Born in Almeley, Herefordshire, Harris married Eliza Dickinson, a widow, in Liverpool in 1848.

He ran a slaughterhouse for a time, then became a butcher shortly afterward and made his fortune.

At election time, Harris won by "forest of hands" amid a group of 600 men.

During his second official council meeting, the 300 pound (136 kg) Harris had a chair collapse under his own weight.

His stepson Robert Dickinson took over the shop in New Westminster and served as mayor of that city.