Walter Alexander Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter Alexander Harris
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From 1936's Georgia's Participation in the World War and the History of the Department of Georgia, The American Legion
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| Born | November 17, 1875 Macon, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | March 15, 1958 (aged 82) Macon, Georgia |
| Buried |
Rose Hill Cemetery, Macon, Georgia
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1898–1919 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Spouse(s) | Emily Williamson (m. 1901-1936, her death) |
| Other work | Attorney |
Walter Alexander Harris (born November 17, 1875 – died March 15, 1958) was an American lawyer, writer, and a high-ranking officer in the U.S. Army. He is best known for his service during World War I.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Walter Harris was born in Macon, Georgia, on November 17, 1875. He went to the University of Georgia, where he earned his first degree in 1895. He then continued his studies in law, getting a law degree in 1896. Later, in 1928, he received an honorary law doctorate.
Legal and Community Work
After finishing his law studies, Harris became a lawyer in Georgia in 1896. He worked at a law firm in Macon. He also helped his local community by serving on the Bibb County Board of Education from 1905 to 1912. This board helps manage the schools in the county. He was also a member of the American Bar Association, a group for lawyers across the country.
Military Career and World War I
Walter Harris began his military service on May 1, 1898, by joining the Third Georgia Volunteer Infantry. He started as a private, which is the lowest rank, but quickly moved up. By April 1899, he had become a captain. He served in Cuba as part of the Army that occupied the area.
From 1916 to 1917, Harris led the Georgia National Guard along the border with Mexico. His most important military role was during World War I. From 1917 to 1918, he commanded the 61st Infantry Brigade, which was part of the 31st Infantry Division. He then took command of the entire 31st Division from September to November 1918.
After the war, he also commanded the 174th Infantry Brigade within the 87th Infantry Division. He returned to the U.S. with this command in January 1919. Walter Harris was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on January 21, 1919. He later became a retired major general in the Georgia National Guard, which is a very high rank.
Other Interests and Achievements
Besides his military and legal work, Walter Harris had many other interests. He was the president of the Macon Historical Association, a group that studies and preserves local history. He also led the Georgia Department of the American Legion, an organization for military veterans.
Harris was very interested in the history of the Creek Indians and did a lot of research about them. He was a trustee for Wesleyan College, helping to guide the school. He also wrote two books: Emperor Brim and Here the Creeks Sat Down.
Personal Life
Walter Harris married Emily Williamson on January 9, 1901. She passed away in June 1936. Harris was a member of the Democratic Party, which is one of the main political parties in the United States. He was also an Episcopalian, which is a Christian faith, and a Kiwanian, meaning he belonged to the Kiwanis Club, a community service organization.
