Harris was born in Cranston, Providence County, Rhode Island.

He eventually became an owner of several manufacturing companies, banks and other enterprises, including serving as President of the Bank of North America in Providence, and operating the Harris Mill in the Harris.

Active in politics as a Whig, Harris served several terms in the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

Harris became a Republican when the party was founded in the mid-1850s, and he was a presidential elector in 1860.

Henry Howard, who also served as governor, was married to Harris's daughter Catherine.