John F. Harris (politician) facts for kids
John F. Harris (born around 1830 – died August 20, 1913) was an important American lawyer and politician from Greenville, Mississippi. In the late 1800s, he served on the Greenville city council. Later, in 1890, he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives. He was also a member of many local community groups. He is remembered for a speech he gave in 1890. In this speech, he supported a bill to fund a monument for Confederate veterans of the American Civil War.
Early Life and Education
John F. Harris was likely born between 1827 and 1831. He was enslaved until the American Civil War ended in 1865. During his time as an enslaved person, he worked as a carpenter.
After gaining his freedom, Harris began to study law. He mostly taught himself. Like another African American lawyer, Nathan S. Taylor, Harris studied law in the offices of Percy and Yerger. This was a very good law firm in Greenville. People said that Harris would carry his carpentry tools and a law book. When he wasn't working as a carpenter, he was reading about law. Harris became a lawyer in Greenville in December 1870.
He continued to work as a carpenter even while being a lawyer and public servant. He once joked that he feared slavery might return and force him back to carpentry. He also said that "law business is powerful dull," meaning it could be slow.
At that time, there were not many black lawyers in Mississippi. Harris became active in politics in the late 1870s. He ran for a position called Chancery Clerk in 1879. Harris was a member of the Republican Party. He worked with other Republican civil rights activists like John R. Lynch and James L. Alcorn.
Political Career
John F. Harris became a city councilman in Greenville by 1884. He held this job until 1889. In 1890, he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives.
As a Representative, Harris spoke out against the 1890 constitutional convention. This convention was mainly held to create rules that would stop black citizens from voting. These rules were the main reason the convention existed.
In February 1890, Harris gave a speech. He spoke in favor of a bill that would provide $10,000 for a Confederate memorial monument. This speech was partly a response to another representative, Ed S. Watson, who opposed the monument. Some people have used this speech to suggest that Harris supported the Confederacy. However, his actions were part of a complex political time.
Other Activities and Legacy
In 1905, John F. Harris became a leader in Mississippi for the National Negro Business League. This organization was started by Booker T. Washington. It aimed to help black businesses grow.
Harris was also a member of the Knights and Daughters of Jacob. This was a fraternal organization. It worked to raise money to support widows and orphans in the community.
John F. Harris passed away at his home in Greenville on the morning of August 20, 1913.
