After graduating from the University of Georgia in 1836, Harris moved to Lowndes County, Mississippi in 1840 where he became a slaveholder and wealthy planter.

[2][4] The elder Jeptha Vining Harris was a Georgia militia general during the War of 1812, prominent lawyer, planter and state representative.

[8][9] At the outbreak of the Civil War, at his own expense, Jeptha Vining Harris equipped a company of soldiers for the Confederate Army.

[2] The unit was positioned on the far left of the Confederate line east of Fort Hill under the overall command of Brigadier General John C.

[2][3] On August 26, 1864, Harris was appointed a colonel and given command of the militia force at Macon, Mississippi, where he completed his war service.

[2][3] After the Civil War, Jeptha V. Harris returned to his farm in Lowndes County, Mississippi, where he died on November 21, 1899.