El Dorado County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm



 
 
THOMAS HARRIS
 
            Early in the fifty�s, Diamond Springs was rated high among the towns 
of El Dorado.  In 1854 excitement ran to fever heat, and the business pulse 
throbbed fast and strong. We are creditably informed that from 40 to 50 
mercantile houses were open and doing a good trade.  Substantial buildings were 
erected of stone and brick that would do credit to our most pretentious towns of 
the present time.
            The failing of the mines and the devastation by fire wrought the 
ruin of the place, and of all that once was, naught now remains save the 
business houses and surroundings owned and operated by Thomas Harris, the 
subject of our notice.  He was born in the town of Wingham in the county of East 
Kent, England, on the 14th day of April, 1828.  His father was John Harris who 
kept a baker and confectionary in which Thomas worked when a boy.  At the age of 
13 years he left his father�s home and in the struggle for self support, engaged 
in dispensing drugs and medicines in his native town for about four years, 
thence to the Isle of Wright [sic] where he pursued the same business until 
1848, after which time he spent a few months at his home and in 1849 he crossed 
the briny deep to America, and remained in New York State, at Rochester, until 
1852, when the news of the famous gold fields of El Dorado enticed him to her 
domain.  Since January, 1853, Mr. Harris has been counted among the substantial 
and permanent residents of Diamond Springs.  Most of the time from �53 to �64 he 
was engaged in mining, occasionally clerking in McHatton�s store.  In 1864 he 
bought the place in company with Nathan Levy, after one year Keegan bought the 
interest of Levy and that firm continued for about 18 months, when Harris 
purchased the entire business and has conducted it alone since, as a general 
merchandise store.  Married in 1860 to Margaret W. Corcoran, this union has been 
blessed by a family of seven children, viz.:  Maria M., Mary A., Thomas J., 
Carrie V.,  Susan F., Charles E., and one died unnamed, Susan F. died on 
February 1, 1882.  Mr. Harris came to the States poor, but by faithful attention 
to business, fair dealing and prudent economy, has gained for himself a good 
home and competence.  He is surrounded by an intelligent and interesting family 
that contribute much to his happiness in declining years.
 
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & 
Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo 
Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 248
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler