Husband Timothy Pyle
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Sara Ann Davidson
Born: 1871 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Samuel R Davidson
Mother: Mary Angline Kogar
Children
1 F Gertie Pyle
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: ? Lee
Husband Thomas Riley
Born: 1803 - Virginia
Christened:
Died: 1875 - Clinton County, Kentucky
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Sarah Davidson
Born: 1808 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died: 1865
Buried:
Father: Alexander Davidson
Mother: Martha Smith
Children
1 F Sarah Riley
Born: 1820 - Fentress County, Tennessee
Christened:
Died: 1900 - Travisville, Pickett County, Tennessee
Buried:
Spouse: Daniel Grooms
Marr: 1845 - Tennessee
2 M Alexander Riley
Born: 1825 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
3 F Nancy Riley
Born: 1829 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
4 F Jane Riley
Born: 1833 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
5 F Harriet Riley
Born: 1835 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
6 F Eliza J Riley
Born: 1837
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
7 F Elizabeth Riley
Born: 1839 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
8 F Vina Riley
Born: 1841 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
9 F Mary Riley
Born: 1848 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
10 M John B Riley
Born: 1851 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
11 F Amanda Riley
Born: 1854 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes: Husband - Thomas Riley
Initial information from Ancestry tree of Richard S Dwyer (Owner: RichDwyer69)
1840 census,
001001 32201001
1 male age 30 to 40 (Thomas)
1 male age 10 to 15 (Elex?)
3 females under 5 (Lucinda, Elizabeth, Harriet)
2 females age 5 to 10 (Nancy. Jane)
2 females age 10 to 15 (Nancy, Sarah)
1 female age 20-30 (Sarah)
1 female age 50-60 (Nancy?)
1850, District 8, Fentress, Tennessee
All born in TN unless oitherwise noted
Thos Riley 45, b Va, farmer
Sarah Riley 42
Nancy Riley 21
Jane Riley 17
Hariet Riley 15
Lucinda Riley 13
Elizabeth Riley 11
Vina Riley 9
Mary Riley 7
Nancy Riley 66, born Va
1860, District 8, Fentress, Tennessee
Travisville PO
All born in TN unless oitherwise noted
Thomas Riley 57, Va
Sarah Riley 52
Eliza J Riley 23
Hariet Riley 21
Elizabeth Riley 18
John B Riley 9
Amanda Riley 6
Mary Riley 12
Nancy Riley 77, Va
Daniel Groom (age 27) and Sarah (age 29) are next in the 1850 census
AnElex (age 25) and Sarah (age 24) Riley are also next in the 1850 census
An Alexander (age 36) Davidson and Sarah (age 36)on prior page in 1860 census...a Thomas Jr son...
General Notes: Wife - Sarah Davidson
Initial information from Ancestry tree of Richard S Dwyer (Owner: RichDwyer69)
Husband John M Hinkle
Born: May 1861 - Illlinois
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage: 25 Oct 1887 - Effingham County Illinois
Wife Sarah Davidson
Born: 31 May 1867 - Mason, Effingham County, Illinois
Christened:
Died: 5 Apr 1939 - Mason, Effingham County, Illinois
Buried:
Father: James Turner Davidson
Mother: Sarah Jane Martin
Children
1 F Jesse B Hinkle
Born: Jul 1889 - Illlinois
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
2 M Chester Hinkle
Born: Mar 1890 - Illlinois
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
3 M Harry Hinkle
Born: Dec 1892 - Illlinois
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
4 F Mabel Hinkle
Born: Jan 1895 - Illlinois
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
5 M Oscar Hinkle
Born: Nov 1897 - Illlinois
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
6 F Gail Hinkle
Born: Sep 1898 - Illlinois
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes: Husband - John M Hinkle
1900 Effingham County, Il
Anc.com Image-25/p/Sh13b/Ed84/Dw288/Mason Township
Hinkle, J. M. (John M. Hinkle) w m May 1861 39 m13yrs Illinois North Carolina Indiana
Hinkle, Sarah (Sarah Davidson) wife w f May 1867 33 m13yrs 6ch 6li Illinois Illinois Illinois
Hinkle, Jesse B. dau w f Jul 1889 10 Illinois Illinois Illinois
Hinkle, Chester son w m Mar 1890 9 Illinois Illinois Illinois
Hinkle, Harry son w m Dec 1892 7 Illinois Illinois Illinois
Hinkle, Mabel dau w f Jan 1895 4 Illinois Illinois Illinois
Hinkle, Oscar son w m Nov 1897 3 Illinois Illinois Illinois
Hinkle, Gail dau w f Sep 1898 1 Illinois Illinois Illinois
General Notes: Wife - Sarah Davidson
Illinois Death Index
Name: Sarah E. Hinkle
[Sarah E. Davidson]
Birth Date: 31 May 1867
Birth Place: Mason, Illinois
Death Date: 5 Apr 1939
Death Place: Mason, Effingham, Illinois
Burial Date: 7 Apr 1939
Burial Place: Mason Cemetery
Death Age: 71
Occupation: Housewife
Race: White
Marital Status: M
Gender: Female
Residence: Mason, Effingham, Illinois
Father Name: James Davidson
Father Birth Place: Tennessee
Spouse Name: J.M. Hinkle
FHL Film Number: 1819830
In 1880, living with step uncle:
1880 Mason, Effingham, Illinois
J. C. Austin 38, IL, TN, TN, farmer
Jane Austin 37, IL, VA, TN
John Austin 19, IL, IL, IL, farmer
Sarah Austin 17, IL, IL, IL
Ellen Austin 13, IL, IL, IL
Minnie Austin 8, IL, IL, IL
Alma Austin 5, IL, IL, IL
Sarah Davidson 13, servant, IL, IL, IL
Husband Samuel Lecrone
Born: Sep 1875 - Illlinois
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage: 30 Jan 1898 - Effingham County Illinois
Wife Sarah Davidson
Born: Jun 1882 - Illlinois
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Franklin Pierce Davidson
Mother: Nancy Catherine Brown
Children
General Notes: Husband - Samuel Lecrone
1900 EFFINGHAM COUNTY
Anc.com Image-3/p187/Sh2a/Ed82/Dw27/Jackson Township
Lecrone, Samuel w m Sep 1875 24 m2yrs Illinois Pennsylvania Illinois
Lecrone, Sarah N. (Sarah "Sadie" Davidson) wife w f Jun 1882 17 m2yrs 1ch 0li Illinois Illinois Illinois
Davidson, Phoebe sister-in-law f w Jul 1893 6 Illinois Illinois Illinois
Davidson, Frank father-in-law m w Sep 1857 42 widowed Illinois -0- -0-
Husband John Evans
Born: 1796 - Virginia
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Thomas Evans
Mother: Jane Howerton
Marriage:
Wife Sarah Davidson
Born: 1799 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died: 1856 - Fentress County, Tennessee
Buried:
Father: James Davidson
Mother: Elender Garland
Children
1 M James L Evans
Born: 1819 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Elizabeth Kidd
Spouse: Mary Francis
2 F Mary Evans
Born: Apr 1823 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: James H Taylor
3 M William Evans
Born: 1827 - Tennessee
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Charlotte Carter
4 F Ellen June Evans
Born: 14 May 1830 - Kentucky
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: John Hicks
Marr: 6 Feb 1847 - Tennessee
5 F Sarah Ann Evans
Born: 29 Jan 1835 - Kentucky
Christened:
Died: 3 May 1912 - Forbus, Fentress County, Tennessee
Buried: - Davidson Cemetery, Fentress County, Tennessee
Spouse: Thomas Washington Upchurch
General Notes: Wife - Sarah Davidson
1850 Fentress County, TN
Anc.com Image-7/p425/Dw663/District 7
Davison, James 75 m w Farmer North Carolina
Evens, Sarah (Sarah Davidson) 51 f w Tennessee
(widow of John Evans)
Evens, Sarah 14 f w Tennessee
(WorldConnect)
---------------------------------------------------
Wilma Crabtree: Wlcrab@aol.com -- I may not have all of his children, but this is what I can prove, also James Davidson and Ellrena Garland were married in 1798 in TN, Green Co.,TN, I think, Sarah Davidson Evans was born 1800 d. 1856 and is buried in an old cemetery on Caney Creek, Ralph Crouch farm I think, it is grown up with a stand of trees in it, I beleive, but can't prove that James Davidson and his wife are buried there too.
Husband
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Sarah Davidson
Born: 1806 - Virginia
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: David Smith
Mother: Elizabeth Ann Davidson
Children
1 F Harriet Davidson
Born: 1827 - Virginia
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: John Smith
Marr: 22 Dec 1843 - Botetourt County, Virginia
General Notes: Wife - Sarah Davidson
1850 Botetourt Co., Va
Anc.com Image-/p119b/Dw1084/8th District
Davidson, Elizabeth A. 64 f w Virginia
Davidson, Sally 44 f w Virginia
Smith, John 33 m w Virginia
Smith, Harriet 23 f w Virginia
Smith, Franklin 4 m w Virginia
Smith, Sarah F. 2 f w Virginia
1860 Botetourt County, Va
Anc.com Image-/p207/Dw604/Fincastle P.O.
Smith, John 41 m w Moulder $1,100/$50 Ireland
Smith, Harriet C. 31 f w Virginia
Smith, Francis A. 13 m w Virginia
Smith, Sarh F. 11 f w Virginia
Smith, Maria J. 9 f w Virginia
Smith, John Mc 7 m w Virginia
Smith, Walter 5 m w Virginia
Davidson, Sarah 55 f w Virginia
Davidson, Betsy 73 f w Virginia
Husband John Wrang Stallard
Born: 1860
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: J.M. Stallard
Mother: Louise Thorton
Marriage: JUE 7, 1885 - Monitor, Tippecanoe County, Indiana
Wife Sarah A Davidson
Born: 13 Mar 1862 - New Richmond, Montgomery County, Indiana
Christened:
Died: 6 Dec 1934 - Lafayette, Tippecanoe, Indiana
Buried: - New Richmond Cemetery, New Richmond, Montgomery County, Indiana
Father: Gideon Lea Davidson
Mother: Mary A Bowyer
Other Spouse: James M Black - 18 Jul 1895
Children
General Notes: Husband - John Wrang Stallard
Indiana Select Marriage Index Find a Grave 1910 Smythh County, Virginia New Hampshire Births Listed as Ann on census records; Sarah A F on marriage records Illinois Death Records: Possible:
Name:
Gender:
Birth Date:
Marriage Date:
Marriage Place:
Marriage Age:
Father:
Mother:
Spouse:
FHL Film Number:
Reference ID:
General Notes: Wife - Sarah A Davidson
Sarah Alice Black
Birth:
Death:
Burial:
New Richmond Cemetery
New Richmond
Montgomery County
Indiana, USA
Indiana Death Certificate
Name:
[Sarah Alice Davisson]
Gender:
Race:
Age:
Birth Date:
Birth Place:
Death Date:
Death Place:
Marital Status:
Father:
Mother:
cause: cerebral embolus
Indiana Select Marriage Index
Name:
Gender:
Birth Date:
Marriage Date:
Marriage Place:
Marriage Age:
Father:
Mother:
Spouse:
FHL Film Number:
Reference ID:
Husband Mathews
Born: - Kentucky
Christened:
Died: Bef 1910
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Sarah Ann Davidson
Born: 1855 - Virginia
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: James Davidson
Mother: Elizabeth
Children
1 M James Mathews
Born: 1880 - Virginia
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes: Wife - Sarah Ann Davidson
Anc.com Image-23/p135/Sh12a/Ed87/Dw167/Saltville
Mathews, Sarah A. f w 56 widowed 2ch 2li Virginia Virginia Virginia
Mathews, James m w 30 single Virginia Kentucky Virginia
Davidson, James brother m w 48 single Virginia Virginia Virginia
Davidson, Kansas niece f w 17 Virginia Virginia Virginia
1920 Smyth County, Virginia
Anc.com Image-4/p106/Sh2b/Ed117/Dw/Rich Valley
Matthews, James m w 38 Virginia Virginia Virginia
Davidson, James uncle m w 58 single Virginia Virginia Virginia
Matthews, Sarah mother f w 67 Virginia Virginia Virginia
Husband Edward Payson Harris
Born: 11 Jun 1834 - Hudson, New Hampshire
Christened:
Died: 25 Sep 1916 - Topeka, Kansas
Buried: - Maple Grove Cemetery
Father: Albert Harris
Mother: Sarah F Willman
Marriage: 22 Oct 1860 - Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas
Wife Sarah Ann Frances Davidson
Born: 29 Nov 1839 - Franklin County, Missouri
Christened:
Died: 23 Jan 1911 - Lecompton, Douglas County, Kansas
Buried: - Maple Grove Cemetery
Father: Jordan A. Davidson 2
Mother: Sarah A Naylor 2
Children
1 F Corina Harris
Born: 1862 - Lecompton, Douglas County, Kansas
Christened:
Died: 1932 - Kansas
Buried: - Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Shawnee County, Kansas
Spouse: Fred James Hill
Marr: May 1881
2 M Edward P. Jr. Harris
Born: 27 Mar 1871 - Lecompton, Douglas County, Kansas
Christened:
Died: 25 Jul 1940 - Kansas
Buried: - Maple Grove Cemetery, Lecompton, Douglas County, Kansas
Spouse: Jennie May Greene
Marr: 15 Sep 1896 - Lecompton, Douglas County, Kansas
3 M Dwight Thatcher Harris
Born: 15 Feb 1883 - Lecompton, Douglas County, Kansas
Christened:
Died: 21 Feb 1939 - Leavenworth, Kansas
Buried: - Maple Grove Cemetery, Lecompton, Douglas County, Kansas
Spouse: Effie Gertrude Law
Marr: 16 Aug 1907 - Jackson, Kansas City, Missouri
Spouse: Opal Isabel Rider
Spouse: Helen Muriel Houston
Marr: 8 Dec 1917 - Topeka, Kansas
General Notes: Husband - Edward Payson Harris
Name:
Birth Date:
Birth Place:
Gender:
Father's Name:
Mother's Name:
FHL Film Number:
1870 Douglas County, Kansas
p402/Dw161/1st Ward/Lawrence
Harris, Edward 36 m w Farmer & Printer $5,000/$1,600 New Hampshire
Harris, Sarah (Sarah Ann Frances Davidson) 30 f w Keeping House Missouri
Harris, Cinna 7 f w Kansas
McCallan, James 12 m w Kansas
Monte, John 26 m w Farm Laborer Indiana
1880 Douglas County, Kansas
Anc.com Image-6/p141b/Sh6/Ed70/Dw54/Lecompton Township
Harris, Edmund P. w m 45 Foreman in Printing Office New Hampshire New Hampshire New Hampshire
Harris, Sarah F. w f 40 wife Keeping House Missouri Kentucky Virginia
Harris, Corena F. w f 17 dau Teacher in Music Kansas Missouri New Hampshire
Harris, Edmund P. w m 9 son Kansas Kansas Missouri New Hampshire
Storm, George T. w m 50 single Farmer Kentucky Virginia Virginia
Hill, James F. w m 22 single Painter Iowa Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
Coles, Samuel w m 16 single Laboring New York England New York
Davidson, Charles H. w m 7 nephew Kansas Missouri Pennsylvania
Dears, Ellin w f 18 single Helps Keep House Kansas Virginia Virginia
1885 census (next to James Davidson)
Includes a lot of people
George Storms, age 55, KY
Charles Justice, age 28, Iowa
Lilly Burnett, age 8, Kansas
Frank Moody, age 23, Minesotta
Ida Davidson, age 22, Kansas
1900 Lecompton, Douglas County, Kansas
George Metskir
Hannah E Metskir
Golda Metskir
Edward P Harris
Dwight Harris
1910 Lecompton, Douglas, Kansas
Edward P Harris Sr.
Sarah F Harris
Edward P Harris Jr.
Bernice A Harris
Corrina F Harris
Theodore Keuster
1915 Shawnee County, Topeka Looks like Grandpa with all the grandkids!
Harris, Edward, age 4 (Dwights son, mother left him)
Harris, Edward P, age 80
McArthur, Gertrude, age 20
Harris, Bernice, age 17
Harris, Corine, age 16
---------------------------------
Lecompton area papers:
Sept. 10, 1891
Mr. E. P. Harris and wife were in the city Monday.
5 Oct. 1894
E.P. Harris and A.A. Green heard Gov. McKinly at Lawrence.
16 July 1897
E.P. Harris has resigned his position as foreman of the state printing house and it will be difficult for State Printer now to fill his place as he is acknowledged to be the best printer west of Chicago. He received a salary of $40 a week and we think he will have to work a good many hours a day to make as much on his farm near Lecompton. Mr. Harris is not a "chronic", and no reflections, please, on his ability as a farmer, as he is already employed again as Cranes best man.
LECOMPTON SUN
Fri. Feb.13 , 1903
A GOLDEN TRIUMPH
Mr. E. P. Harris celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of his work as a printer at his home in the Windsor Hotel; Sat. Feb. 7th. Mr. Harris has seen many changes in his experience. Many improvements have come through the years, but it had been the patient toil and persistent effort of half a century that has placed Mr. Harris at the top of one of the most exacting profession. He has, no doubt, seen the printing of more books than any other man in the state, as he has always been employed in the largest offices. We were glad to enjoy his hospitality. Mr. Harris came to Lecompton during the the struggles with slavery in 1856. In a hotel that stood down near mother Hope's house he saw his first human slave. The sight made an impression on his mind and filled his heart with an indignation and pity that he will never forget..
We have no doubt that his life would read with much interest by hundreds of friends who know his ability to compile a work of reminiscense and history. Mr. Harris seems like a young man to have put in five years at his chosen calling. He has succeeded in surrounding himself' with the comforts of life. May years of happiness be his in the enjoyment of the rewards of his toil. Many were the good wishes and congratulations showered upon him by the most prominent editors and public men of Kansas.
June 2, 1911
J.M. Crockett, of Kansas City, has been a guest W.B. Barker this week. When a small boy he lived on the E.P. Harris' Elm Heights farm, and he set out the cottonwoods that are in the yard. Mr. Crockett's father, Peter Crockett, was the first owner of Elm Heights. This farm has had but three owners, Peter Crockett, Mr. Lawler, and E.P. Harris.
June 15, 1916
EP Harris Sr of Topeka declares that he wants to live five years longer that he may see Roosevelt president.
27 Jan, 1916
E.P.Harris, Sr. who has been in a Topeka Hospital for some months left for St. Cloud, Florida Monday to spend the rest of the Winter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALD EAGLE, The Lecompton Historical Society,
Volume Eighteen, Issue Number 1
Originally Published in Lecompton, Kansas: Spring 1992
The Ed Harris Family
The Bald Eagle likes to occasionally feature some family that participated in Lecompton's early history. Recently several news items concerning the Ed and Sarah Harris family were found causing the staff to decide to share them with our readers.
The Harris home - Elm Heights - was on the county road about two and a half miles west of the. City of Lecompton at the present site of a Christmas tree farm.They lived ther.e fr.om 1867 until 1902 when they purchased the fr.ame house at the top of Coon Creek hill on the south side of the road. Mrs. Harris wanted some changes made in the house, so while that was being done, she and her two grandaughters, Corina and Vernice Harris stayed at the Hotel Windsor, with her daughter and husband, Corina and Fred Hill who were managing it. Corina enjoyed working with the town's young people and had numerous parties and other activities for them at the hotel. Once she helped them write and plan a play that featured a dying child. Faye Todhunter was to be that actor" but she decided she didn't want to play that part and refused at the last minute, so someone else did it. Another actor was Esther Ingham, who upon maturity played parts in a theater in New York, on Broadway. To see the play you paid 3 pins.Mrs. Sarah Harris died in 1911 and her grandaughters went to Topeka to live with their Aunt Corina Hill. At present, her grandaughter Corina Harris Vausbinder who is 90 years of age, her two sons, Charles and John Vausbinder, and daughter Ann Vausbinder Lasswell live in the Topeka vicinity and all are Lecompton Historical Society members.
Mr,s. Sarah F. Harris was born at Maramec, Missouri, November, 29, 1839 the daughter of Jardin and Sarah A. Naylor Davidson. She came to Kansas in 1856 with her, parents, residing in Douglas county. Mrs. Harris held various positions of responsibility and trust. At different times she represented the Woman's Re1ief Corps as delegate both to state and national conventions. For a number of years she was a member of the board of trustees and the executive committee of Lane University. She was a member of the city council for a number of years, and was also a member of the board of trustees of the United Brethren church.
The following stories were taken fromthe Lecompton Monitor of October 29, 1885
and the Lecompton Sun of October 28, 1910.They give us a glimpse of life in Lecompton
in 1860, 1885 and 1910.
From the Lecompton Monitor, October 29, 1885:
SILVER WEDDING Twenty-five years ago the 22nd of this month, E.P. Harris and S.F. Davidson were marri ed at Lawrence by Dr. Cordley. Last Thursday a few of their friends were invited to help celebrate their silver wedding. The day was beautiful; "just such a day as it was twenty-five years ago," the hostess was heard to remark. The friends gathered in by half-past three, and at four were led to dinner by the host and hostess. The table was loaded with all that was good, and it seemed that there was enough for twice such a sized party. Having done justice to the dinner, the guests were invited outstide to take a view of the surrounding country. There is no better place in the township for it. We gazed with admiration upon the scenery of the Kansas valley, and as the setting sun threw its slanting rays across the green wheat fields, the many colored woods and the distant hills, we though it a fit picture for an artist. The.Capitol, State University, Lecompton, Big Springs,Williamstown and Grantville can all be seen from the door-yard. In the evening the little folks enjoyed themselves playing games, while the gentlemen went off coon hunting, 1ed by J.A. Davidson, the same that led the coon hunt twenty-five years ago that night. Although the invitations said" no presents," a number of beautiful presents were received. The most noticeable were a handsome silver teapot from G.T. Storms, F.L. Connell. Among those present we noticed Mr. & Mrs. W.M. Dignon and family, Mrs. W.H.Reed, F.B. Reed and Miss Cohn, of Topeka,Mrs. &Mrs. T.H. Ward, Mrs. J.H. Bonebrake, Mrs. Witt, Mrs. F.L. Connell, Mr. & Mrs.F.J. Hill, and J.A. Davidson. At a late hour the guests departed, wishing many happy returns of the day.
From the Lecompton Sun of Friday,October 28, 1910:
GOLDEN WEDDING Mr. & Mrs. Edward Payson Harris celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, Saturday, by receiving from 3 to 10 p.m. During this time at least one hundred and fifty of their friends and neighbors called to pay their regards and add the r wishes for many more years of life. They were the recipients of many presents. Miss Sarah F. Davidson and Edward P. Harris were married at Lawrence at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Davidson, October 22, 1860, by Dr. Richard D. Cordley, pastor of the Congregational church of Lawrence. Henry A. Davidson was the only one present, Saturday, who was present, fifty years ago. Mrs. Mary Burnette, of Oregon, S.M. Thatcher, and Mrs. Richard Cord1ey, of Topeka, are the only ones living, who witnessed the marriage ceremony. Mrs. Cordley wrote them a beautiful letter.In 1867, they purchased their Elm Heights farm, which was their home until about eight years ago, and it is still in their possession. Mrs. Harris has always been a very active woman, managing their various farms and other interests, whi1e Mr. Harris was employed in the city. Mrs.Harris is a native of Missouri, having been born in 1839, and moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1856. Mr. Harris was born in Hudson,New Hampshire, in 1834. In 1853, he began work with the Lowell (Mass.) American as an apprenti ce. Afterwards he worked on newspapers in Worcester, Mass. and NewYork. When the struggle to make Kansas a free state came, he responded to the call for free-state settlers, and came to Lawrence in 1856, taking an active part in the struggle of the territory. Later he was invited by John Brown to be a member of the historic, but ill-advised Harper's Ferry movement. This invitation he declined. Mr. Harris worked on Lawrence papers until 1862 when he went to the foremanship of Jacob Stotler's Emporia News. In a year or two he returned to Lawrence as foreman of the State Printing office under George W. Martin. In 1891 he was offered a better position with Crane & Company, and is still with them. (He stayed with them until his death in 1916.) For many years he has had the reputation of being the best proof-reader in the United States.
Sara Walter & Iona Spencer
---------------------------------------------------------------
TOPEKA DAILY CAPITOL
Tuesday, 26 Sept. 1916
KANSAS OLDEST PRINTER E.P. HARRIS DIES, AGED 82
Famous as Pioneer and Expert Proof Reader
Coming to State in 1856, He Worked on Historic Early Day Papers and Knew Every Governor.
(Picture)
Edward P. Harris, the oldest printer in Kansas and a man who has followed his profession here for 60 years, died at Christ's Hospital at 9 o'clock yesterday morning, aged 82 years. Mr. Harris came to Kansas in 1856. His last illness was of several weeks duration following an operation.
Mr. Harris leaves three children and six grandchildren. The children are Mrs. Fred Hill, 1121 Harrison, E.P. Harris, Jr. 924 Monroe and Dwight Thacher Harris, 1121 Harrison. The grandchildren are Misses Corena & Beatrice Harris, daughters of E.P. Harris, Jr., Bliss(?) H. Hill, San Antonio, Texas, Elwood M. Hill, Corpus Christi, Texas and Miss Sarah Hill, 1121 Harrison, children of Mrs. Hill and Edward Payson Harris, III, aged 5, son of Dwight Thacher Harris.
He is also survived by two brothers, Myron Harris of South Merrimack, N.H., Charles Harris of Lowell, Mass. and one sister, Mrs. F.L. Connell of Lecompton.
The Funeral Wednesday
The funeral services will be held at noon tomorrow from Grace Cathedrel and will be conducted by Cannon George M. Geisel. The body will then be taken on Santa Fe train # 114 to Lecompton, Mr. Harris' old home where a short service will be held in the Chapel there. The burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery near Lecompton.
The pallbearers will be employees from the composing room of Crane and Co. who have worked with Mr. Harris for years. Some of them served their apprenticeship under him. They are: C. J. Cooper, A.A. Holipeter O. Pennecamp, George Barrett, C.W. Wadkins and C.A. Reid.
The honorary pallbearers will be members of Topeka Typographical Union #121 and other men who had been associated with Mr. Harris in the printing business for many years. They are: M.H. Gardner, Pres. of the Topaka Typographical Union, W.R. Smith, State Printer, T.B. Brown, former Superintendent of the state printing plant, W.J. Flintham, of the Lawrence Gazette, B.D. Colyin of the Daily Capitol, H.M. Ives of Ives & Son, Willis Coates, of Hall Lithographlng Co. and Charles Sutherland of the State Printing Plant.
Mr. Harris experienced his first serious illness a year ago when he submitted to an operation. He spent the fall and winter recovering in the hospital. He then went to Florida where he spent two months recuperating his health. The last of April he returned to Topeka where he at once read proof on the courses of study for the Kansas schools and then returned to his regular desk.
The tenacity of the veteran in holding on to life and his profes-sion, is shown in a statement he made but five months age--"I'm game" Mr. Harris said as he returned to work, "and I'm going to stay on the job. It is mighty lonesome walking around and realizing that practicaly every man you knew in your younger days is dead. But I don't feel dead at all, myself. I have no desire to retire and I'm willing to work until my time here is up."
Doing the work that would make a man half a century his junior hustle, was not the only thing for which Mr. Harris was noted, however. He saw Kansas in the beginning, lived with her thru her territorial troubles and saw her emerge into the state she is today.
Helped Slaves Escape
Mr. Harris is probably the only man living who had known and personally met every Governor of Kansas, state and territorial. From Andrew Reeder down he had known them all--many of them intimately. When he first came to Topeka the town boasted of but 300 inhabitants and it was unsafe to venture as far out as Shunganunga Creek for one never knew when a boarder ruffian was concealed with intent to cut down the Free State population of Topeka.
The Kansas pioneer printer was a "conductor" on the famous "under-ground" railroad, designed to carry Negro slaves desiring to escape from cruel masters. "Many a time," said Mr. Harris in discussing his experinces recently, "have I gotten up in the middle of the night, slipped my revolver in my holster, my Bowie knife into my belt, picked up my rifle and conducted a slave to another point on the route between Lawerence and Topeka."
Oldest Practical Printer
The story of his coming to Kansas is told in the Kansas Historical Collection, Vol. 8 as follows;
"Edward P. Harris, the most noted practical printer of Kansas was a member of the Massachusetts (or Stowell ) party. Mr. Harris was born at Hudson, N.H. June 11, 1834. He served his apprenticeship in the American office, Lowell, Mass. and until the age of 22 worked on the Herald and news of that city. Upon his arrival in Kansas, he settled in Lawrence, working at different times on the Republican, Tribune & Journal. In 1873 he came to Topeka and took charge of the state printing in which capacity he served during the terms of Mr. George W. Martin, T. Dwight Thacher and C.C. Baker--18 years in all.
He spent the year 1896 in Chicago reading proof on an edition of Encyclopedia Britannica and the year of 1897 at Akron, Ohio reading proof on the Library of the Worlds Best Literature. He returned to Kansas and has since been with George W. Crane & Co. as proofreader.
Several years ago Mr. Harris furnished the following statement of his entry into the territory and of the party of which he was a member.
"The party conducted by Martin Stowell was organized in Worchester Mass. and started to Kansas in June 1856. It contained thirty-one men seven of whom were printers. On reaching Chicago we learned that pro-slavery men were turning companies of Free State men back afer robbing them. We decided to go by a more circuitous route, crossing Iowa and Nebraska City and encamplng 15 miles south.
There we were joined by large parties from other states, many of them farmers with their families and farming utensils. There were nearly 400 there.
A.C. Soley, who had been appointed to confer with General Persifer F. Smith commanding at Ft. Leavenworth, regarding our entrance into Kansas without arms, met with a blunt refusal and the word that the General would like to hang us all. Soley then went to Lawrence and Topeka to report our arrival.
"It was decided to send a number of Free State men from here to blaze a trail, later to be known as Jim Lane's Trail and to direct us into Kansas. There was much celebrating, singing and shouting as we crossed the line. The trail was far to the west of the troops stationed by General Smith to prevent our entrance. Two miles south of the line a party of 75 settled the town of Plymouth, farther on, Lexington, where the Stowell party stopped and in Jackson County the present town of Holton was founded."
60 years in Topeka
It was in September, 1856--60 years this fall--that the party passed thru Topeka. It was Mr. Harris first introduction to the town which was then nothing more a mere settlement and with Lawerence and Manhattan upholding the Free State banner in Kansas. A short time later he got a job with Bob Mathews putting up hay on his farm 2 miles east of Topeka. A short time later plans were made for the revival of the Herald of Freedom at Lawrence, which had not been published since the border ruffians destruction the May preceding. Mr. Harris secured a place on the Herald under G.W. Brown a veteran Kansas newspaper man, who died at Rockford, Ill. only a few months ago at the age of 94 years.
Mr. Harris was in Kansas during all of the various territorial legislative sessions and was an eyewitness of many of the stirring events of the Kansas Civil War. His first glimpse of John Brown of Osawatomie, came before he had even entered Kansas. Brown was one of the men who journeyed into Nebraska to convoy the New Englanders into the territory. Jim Layne was another.
He set with his own hands and ran off on an old-fashioned hand press the pink half sheet dodger that called the convention of which the Republican party was first organized in Kansas. It was at Osawatomie on May 19, 1859. Horace Greeley was there and made the principal add-ress. The Republican party organized that day is still running things in Kansas.
Set Up Story of State's Admission
Mr. Harris was also the leader two years later when the telegraph wire that was reaching its way out towards Kansas flashed the news that the state had been admitted to the Union on January 29, 1861. Mr. Harris was then with the Lawrence Tribune of which T. Dwight Thacher was manager. When the telegram came, Mr. Harris set the type containing the first newspaper announcement in Kansas of the state's admission and then worked the Tribune off on an old style hand press.
Various Kansas newspapers have claimed the services of Mr. Harris for a shorter or longer time. Among them were the Lawrence Tribune, Journal & Republican, the Emporia News and others.
In 1873 Mr. Harris became foreman of the State Printing office, a position he held under various state printers until 1891.
It was in the early '9Os that Mr. Harris went to Crane & Co. as superintendent of the mechanical department. He has done much of the proof reading since, not only there, but on many other big jobs. When he returned to Topeka last spring from Florida, after lying near death 5 months, about the first thing he heard was of a big job proof reading for the course of study to be used in the normal institutes all over Kansas this year. Mr. Harris was kept busy until he went back to his desk.
Two Big Proofreading Jobs.
Mr. Harris' reputation as a proofreader brought him two of the best jobs that have ever fallen to an American proofreader. It was a number of years ago, after he had met with an accident that had disabled him from all his duties as foreman and kept him closely to his desk.
In 1896, soon after the accident, a telegram came asking Crane to please loan the services of Mr. Harris to Warner & Co at Chicago that he might read proof on an edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica, a set now found on many Topeka bookshelves. Mr. Harris completed the job after months of work in Chicago and was ready to return home when another telegram arrived.
This time it was from a firm at Akron, Ohio who wanted him to read on a 33 vol. edition of "The Library of the World's Best Literature". It was over a years job, but Mr. Harris took it. The work itself attests the thoroughness of his labor.
Mr. Harris was the last surviving member of the men who worked with John Spear on the Lawrence Tribune in the early Sixties. In 1860 he was married to Miss Sarah F. Davidson of Lawrence and they celebrated their Golden Wedding on Oct. 22, 1910. Mrs. Harris died during the following January and since then Mr. Harris had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Fred J. Hill of 1121 Harrison St.
Topeka State Journal 27 Sept. 1916
HARRIS FUNERAL TODAY.
Every printshop in Topeka closed for ninety minutes.
Every print shop in Topeka closed from 11:30 to 1 o'clock today during the funeral of Edward P. Harris, the oldest printer in Kansas, who died Monday morning A service for old man Harris were held at high noon at Grace Cathedral eighth & Tylor Streets & the Topeka typographical union issued a note urging all members to attend. Following the services here, which were conducted by the Rev. George M. Geisel, Cannon of Grace Cathedral,the body was taken to Lecompton. Short services will be held at the Chapel there & interment will take place in Maple Grove Cemetary.
EDWARD P. HARRIS Grave 1 Lot 337 (Stone)
Taken from the Lecompton Sun: Thurs. Sept. 28, 1916
"E. P Harris Dead" Pioneer Citizen and Printer
Monday morning at 9:10 Edward P Harris died at Christ hospital, where he had been since the early part of August. Two weeks ago Friday, he under went an operation from which he never rallied and gradually grew weaker, his death being looked for at any moment since Tuesday of last week.
Mr. Harris was born in Hudson, New Hampshire, June 11, 1834. He was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Albert Harris long residents of that own. When 19 years old he went to Lowell, Mass. to learn the printer's trade. Later, he went to New York, and from there going to Worcester where he worked at his trade. And was for a time dramatic critic on a New York daily.
In 1856, the appeal went forth thru the North for emigrants to go to Kansas to keep the territory from slavery. Mr. Harris responded to the call and arrived in Kansas that summer. He responded to the call and arrived in Kansas that summer. He would have taken part in the campaign of the Free-State campaign that included the Pro-slavery Fort Titus on the old Nace farm but for an attack of fever. He was an active participant in the events that made Kansas a Free State. He acted as a conductor on the underground railway. When John Brown was organizing his Harper's ferry expedition he invited bin to join, but the invitation was refused.
E. P. Harris loved his trade and for many years enjoyed the distinction of being the best proofreader in the United States, and as such was called East to read proof on some very particular jobs, one being the Encyclopedia Brittanica. For about twenty years he worked on Lawrence and Emporia papers. After which he went to Topeka as foreman of the State Printing office. Between twenty-five and thirty years ago he went to Crane & Co., as superintendent and remained with them until his death.
Probably no person knew Kansas history as did Mr. Harris. Not only had he participated in making of the history from the beginning but the nature of his work brought him a knowledge of Kansas history such as is possessed by but few historians. He had met and known every territorial and state governor. It had long been the home of his friends that he would write a Kansas history, but he would not consent.
In 1866 he purchased the Elm Heights farm and to it he came every Saturday for almost forty years. Lecompton was his home until the death of his wife five years ago, since then he had made his home with his daughter in Topeka.
In October 1860 he was married to Miss Sarah F. Davidson, who died five years ago. To them were born nine children, three of whom are living; Mrs. Fred J. Hill, E. P. Harris, Jr., and Dwight Thacher Harris, he also leaves two brothers, Myron W. Harris, South Merrimac, N. H. and Charles A. Harris, Lowell, Mass.; and a sister Mrs. Frances L. Connell, Lecompton.
The funeral was held Wednesday. There was a service at Grace Cathedral, Topeka, at 12 o'clock and a short service here at 3. Both services were conducted by Rev. G. E. Geisel, canon of Grace Cathedral. The body was buried in the Maple Grove cemetery in the family lot.
William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, 1883
The first number of the Lawrence Republican was issued May 28, 1857, by Norman Allen and T. D. Thacher. In the summer of 1858, T. D. Thacher, S. O. Thacher, S. M. Thacher, bought Allen out. In 1859, S. O. Thacher retired. In 1860, John Speer purchased the entire establishment, and took as a partner V. Nicholas Smith, who married Ida, daughter of Horace Greeley. Smith identified himself with the paper three months, and was succeeded by Rev. H. M. Moore, who also remained three months. Mr. Speer continued the paper alone until September 4, 1862, when he sold it back to T. D. Thacher, During the last session of the Territorial Legislature, in 1861, the paper was published as a daily by Speer & Smith. Mr. Thacher continued to publish the paper in connection with S. M. Thacher until the Quantrell massacre, August 21, 1863, when the office, and everything pertaining thereto, were totally consumed, February 1, 1868. The Republican was re-established by Mr. Thacher and continued until March 4, 1869, when it was consolidated with the State Journal and the Ottawa Home Journal and the Republican Daily Journal and the Western Home Weekly
The Kansas State Journal succeeded the Herald of Freedom. it was established by J. C. Trask and H. E. Lowman in February, 1861, on the material of the Herald of Freedom Mr. Trask was killed in the Quantrell raid in 1863. In the spring of 1864, Mr. Lowman sold out to S. C. Smith and W. S. Rankin. In May, 1865, James Christian and M. W. Reynolds purchased Smiths interest and the paper was published in the name of Christian, Reynolds & Co. In the winter of 1866, Reynolds bought out Christians interest and in 1868 George A. Reynolds purchased the interest of Mr. Rankin. March 3, 1868, the paper was consolidated with the Lawrence Republican and the Ottawa Home Journal under the firm name of Kalloch, Thacher & Reynolds. The Daily State Journal was started by Christian & Reynolds, July 6, 1865.
The Republican Daily Journal and Daily Kansas Tribune was started March 3, 1868. It was a consolidation of the Daily Lawrence Republican, published by T. D. Thacher, the Daily State Journal published by M. W. Reynolds and the Western Home Journal, a weekly paper published at Ottawa by I. S. Kalloch. The firm was known as Kalloch, Thacher & Reynolds. In 1871, Mr. Thacher bought the interest of his partners and became the sole proprietor. In 1874, F. E. Simpson became a partner in the concern. In, December, 1874, Messrs. Thacher & Simpson purchased the good will, subscription list and franchises of the Kansas Tribune and consolidated it with the Journal, the name of the paper becoming the Republican Daily Journal and Daily Kansas tribune.
In 1876, Mr. Simpson retired and Mr. Thacher became the sole proprietor
Lawrence Journal -In 1876, the Lawrence Journal Company was organized. The Western Home Journal is the name of the weekly edition. The Lawrence Journal Company had charge of the paper until September 1, 1882, when W. M. Thacher and F. Webster leased, enlarged and improved it, and are its present editors
General Notes: Wife - Sarah Ann Frances Davidson
buried in grave 2, Lot 337
Others buried there:
Kemp H. Harris (infant) Grave 5, lot 337
Harris Infants Lot 337
Kansas Daily Tribune, Lawrence, Kansas Feb 10, 1880
Died one of the twin boys of Mr and Mrs EP Harris, born but a few weeks since is dead.
Lecompton area papers:
Lawrence Republican, Oct 25, 1860
Married: EP Harris and Sarah AF Davidson, married Oct 22, 1860, by the Rev Richard Cordley
LECOMPTON MONITOR
Oct 29, 1885
SILVER WEDDING
Twenty five years ago the 22nd of this month, E.P. Harris and S.F. Davidson were married at Lawrence by Dr. Cordley.
Last Thursday a few of their friends were invited to help celebrate their silver wedding. The day was beautiful; "just such a day as it was twenty-five years ago", the hostess was heard to remark. The friends gathered in by half- past three, and at four was led to dinner by the host and hostess. The table was loaded with all that was good, and it seemed like there was enough for twice the sized party. Having done justice to the dinner, the guests were invited outside to take a view of the surrounding country. There is no better place in the township for it. We gazed with admiration upon the scenery of the Kansas valley, and as the setting sun throwed its slanting rays across the green wheat fields, the many colored woods and the distant hills we thought it fit a picture for an artist. The Capitol, State University, Lecompton, Big Springs, Williamstown, and Gaantville can all be seen from the door- yard.
In the evening, the little folks enjoyed themselves playing games, while the gentlemen went off coon hunting, led by J.A. Davidson,the same that led the coon hunt twenty -five years ago that night.
Although the invitations said "no presents", a number of beautiful presents were received. The most noticeable were a handsome silver teapot from GT Storms, and a beautiful silver waiter from Mrs. FL Connel.
Among those present we noticed Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Dignon and family, Mrs. W. H. Reed, F. B. Reed, and Miss Cohn, of Topeka, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Ward, Mrs. J. H. Bonebrake, Mrs. Witt, Mrs. F. L. Connell, Mr. and Mrs. Fred J Hill and J.A. Davidson. At a late hour the guests departed, wishing many happy returns of the day.
July 4, 1890
Georgie Connel and Mrs. E.P.Harris, his aunt, went to Lawrence yesterday.
August 1, 1890
Mrs E..P.Harris was a guest of Mrs F.C. Connel Thursday
Sept. 17, 1891
Mr. A.T.Wade, of California is visiting his uncle and aunt, Mr. & Mrs. E.P.Harris, and other relatives.
Nov. 5, 1891
Mrs. E.P.Harris sent in a few sample potatoes raised on her farm by C. McCall. They were as fine as any we have seen.
24 March 1892
Mrs. E. P. Harris is the first in the area to have tin gutters on her barn.
24 March 1892
Mrs. E.P.Harris had a horse and cow killed by a storm.
Feb. 9, 1893
Edward Davidson of Arkansas is visiting at Mrs. Harris
23 Feb 1893
Hon. and Mrs. A. R. Green, Mrs. E.P.Harris & Judge Ferris all left for the G.A.R. encampment at Pittsburg, Kansas.
27 Aug. 1885
Della Davidson of Belton, Mo. is visiting Mrs. Harris.
10 Aug. 1894
A tramp was nearly scared out of his wits the other day. He approached the hospitable looking residence of Mrs. E.P. Harris. Hardly had time to do the customary shuffling of his feet on the porch before Mrs. Harris appeared and invited him in, in a manner that indicate that he was not only welcome but that she had been expecting him for some time. She directed him to a seat at the luxurious spread table and kept the food moving his way until he had to cry enough! And nobody, not even the tramp knew that Mrs. Harris had mistaken him for one of the threshers.
26 Oct. 1894
Mrs. Harris returned from a trip to Arkansas Wed. eve.
7 May 1897
Mrs. Harris shipped a car load of corn Wednesday.
14 Feb. 1902
Mrs. Harris was called to Lawrence Wednesday on account of an accident to her sister, Mrs. Wade.
March 7, 1902
Mrs. Harris returned Tuesday from Lawrence where she has been for a few days taking care of her sister, Mrs. Wade who was injured a short time ago by falling down stairs. She is now in a fair way to recover.
20 June 1902
Mrs. Burnett of Oklahoma arrived Sunday to spend a few weeks with her sister, Mrs. S.F. Harris.
29 Aug. 1902
Mrs. S. F. Harris has purchased the hotel and will take possession the first of November. Her son Ed will have charge of the liverly barn.
28 Nov. 1902
Mrs. Harris is making several improvements at the hotel. The office is to be changed into the North room, the large South room will be included in the dining room.
17 Dec. 1902
Mrs. Harris spent a few days last week looking after her Anderson County farm. She said the crops in that county are simply immense. She has 150 acres of corn on her farm yeieded 50 bushels per acre.
17 July 1903
Mrs. Ida Justice and little daughter of Cedar Rapids, Iowa are visiting relatives in the community. Mrs. Justice is the sister of Henry Davidson and a niece of Mrs. Harris.
27 Nov. 1903
Mrs. Davidson served a four o'clock Lunch Monday eve; Mrs. Gordon, Miss Rose Glenn and Miss Fannie Walters were present.
July 10, 1908
Mrs. S.F. Harris went to Topeka Thursday.
LECOMPTON SUN:
Frt. Oct. 28, 1910
Golden Wedding
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Payson Harris celebrated their golden wedding, Saturday, by receiving from 3 to 10 p.m. During this time at least one hundred and fifty of their friends and neighbors called to pay their regards and add their wishes for many more years of life. They were the recipients of many presents.
Miss Sarah F. Davidson and Edward P. Harris were married at Lawrence at the home of her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Jasper Davidson, Oct. 22, 1860 by Dr. Richard D. Cordley pastor of the Congregational church of Lawrence. Henry A. Davidson was the only one present, Saturday, who was present, fifty years ago. Mrs. Mary Burnatt, of Oregon, S. M. Thatcher, and Mrs. Richard Cordley, of Topeka, are the only ones living, who witnessed the marriage ceremony. Mrs. Cordley wrote them a beautiful letter.
In 1867, they purchased their Elm Heights farm, which was their home until about eight years ago, and it is still in their possession.
Mrs. Harris has always been a very active woman, managing their various farms and other interest, while Mr. Harris was employed in the city.
Mrs. Harris is a native of Missouri, having been born in 1839, and moved to Lawrence, Kans., in 1856. Mr. Harris was born in Hudson, New Hampshire, in 1834. In 1853, he began work with the Lowell (Mass) American as an apprentice. Afterwords he worked on newspapers in Worcester, Mass. and New York. When the struggle to make Kansas a free state came, he responded to the call for free-state settlers, and came to Lawrence in 1856, taking an active part in the struggle of the territory. Later he was invited by John Brown to be a member of the historic, but ill -advised Harper's Ferry movement. This invitation he declined. Mr. Harris worked on Lawrence papers until 1862 when he went to the foremanship of Jacob Stotler's Emporia news. In a year or two he returned to Lawrence as foreman of the Journal, which place he held until 1873, when he went to Topeka to take charge of the State Printing office under George W. Martin. In 1891 he was offered a better position with Crane & CO, and is still with them. For many years he has had the reputation of being the best proof- reader in the United States.
Obituary:
LECOMPTON SUN
Friday, Jan. 27, 1911
MRS. HARRIS DIES SUDDENLY
Saturday afternoon about four o'clock, Mrs. Sarah Harris was stricken with apoplexy, at eleven o'clock she passed away. She was in her usual health and a short time before she was stricken, she had been laughing and joking with Jim Burnette and her son Ed.
All the family were present when death came. Mrs. Sarah F. Harris, whose maiden name was Davidson, was born at Meramec, Missouri November 29, 1839; died at Lecompton, Kansas January 21, 1911, aged 71 years, 1 month and 22 days. With her brothers family she came to Kansas in 1856, residing in Douglas county.
She was married to Mr. E.P. Harris Oct. 22, 1860. To this union were born nine children, three of whom are living. After the Civil War they bought what is known as the Harris farm, (Elm Heights) and here she made her home until 1902. At that time they moved into town where they have since resided.
Besides her husband, she leaves one daughter, Mrs. Fred Hill, of Topeka, and two sons, Edward P. Harris, Jr., Lecompton and Dwight T. Harris, Topeka, and six grandchildren.
Mrs. Harris held various positions of responsibility and trust. At different times she represented the Women's Relief Corps. as delegate both to the state and national conventions.
For a number of years she was a member of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee of Lane University. She was a member of the City Council for a term of years. At the time of her death she was a member of the board of trustees of the U.B. Church.
Mrs. Harris was in many ways a remarkable woman and her influence and popularity in this community was attested by the very large number who attended her funeral. For more than forty years she had been doing her part in the shaping of its history. She was generous and there are scores to whom she gave financial and other aid.
Senator J.L. Brody of the Lawrence Journal in Monday's issue gave an estimate of Mrs. Harris that so thoroughly characterizes her, that the Sun can do no better than to incorporate it in this article.
He said in part:
Mrs. Harris was one of the great women of the state. She always took a keen interest in affairs and was an important a factor in the world. She did things in a big way and was the leading spirit in development of the town and country. Her work will not soon be forgotten because it was the practical, useful kind that is worthwhile. The death of this great woman is a great bereavement to those who had come to lean on her. She always liked to be leaned upon. She was always glad to be useful and never tired of helping her friends.
The death of Mrs. Harris takes another of those sterling old timers whose lives are so rich. These people built for all time and the work they did will last because it was in the service of civilization and progress.
Sunday morning the Methodist Sunday School held a short memorial service in her honor.
The funeral was held at the Chapel Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock and was conducted by Rev. J. Lewis of Topeka. The floral tributes were many and beautiful. Many friends were present from Lawrence, Topeka, Tecumseh, and Perry.
Topeka Paper
Tues, Jan 24, 1911
The death of Mrs. S.F. Harris of Lecompton is one of the big losses of the year. Mrs. Harris was 71 years of age and she lived one of the most useful lives of anyone in the state. She came here a young girl, strong, vigorous and ambitious. She pioneered at a time when pioneering meant hardship and denial. She worked for 50 years a big Kansas farm and she had results every year. She was a great woman; great in heart and mind. Her work will live because she was one of those strong personalities that make impressions. To meet her was to realize that you were in the presence of no ordinary woman. To know her was a liberal education and to have her for your friend was one of the rich treasures of life.
Lecompton Hotels, William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, 1883
Subsequently, the Legislature assembled in a two- story frame building, which stood across Elmore street east from the Rowena Hotel, and which was known as Rowena Hall. After the Free-State party acquired the ascendancy, the Legislature, though convening at Lecompton as the law required, adjourned to Lawrence each year thereafter, until the Territory became a State. A large frame hotel, named the American Hotel, was built in the spring of 1856; in the fall, the National Hotel was built, and in 1857, the Rowena. This latter hotel was a large three -story stone building, erected by a company, and is the only one of the three now standing
-----------------------------------------
Windsor Hotel (United Methodist Church) (1884)
Originally constructed as a drug store by B.H. Leslie in 1884. Remodeled and renamed the Windsor Hotel in 1903. Purchased and remodeled in 1921 by the United Brethren Church. Dedicated as a church in 1922. Became the Lecompton United Methodist Church in 1968 with the merger of the town's United Brethren and Methodist Churches.
Per article under Ed, their daughter and son-in-law managed the hotel. In 1902, the Harris' bought a house to live in...not sure what hotel is referenced to in the articles above. Maybe just a joke about her, as she stayed in the hotel while waiting for modifications to her house to be complete.
Husband Jasper Marion Stokes
Born: 2 Dec 1869 - Fayette County, Illinois
Christened:
Died: 27 Nov 1947 - Hillsboro, Montgomery County, Illinois
Buried:
Father: John Milton Stokes
Mother: Elizabeth Fleet
Marriage: 18 Mar 1894 - Fayette County, Illinois
Wife Sarah B Davidson
Born: Nov 1875 - Illinois
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Henry Clinton Davidson
Mother: Narcissus Jane Cook
Children
General Notes: Husband - Jasper Marion Stokes
Name: Jasper Marion Stokes
Birth Date: 2 Dec 1869
Birth Place: Fayette Co , Illinois
Death Date: 27 Nov 1947
Death Place: Hillsboro, Montgomery, Illinois
Burial Date: 29 Nov 1947
Burial Place: Fillmore, Montgomery, Illinois
Cemetery Name: Glendale
Death Age: 77
Race: White
Marital Status: M
Gender: Male
Father Name: John Milton Stokes
Father Birth Place: Fayette Co., Illinois
Mother Name: Elizabeth Fleet
Mother Birth Place: Tenn.
Spouse Name: Sarah
FHL Film Number: 1991969
Illinois Marriages:
Name: Jasper M. Stokes
Gender: Male
Spouse Name: Sarh R. Davidson
Marriage Date: Mar 18, 1894
Marriage County: Fayette
Comments: This record can be found at the County Court Records located at Vandalia, IL.
1900 Fayette Co., Ill
Anc.com Image-28/p69/Sh18a/Ed15/Dw351/Hurricane Township
Stokes, Jasper (Jasper M. Stokes) w m Dec 1869 30 m6yrs
Stokes, Sarah R. (Sarah R. Davidson) wife w f Nov 1875 24 m6yrs 0ch 0li
Davidson, John H. brother-in-law w m Sep 1877 22 divorced Illinois Ilinois Illinois
1910 Fayette, Co, Ill, some Rhodes on the same page
Hurricane Township
Jasper Stokes 40, Il, Il, Il, farmer, number years married: 16
Sarah Stokes 35, Il, Il, Il, number years married: 16
John A Davis 32, Il, Il, Il, single, brother-in-law, farm laborer
1920 Witt, Montgomery, Illinois
Jasper M Stokes 50, Il, Il, TN, farmer
Sarah R Stokes 44, Il, Il, Il,
Sarah W Forbus 13, Il, Il, Il, niece
1930 Audubon, Montgomery, Illinois
Jasper Stokes 60, IL, IL, TN, farmer, age at first marriage: 24
Sarah Stokes 54, IL, IL, IL, age at first marriage: 18
General Notes: Wife - Sarah B Davidson
SS Death Index:
Name: Sarah Stokes
SSN: 358-42-2616
Last Residence: 62521 Decatur, Macon, Illinois, United States of America
Born: 1 Sep 1878
Died: Jun 1969
State (Year) SSN issued: Illinois (1965)