Born on March 5, 1763, in Iredell County, Province of North Carolina, British America, Harris read law in 1791.
He entered private practice in New Bern, North Carolina starting in 1791.
[1] Harris was nominated by President Thomas Jefferson on April 27, 1802, to a seat on the United States Circuit Court for the Fifth Circuit vacated by Judge Henry Potter.
He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 29, 1802, and received his commission on May 3, 1802.
His service terminated on July 1, 1802, due to abolition of the court.