Henry R. Harris facts for kids
Henry Richard Harris (February 2, 1828 – October 15, 1909) was an important politician from Georgia. He served as a U.S. Representative, which means he helped make laws for the country.
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Early Life and Education
Henry Richard Harris was born in Sparta, Georgia, in 1828. When he was about five years old, his family moved to Greenville, Georgia. He went to school at an academy in Mount Zion, Georgia. Later, he graduated from Emory College in Oxford, Georgia, in 1847. This was a big achievement for his time.
Public Service and Military Role
In 1861, Henry Harris was part of Georgia's State constitutional convention. This was a meeting where important rules for the state were decided.
During the Civil War, a major conflict in American history, Henry Harris served as a colonel. He was part of the Confederate States Army.
Political Career in Congress
Henry Harris was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives several times.
First Terms in Congress
He first served in the U.S. House of Representatives for three terms. These were the Forty-third, Forty-fourth, and Forty-fifth Congresses. He was a Representative from March 4, 1873, to March 3, 1879. In 1878, he tried to be reelected for the Forty-sixth Congress but was not successful.
Later Congressional Term
After a break, Henry Harris was elected to Congress again. He served in the Forty-ninth Congress from March 4, 1885, to March 3, 1887. He decided not to run for reelection in 1886.
Other Government Roles
President Cleveland chose Henry Harris for another important job. He became the Third Assistant Postmaster General of the United States. This role involved helping to manage the country's mail system. He served in this position from April 1, 1887, to March 18, 1889.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time in government, Henry Harris worked in farming. He passed away in Odessadale, Georgia, on October 15, 1909. He was buried in Greenville Cemetery in Greenville, Georgia.
