The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-11-14

At 1920 o'clock this morning the peo-
pie of this community Will pay the last
sad tribute CT respect to the remains of
toms most venerable, useful and infiu-
entail citizens.
in yesterdays Messenger announce
ment was made of the very critical ILL
ness of Mr.. Harriss and that his death
was then ~momentarily expected. The
morning, thus bringing to a close a long
and useful career, active alike in COM
mercial, religious and social circles
George Harriss was born in this city
July 9th. 1927, and was educated al
Donaldson Academy. near Fayetteville,
al institution which in ante belIum
times prepared very many young men
for eminently successful careers in both
commercial and professional life.
Before embarking n business fol
himself Mr.. HarTiss Tiled with credit
clerical positions, first in the commits
sion mercantile establishment of the
late r. w. Brown and subsequently
with George w. Davis, ship broker. 1t
was dDOuL Ict1Y MI. I1dTIiSS DC1nS ABOUT
Il years of age, that he formed a CO.
partnership with Henry P. Russell, un-
der the firm name OF Harriss and Rus
sell in the ship brokerage business and
thus began a career in this useful
branch of commercial life, so that be-
fore his death he attained the honored
rank of being the IL gest and withal
the oldest ship broker In the United
States.
Within a few years Mr.. Russell with
drew from the firm 20 engage in bust
ness in Charleston. For some time
thereafter Mr.. Harriss conducted the
business lone. The firm name was
then changed to Harriss and Howell,
other members of the firm being Dr..
w. w. Harriss, and Mr.. a. J. Howell,
Sr. A few years since these two gen
tlemen withdrew from the firm and
Mr.. w. n. Harriss, o of the deceased.
became a member of the company, the
firm name being as at present, George
Harriss, Son & Co.
A USEFUL CAREER.
In her municipal, social and religious
life the city Of Wilmington has for
many years felt the salutary influence
of Mr.. Harriss' wise cOunsellngS and
the time is far distant, if it ever comes
within the span Of time, when these
influences will a to be evident and
the fruits OIL MS uSeIul ClulZ6DSIllp are
fully developed.
The deceased was especially identi-
fed with every shipping and CONNER
cial interest and was ever alert to pro-
mote the interest and growth of Will
mington as a commercial center and a
great shipping port. He was an active
member of several of Wilmington's
business organizations notably the
Chamber eff Commerce and the Pro-
duce Exchange. In the first named
body he was a charter member n an
eX-president. 1t is of especial interest
to note hat of the forty odd leading
business men who organized the Cham
Der of Commerce in 1858 all have been
dead for some time except Mr.. George
E. A. Keith, the whereabouts of the
last named gentleman, however, no.
being known. So that the death of
Mr.. Harriss now leaves Mr.. Chadbourn
as the only surviving charter member
of h chamber resident in Whining
ton.
MI. Harriss was a director in the old
Commercial National Bank prior to the
war and was a director and large stock
holder in the Wilmington and Weldon
railroad. During the civil war he was
aid to Governor Brown, of Georgia, as
state agent, managing at this port their
shipments of cotton and receiving sup
liz III ~ III u1S III
crate army. He ranked as colonel.
Mr.. Harriss was a life member OF
the Seamen's Friend Society, having
for many years been honored with the
presidency and especially active in the
noble work of caring for seafaring men
which is the especial mission Of the
organization. He contributed largely
to it's support and was a regu-
lar attendant pon the services at the
Bethel" an institution which has shed
sunshine and the most benine influ-
ences upon the lives and into the hearts
of %seafaring men from every point OF
the coumpas the world over A fitting
tribute to the life and usefulness of the
deceased by the directors of the Sea
mems Friend Society is subjoined to
this article.
Mr.. Harriss was a mason, having
been a member of Wilmington Lodge
and Concord Chapter and an honorary
member Of the c~ommandery.
The deceased was a membe of the
First Presbyterian church and contrib
uted literally to its support. 1t is a
touching and noteworthy fact hat the
excellent bel, in the First Presbyte-
rian church belfry, which will toll fol
the funeral of the deceased this morn
ing was contributed by him years age
and has his name inscribed upon it as
the donor.
Mr.. Harriss was the son of DR..
William 1. and Mrs. Mary P. Harriss
both having long since died. His
beloved wife, who was Miss Julia o
Sanders, also preceded him to the grave
as did several children. Six SON and
one daughter survive and have the sim
cerest sympathy of this entire commu-
nifty in the loss of their devoted father,
They are Mr.. John S. Harriss. Mr..
George Harriss, Jr., Mr.. w. N. Hariss,
(exmayor Of Wnmington.) DR.. A. H.
Harriss, Mr.. Bellamy Harriss, Mr.
Robert Harriss and Miss Ruth Harriss
Four sisters and a brother also survive
the deceased-Mrs. J.. D.. Bethany, Mrs
A. ]. Howell, Mrs. ". !. Norment Miss
Mary Harriss and DR.. W. w. Harriss
all except Mrs. Norment. who resides
at Lumberton being residents Of this
city.
THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
As previously stated the funeral will
be from the First Presbyterian church
at 1920 o'clock his morning, the inter
ment to be in Oakdale cemetery.
The Chamber of Commerce VIII at
tend in a body and all members are
requested to assemble at the room in
tbo ri Air Line building in tim