Son of Nathan Harris and Rhoda Lapham.

In 1793 twelve-year-old Emer Harris moved with his parents to Palmyra, New York, where his father purchased a six-hundred-acre farm for three hundred dollars. His father sold Emer fifty acres of his holdings for two hundred dollars on 2 January 1806 and another parcel of land on 17 February 1807. Within a few years Emer sold his acreage and moved to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, where he purchased shares in a sawmill.

It is assumed that his younger brother Martin Harris told him of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon as early as 1828. Family tradition purports that "Emer walked twenty-five miles to hear more about the new 'golden Bible' from his brother" in Harmony, Pennsylvania. He and Martin were together when the first bound copy of the Book of Mormon came off the Grandin Press in 1830. It is said that Martin picked up the book and presented it to Emer.

Newel Knight wrote that Hymn Smith was laboring in Colesville and "a few believed and were baptized, among whom was Emer Harris, brother to Martin, who proved to be a useful laborer in the vineyard". (Journal History, October 1830) A baptism date of 10 Feb 1831 has been used on the family records. Emer was ordained an elder and a high priest that same year and called by modern revelation to serve as a missionary (see D&C 75:30).

Chronology of his Life:

Appointed a member of committee to obtain money for Joseph Smith, the Prophet to continue inspired translation of Bible 25 October 1831. Ordained high priest 25 October 1831. Appointed by revelation to preach gospel with Simeon Carter 25 January 1832. Mission to Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, with Martin Harris 1832. Located in Huron County, Ohio, about December 1833. Worked on Kirtland Temple 1835. In spring of 1836 moved to farm three miles from Kirtland. Traveled to Pennsylvania in spring of 1838 to receive pay for farm there. Returned July 1838. Afflicted with rheumatism in his hip. McLellin visited him in Florence, Ohio. Left for Missouri 5 September 1838. Arrived in Far West, Missouri, about 12 October 1838. Forced to leave Caldwell County 17 October 1838. Arrived in Adams County, Illinois, about 22 December 1838. Carpenter by trade. Purchased property about three miles northeast of Nauvoo 1840. Moved family to new farm in spring of 1841. Member of Nauvoo Legion. Married Polly Chamberlain 11 January 1846. Worked on Nauvoo temple. Received endowment 30 January 1846. Moved to Utah 1850. Married Martha Allen 10 September 1850. Located in Provo. Appointed to be ordained patriarch 8 October 1853. Appointed to preside over high priests in Provo area 5 September 1855.∼Emer Harris was an early convert to the Mormon Church, the older brother of the famous witness to the Book of Mormon, Martin Harris. Emer joined the Church on Feb. 10, 1831, served a mission in 1832 by which a great number of people were converted, built the window sash for the Kirtland Temple, and the winding staircase for the Nauvoo Temple, traveled west to Utah with the Saints where he was ordained a patriarch. He died at the age of 88 in Logan, Utah. He was faithful to the Church all of his life. (Sources: Susan Easton Black, Who's Who in the Doctrine & Covenants, p. 119-121)