William Alexander Harris (Kansas politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Alexander Harris
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| United States Senator from Kansas |
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| In office March 4, 1897 – March 4, 1903 |
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| Preceded by | William A. Peffer |
| Succeeded by | Chester I. Long |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kansas's At-large district |
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| In office March 4, 1893 – March 3, 1895 |
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| Preceded by | Lewis Hanback |
| Succeeded by | Richard W. Blue |
| Member of the Kansas Senate | |
| In office 1895–1896 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | October 29, 1841 Luray, Virginia |
| Died | December 20, 1909 (aged 68) Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Populist |
William Alexander Harris (October 29, 1841 – December 20, 1909) was an important American politician. He served as a U.S. Representative and later as a U.S. Senator for the state of Kansas.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Alexander Harris was born in Luray, Virginia, on October 29, 1841. His father, also named William Alexander Harris, was a U.S. Congressman.
Young William went to local schools. He later studied at Columbian College in Washington, D.C., which is now George Washington University. He graduated from there in 1859.
In 1860, he joined the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). He was a good student and graduated early in December 1861.
Serving During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Harris joined the Confederate Army. He first worked as a drillmaster for an artillery company. In November 1861, he became an assistant adjutant general.
He was promoted to captain in January 1862. Later, he became an acting ordnance officer. This meant he managed weapons and ammunition. He was again promoted to captain in 1863. He then became the Chief of Ordnance for General Robert E. Rodes' division.
After the Battle of Gettysburg, he left the army.
Moving to Kansas
In 1865, after the war, Harris and his wife, Mary Lionberger, moved to Kansas. He started working as a civil engineer. He helped build the Union Pacific Railroad until 1868.
That year, he moved to Lawrence, Kansas. He worked for railroad companies, helping to sell land. In 1884, he moved to Linwood, Kansas, in Leavenworth County. There, he started farming and raising livestock.
Political Career
Following his father's path, William Alexander Harris entered politics. He became a member of the Populist Party.
- He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served from March 4, 1893, to March 4, 1895.
- He ran for reelection in 1894 but did not win.
- From 1895 to 1896, he was a member of the Kansas Senate.
- He was then elected as a U.S. Senator from Kansas. He served from March 4, 1897, to March 4, 1903.
- In 1906, he tried to become the governor of Kansas but was unsuccessful.
Harris is believed to be the only Confederate veteran ever elected to a major office in Kansas.
Later Life and Interests
After his political career, Harris returned to farming. He was well-known for raising shorthorn cattle. He was very popular in farming communities.
He also became the vice president of the Denver, Laramie & Northwestern Railroad. William Alexander Harris passed away in Chicago in 1909. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas.
