Elisha Harris

Elisha Harris ( born September 8, 1791 in Cranston, Rhode Iceland, † February 1, 1861 ) was an American politician and 1847-1849 Governor of the State of Rhode Iceland.

Early years and political career

Elisha Harris attended the common schools and the East Greenwich Seminary. After leaving school, he worked as an accountant at the company Roger Williams Mills. In 1822 he started his own business and founded his own company.

Politically, Harris was a member of the Whig party, which he represented for several legislative periods in the House of Representatives from Rhode Iceland. Between 1846 and 1847 he was vice- governor of his state, and in 1847 he was elected governor. After a re-election in 1848 he was able to hold that office between May 4, 1847, and May 1, 1849. During this time, he campaigned for a school and administrative reform. In 1850 he candied again, but without success, for the office of governor.

Further CV

Between 1846 and 1861 Harris was president of the Providence Bank. After the dissolution of the Whigs, he joined the newly formed Republican Party. In the presidential election of 1860 he was one of the electors of Abraham Lincoln. Elisha Harris died on February 1, 1861., With his wife Sarah Taylor had three children.