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Description
Charles Harris, a native of England, was born in 1772. He received his early education in France and immigrated to the United States in 1788 at the age of sixteen. He located in Savannah, Georgia and studied for the profession of law under Samuel Stirk, a noted attorney and political figure. Harris opened his own practice in 1793 and quickly attained legal reputation; representing at least one case before the US Supreme Court. In December of 1798 he married Cathrine McCauley McIntosh, daughter of Revolutionary War hero General Lachlan McIntosh. He was elected Savannah city Alderman in 1801, beginning a long and notable civic career, which included terms with the Board of Health; the city Exchange and city PoorHouse and Hospital Boards of Trustees; numerous chairs of aldermanic and society committees; and three terms as mayor. He was twice elected to the Judgeship of the Eastern (GA) Circuit, declining both times. He was also offered a seat on the US Senate in 1809 only decline. A devoted family man, he fathered two children; neither of whom apparently survived him. The death of his beloved wife in 1815 was deeply felt and in combination with his own ill health led to gradual semi-retirement. His death in 1827 was noted with sincere regret by many and a sense of loss by most of his fellow citizens. A street in Savannah and a county of Georgia are named in his honour. Most certainly among the prominent men of his time he was accorded by some to be the ablest lawyer of his day.
Publication Date
Fall 1987
Recommended Citation
Senterfitt, Donald, "Charles Harris" (1987). Savannah Biographies. 100.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/sav-bios-lane/100
