Harris was educated at Westfield Academy, graduating at age 17 to pursue a career in business.

In 1867, at age 21, Harris joined the Union Central Life Insurance Company of Cincinnati, which he helped to found, as secretary.

The firm was initially based in Chicago and would later open offices in New York City and Boston.

Harris died just two months later in July 1916 at his summer home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Harris, who was actively involved with the Methodist Episcopal Church, donated the land for the construction of its main campus and chapel.