J. J. Harris
American doctor, Confederate soldier, orange grower, postmaster and politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Junius J. Harris (January 11, 1834 – December 24, 1906) was a medical doctor, Confederate soldier, orange grower, state legislator, and postmaster who served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.[1]
Early life
Harris was born January 11, 1834, in Washington County, Georgia, to Daniel and Vashti (Franklin) Harris.[1] His father was a planter from North Carolina who died in 1863; his mother was from Georgia, and he had an elder brother Rev. Thomas M. Harris.[1]
Harris was educated at Emory College in Oxford, Georgia, graduating in 1853, then read medicine with doctors Henry and Robert Campbell in Augusta, Georgia; he graduated in 1855.[1] He started practising medicine in Washington, Georgia, for a year before moving to Rome, Georgia, but was forced to give up his growing practice due to health issues.[1]
He married Miss R. R. Mitchell, daughter of David R. Mitchell, November 1, 1855, and together they had seven children.[1]
Shortly after moving to Americus, Georgia, in 1861 Harris enlisted in the Confederate Army under Colonel A. S. Cutt and served in the American Civil War for four years as a private until forced to stop again due to health issues.[1] He returned to Smithville, Georgia, and practised medicine until 1869, when he moved to Brunswick, Georgia, and was elected to be mayor twice.[1][2]
Harris moved to Orange County, Florida, in 1874 and started orange growing.[1]
Politics
Harris was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1879, then again in 1881 when he became speaker of the house and finally again just as a representative the 1883-84 session.[3][4] He lived in Tuscawilla and represented Orange County, Florida.[5]
On January 4, the 1881 session was assembled and 1881 Harris motioned for Charles Dougherty to be elected Speaker pro tem.[6] Mr. Cottrell of Levy County, Florida later nominated Harris for Speaker who won with 53 votes for and 12 abstaining.[6]
Later life
Harris moved to Sanford, Florida, in 1882 where he purchased the Sanford Journal.[1] He was its editor for several years and later edited a newspaper at West Palm Beach.[7]
In 1887 Harris was appointed to the position of Sanford Postmaster.[1] He was Mayor of Sanford on more than one occasion.[7]
Death
Harris died December 24, 1906, from paralysis at his home in Sanford, Florida and was survived by his wife and five daughters.[8]
