Harris Township

This excerpt was taken from the History of Fulton County, published by Chas. C. Chapman & Co. in 1879.

This township, which borders upon the western boundary line of the county, was named in honor of John Harris, its first settler. Mr. Harris moved from Bernadotte township and located upon section 18 of this township as early as 1827. He erected a log cabin and for several years followed the occupation of hunting, finding abundance of game in the native forests and upon the broad, beautiful and uncultivated prairies. Mr. Harris came into the county first in 1825. He came from Ohio and returned, making the round trip on foot. Robert Harris was the first person to die in the township, and Mary Bumford was the first person born. The first marriage was that of Mr. A. Day and Miss Katy Harris. The first sermon preached in the township was by Rev. James Haney at the cabin of Isaac Sennett in 1834, to an audience of four persons. William Haney was the first Justice of the Peace. He was elected in 1840. The first church edifice erected was built in Marietta in 1841, and the first school-house was built on section 16 in 1839. The town of Marietta is situated upon the east half of section 16. This little village was founded in 1837 by Lorenzo Bevans, Benjamin Hoyt and others. At one time it was of considerable importance in the history of the county. At present it contains about 150 inhabitants.

Seville is a point in this township where the T., P. & W. railroad crosses Spoon river. A depot, blacksmith shop and 3 or 4 houses are there.

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Updated November 27, 2003