My Genealogy Hound

Lea Harris, trustee, of Weakley County, Tenn., was born in North Carolina, in 1826. His father, Stephen Harris, was born in Virginia, in 1790, and followed the occupations of farming and shoemaking. He went to South Carolina in his youth, and after residing there a few years, left the Palmetto State and went to North Carolina, where he married Mary Lea, who was a native of that State. To them were born six children. The mother died in 1828, and the father took for his second wife Elizabeth Lea (sister of his first wife), and died in 1859. Lea Harris was educated in his native State, and when a small boy commenced working at the shoe-maker’s trade with his father and continued until he was grown. September 9, 1844, he married Irena Lea, daughter of Barnett J. and Desdamony Lea. Mrs. Harris was born in North Carolina, February 15, 1823. They have three children living: Mary Frances (Mrs. G. W. Higgs), Stephen J. and Elzada A. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Harris left his native State and came to Weakley County, Tenn., and purchased property in the Fourth District, and began his career as a farmer. In 1868 he was elected constable and held the position four years. After a lapse of two years he was again elected to the same office, which he filled three years. In 1870 he began buying leaf tobacco, and for eleven years was the leading tobacco buyer, and was one of the most prominent citizens of Weakley County. In 1882 he was elected county trustee, and at the expiration of that term was re-elected, and again re-elected in 1886. He bought property in the town and is now a permanent resident of Dresden. He is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic fraternity, Lodge No. 9. He belongs to the Christian Church.