Henry H. Harris, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O., Marshall. Born in Howard county, Missouri, February 23, 1825. His father, Peter B. Harris, was a native of New London, Connecticut. Was a hatter by trade. Came to Franklin, Howard county in 1817. Here he married Miss Ann Hook, sister of William and Henry Hook, Santa Fe traders. William put up and operated a grist-mill on the site of the present one on Salt Fork, in 1832 or ’33. People came twenty miles to this mill. Peter B. and his wife were blessed with five children, all boys, one of whom is now living, Henry H. Peter B., died in 1875; his wife followed him in 1876. Both were buried in the Gilmer Cemetery. Henry H., the oldest son was educated at New Franklin and at Booneville. In 1846 he went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, entering into a partnership with his uncle, William Hook, which continued until 1847. In the spring of 1850 he went to California, where he remained until 1855, meeting with a moderate degree of success in mining. On his outward trip he crossed the plains with an ox team, returning by way of the isthmus. In the fall of 1855 he purchased the farm entered by his father consisting at that time of 400 acres, which by industry and economy he has increased to 500 acres. It is well improved, having a very fine dwelling and all of the appliances necessary for the cultivation of a well ordered farm. It is situated on the Marshall and Arrow Rock road, about five miles east of the former place. February 10, 1857, he married Mary Ann Staples, daughter of Col. James Staples, a native of Henry county, Virginia. They have six children, four girls and two boys: Mamie, Virginia, Annie Bird, May S., Thomas, and Henry H., Jr. In the fall of 1872 he was elected collector for Saline county. In 1874 he was re-elected to the same office, serving two terms with honor and credit to himself and his county. In 1850 he started with nothing. In 1874 we find him owning a fine farm of 500 acres, and standing high in the esteem of his friends and neighbors.
