San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 1531-1532
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 2/3/2010
MRS. EMILY M. HARRIS
An esteemed lady long resident in Stockton, whose accomplishments in the management of her estate have entitled her to the confidence and esteem of her fellow-citizens, is Mrs. Emily M. Harris, now living at 111 North Tuxedo street. As Emily M. Dees, she was the popular daughter of Daniel R. Dees, an overseer of Arkansas plantations, having been born in Sebastian County, on Saint Valentine's Day, 1852; her mother was Lucy Allison before her marriage.
In 1857, Daniel Dees crossed the great plains bound for California, and after arriving, he settled for awhile at Petaluma, where he bought a ranch, a part of an old Spanish grant, and looked forward to making his home there; but when the grant-holders contested the title, he lost all he had invested. He then migrated from place to place for awhile, and finally settled at Carson City, Nev., where he became a mine superintendent. He passed away there.
Partly as a result of these migrations, Emily Dees went to school in various places; and if she fared none too well because of such changes in her schools and programs, she at least came to know a good number and an interesting variety of teachers. There were nine children besides herself in her parents' family, but only four are living today. Allison D. and Joel D. are in Nevada; Lewis is in Los Angeles; and Emily, or Mrs. Harris, is the subject of our interesting story.
On May 6, 1867, Emily was married at Marysville to Edward Harris, who had been born in Indiana on September 15, 1841. His parents were John and Lucinda Harris, and their forebears may be traced back through the pioneer days of the Hoosier State to good old Revolutionary stock. As a young man, in 1859 Edward Harris made the journey overland across the plains, remaining only until the breaking out of the Civil War, when, being patriotic to the core, he returned East by the Pony Express, and on his arrival at his old home he enlisted in Company D., 5th Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, serving throughout the war in General Sherman's cavalry in the Georgia campaign and on the march to the sea. He was captured and as a prisoner was sent to Andersonville. After the great struggle was over, he returned to California and set up his household gods for two years on the old Messick Rancho near Marysville. He and his good wife then removed to Stockton, and he farmed for many years in the Delta lands, Roberts Island, carrying on his operations of grain-raising extensively. On March 9, 1917, he passed away, an honored member of the Rawlins Post of the Grand Army of the Republic.
For the last thirty-seven years, Mrs. Harris has made her home in Stockton, and five children have added to her earthly pleasures. Jean has become Mrs. James Gianelli; Lucy is a teacher; William is at Clements; Edward F. is of Stockton; and Gay is Mrs. Youdall, of the same city. There are now nine grandchildren. Mrs. Gianelli is the mother of Norma and Jack; William's daughter is named Emily Martha; Lowell and Jean are the two children of Edward F. Harris; and Gay Youdall's four children are named Leonard Harris, Harris Hugh, Edward Dees, and Peter Gaylen.
History of
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
With A
Biographical Review
of
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY BY
George H. Tinkham
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
San Joaquin County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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