Jeptha Vining Harris (doctor) facts for kids

Jeptha Vining Harris (born May 27, 1839 – died 1914) was an important person during and after the American Civil War. He worked as a doctor, helping soldiers in both the Confederate States Army and the Confederate States Navy. After the war, he moved to Key West, Florida, where he continued to be a doctor. He also served as a customs collector and helped improve schools as a superintendent.

A Look at His Life

Jeptha Vining Harris was born on May 27, 1839. This was in a place called Abbeville District in Abbeville County, South Carolina. He was the sixth child in his family. His parents were James Walton Harris and Martha Watkins Harris.

Jeptha grew up in different states, including North Carolina and Mississippi. He had a famous uncle, also named Jeptha Vining Harris. This uncle was a general during the Civil War and a state senator in Mississippi. His grandfather, another Jeptha Vining Harris, was also a general in Georgia during the War of 1812. He was also a well-known lawyer.

Jeptha went to college and medical school at the University of Mississippi. He finished his studies in 1859.

On March 5, 1861, Jeptha V. Harris married Mary Perkins from Mississippi. They had three children: Jeptha V. Harris, Jr., Louis A. Harris, and Martha Watkins Harris. Both of their sons grew up to become lawyers.

Serving During the Civil War

Soon after finishing his medical training, Harris became an assistant surgeon. He served in both the Confederate States Army and the Confederate States Navy. This was during the American Civil War. His job was to help injured soldiers and sailors.

Life After the War

After the Civil War ended, Harris and his family moved to Key West, Florida. There, he became a customs collector. This meant he worked for the government, collecting taxes on goods brought into the country. He even lived in the Customs House.

He also started his medical practice again, helping people in Key West as a doctor.

Harris cared a lot about making public education better. Because of this interest, he became the school superintendent in Key West. This job meant he was in charge of the schools in the area. A school built in Key West in 1909 was named Harris School in his honor.

His Final Years

Doctor Jeptha Vining Harris passed away on November 16, 1916. He is buried in the Key West Cemetery in Key West, Florida.