- Call Number:
- HIL-MICL FC LFR .H3J6P3
- Category:
- Family
- Creator:
- Harris, John, 1782-1850.
- Material Description:
- 3 microfilm textual records 35 mm
- Background:
John Harris (1782-1850) served in the British navy and became a master in 1808. In 1813 he was appointed to the North American service at which time he was master of the Prince Regent. He was instructed to examine the Grand River and the coast of Lake Erie for shipbuilding locations, and to take part in a survey of the Great Lakes. In 1819 he received permission from the Naval Office to reside in Canada for twelve months, but by 1821 he had been appointed treasurer of the London district. In 1834 he moved to Eldon House in London where he continued as treasurer until his death.
In 1815 he married Amelia Ryerse (b. 1798). Amelia was the daughter of Samuel Ryerse who had commanded a company of the New Jersey Volunteers in the Revolutionary War, and later came to New Brunswick. In 1794 he settled at Long Point, Norfolk County, Upper Canada. Amelia and John had three sons, all lawyers, and seven daughters.
- Contents:
The Papers of John Harris are contained on three microfilm reels which are arranged in chronological order.
Reel 1 includes the period of 1794-1828; Reel 2, 1829-1830; and Reel 3 is supplementary.
The material consists mainly of correspondence relating to the position of treasurer for the London District; and documents, such as statements of sums to be collected and paid to the treasurer, monies received as taxes, disbursements, assessments and road taxes, and collectors' bonds. There are a number of family papers including a deed and will for Samuel Ryerse; the marriage certificate of John and Amelia Harris; accounts; and personal correspondence with Amelia and E. Robinson. In addition, there are records regarding John Harris's naval activity and Rebellion losses claims.
- Originals:
The original records are held by the Regional Collection, Western University, Ontario, London.
- Archival Ref. No.:
AFC 48
- Finding Aids:
A detailed table of contents is located at the beginning of each reel.
A combined table of contents and microfilm shelf list is available in print.
Draft finding aid available digitally through Western Libraries, Archives and Special Collections for Sous-fonds 1, Harris Family Papers and Sous-fonds 3, John Harris Business Records, More information also available on the The John and Amelia Harris Family fonds.
The table of contents for Reel 3 consists of the document number, year and date, with no additional information.