died two days later (November 24, 1858) and his body was returned to Petersburg.
Bio by: John Winterbauer
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