My Genealogy Hound

DANIEL HARRIS came to Berrien County, Mich., in 1853, and was one of the true patriots who yielded up their lives in their country’s service during the Civil War. Mr. Harris was born in Vermont in 1833 and was a son of Eseec and Prudy (Pratt) Harris. The father of our subject was a farmer of the Green Mountain State, and amid the rugged hills the son grew to manhood, attending the nearest district school and assisting with the agricultural cares of the homestead. Mr. Harris remained with his parents until eighteen years of age and then bought his time of his father, giving him for the next three years’ precious labor $100. Our subject began life for himself by working out by the month for one year. When only nineteen years old he rented his father’s farm, and a twelve month later entered into the bonds of matrimony.

After his marriage Mr. Harris learned the blacksmith trade and combined blacksmithing and farming. In December of 1853 he emigrated to Michigan and, arriving in Berrien County, selected Galien Township as his future home. He at once located on the farm now owned by his widow. The homestead contained forty acres of fertile and valuable land, and after taking possession of it our subject devoted himself entirely to the tilling of the soil. He was a thoroughly upright man and a member of the Christian Church. Politically, he was a Republican.

In 1862, Daniel Harris enlisted in Company G, Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry, and with his regiment was immediately forwarded to the seat of war. Upon the battlefield of Petersburgh, in August, he was captured by the enemy and carried to Libby Prison, where he remained but a short time, being removed thence to Andersonville Prison, in which he died after enduring terrible suffering, caused mainly by starvation. Thus passed away a noble and courageous man, a true American citizen.

The maiden name of the widow of our subject was Lydia Yaw. This estimable lady was born in Berkshire County, Mass., in 1836. Her parents were Pardon and Sylvia (Bliss) Yaw. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Harris was Moses Yaw, a representative Vermont farmer, whose wife was Lydia Jones. Pardon Yaw was born on the old Green Mountain homestead in 1791. He was reared on the farm and carefully trained in all the various duties of agriculture. He also followed the carpenter’s trade and grew up to manhood a self-reliant and energetic man, well fitted to make his way in life. In religious belief he was broad in his views and was a member of the Universalist Church. He was a strong Jacksonian Democrat, and ably defended his political convictions with sound argument. He married in early life and afterward made his home in Massachusetts, but finally returned to his native State. He died in 1855, deeply mourned by lifetime friends and acquaintances. The maternal great-grandfather was Jacob Bliss, his wife being Bethiah Brown. Mrs. Harris was one of twenty children, sixteen of whom survived to mature years. There were neither twins nor triplets in the family and all the sons and daughters throve under the fostering care of their devoted mother. Mrs. Harris was reared on the farm and received her education in the school of the district. Her opportunities for study were ended at thirteen and at sixteen she married. She has three children left by the husband whose memory is revered and honored by his son and daughters. Seymour B. is the eldest-born; Prudey L. is the wife of Hugh B. Hunter; Emily is married to John A. Hunter. Mrs. Hugh B. Hunter has five children: Lola V., Lloyd, George, Howard, and a baby not named. Mrs. John A. Hunter has one son, Harvey B. Mrs. Harris is a prominent member of the Disciples Church and with her family occupies a position of usefulness and influence.