[2] The family migrated to England, Canada, and Australia, before settling in New Zealand in East Tāmaki in 1847.
[2] With the outbreak of the New Zealand Wars, he joined the Otahuhu Cavalry Volunteers in 1861, and, as The Press in Christchurch as a contemporary source records, "for a few years subsequently galloped about slaying Maoris [sic] in the interests of settlement, civilisation, and Christianity.
[1] He contested the 1890 election in the reconstituted Franklin electorate, but was defeated by Ebenezer Hamlin.
[7] Harris then represented the Franklin electorate from 1893 to 1896, when he was again defeated, by future Prime Minister William Massey.
[11] He died at his home, Taumaihi, on 12 February 1928 and was buried at Pukekohe Cemetery.