Caledonia

HARRIS, Charles A.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 183 
(portrait p 183)

Charles A. HARRIS, of East Burke [Caledonia County, Vermont], was born 02 
September 1820 in Lyndon [Caledonia County, Vermont], son of Amasa and Ruth 
(TARBOX) HARRIS. His educational advantages were limited to the public 
schools of Lyndon, supplemented by a course of study at the academy of that 
village. As soon as he had arrived at man's estate, he commenced his 
business career by entering the employ of the Farmers and Mechanics 
Mercantile Company of St. Johnsbury [Caledonia County], where he remained 
more than two years, when in company with associates he bought the business, 
and under the style of John Bacon & Company they continued until 1847. He 
then went to Derby ["Derby" is in Essex County, Vermont; may mean "Derby 
Centre" or "Derby Line" in Orleans County, Vermont] and remained two years 
pursuing a similar occupation, after which he connected himself with Mr. 
Harry HIMMAN [HINMAN?], under the firm name of C. A. Harris & Company. For 
twenty years Mr. HARRIS remained in business in Derby. In March 1867 he 
removed to East Burke, where he purchased a small farm and also a store in 
company with Daniel TOWNSEND, and engaged in trade until March 1872, after 
which time he continued by himself until 1893, when he gave his stock to his 
children and retired from the active cares of life.

His reputation as an able financier has been proved by his services as 
director of the Lyndonville National Bank [Caledonia County] for six years 
and his election to the presidency of that institution in 1889. He was made 
postmaster of both the towns of Derby Centre [Orleans County, Vermont] and 
East Burke [Caledonia County, Vermont], and gave entire satisfaction to the 
public during his administration of the office. Mr. HARRIS has held numerous 
town offices in Derby and East Burke, and was the representative of East 
Burke in the Legislature of 1874, where his services were creditable. Since 
1884 he has been justice of the peace. In his religious belief he is a 
Congregationalist, and he has long been an active member of this 
denomination. On 20 October 1847 Mr. [Charles A.] HARRIS was married to 
[Miss?] Euphemea Ramsey [submitter assumption that "Ramsey" is not a previous 
married name], daughter of Eben and Mary (TRUE) BLAKE. Two children have 
been born to them: Charles E., and Mary E.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly