A local official, he was a member of the Wisconsin State Senate in the 1860s.
Following Charlotte's death, Harris married Susan Perkins in 1859.
One son, Edward, went on to become Postmaster and Mayor of Sturgeon Bay, as well as a justice of the peace.
Harris represented the 22nd District in the Senate during the 1864 and 1865 sessions.
A Republican, Harris was affiliated with the National Union Party.