The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-09-24
MRS. HARRIS GREAT HONOR.
Kansas Woman Who Won Place at
the Head of the w. II. O.

Mrs. Belle Harris of Emporia, who
was elected national president of the
w r. G. is the wife of State Employ
ment Agent Charles Harris. She is a
woman we'll known in Kansas for her
activity in connection with patriotic,
social and civic affairs. The vote,
which was almost unanimous, was
| made unanimous on motion. There
were several other candidates.
There is perhaps no more popular
or better known worker in the w. r.
c. ranks in the United States than
Mrs. Harris. She is one of the char
ter members in the relief corps in the
department of Kansas and has been
identified with the work of the great
patriotic organization for more than
two decades. She has held several
high offices in the relief corps and was
strongly Endorsed for the presidency
of the national organization at the
last convention in Salt Lake city,
but withdrew in favor of Miss Jennie
Iowa Berry.
This is the second time that the de-
partment of Kansas has been honored
by having a national president chosen
from its ranks. In 1892-3-the early
days of the organization, Mrs. Mar
garet r. Wilkins of this state held the
national reign of command. She was
very popular in Kansas and in the
ranks of the w. r. c. She took a
leading part in building up the organ
duties as matron of the Children's
Home of Illinois, have prevented her
taking an active part in the affairs of
the relief corps.
In Mrs. Belle c. Harris, the w. r.
G. will again have tireless worker
for it's president and one, who, from
environment and experience in the
work, is well equipped for the high
office.
The Woman Relief Corps is the
world, the membership at the present
time mum bering nearly 200, 900 To
the order are admitted not only the
wives, widows, sisters daughters and
other women relatives of the men who
saved the union. but also all loyal wo-
Corps requires of its membership al
most all that is required by the Grand
Army, as no woman is admitted who
has ever given aid or comfort to re-
belliOn.
Mrs. Harris was born in Pennsyl-
Vania, but came to Kansas when but
a child, her father being one of the
pioneers of Franklin county. She
was married about twenty-five years
ago to Charles Harris of Emporia, and
has been resident of the latter place
ever since.
Both the families of Mr.. and Mrs.
Harris were patriotic, the father and
three brothers of the latter serving
their country during the war, While
Mr.. Harris and his father. the only
men in the family fought in the same
regiment.
Since coming to Kansas Mr.. Harris
has been and still is taking a promin-
ent part in Grand Army affairs. He
has served in nearly every capacity,
from sentinel to commander of the de-
partment.
Mr.. Harris fought with Company A.
46th regiment and Company F. 21st
/ Regiment, Iowa. 1t is a coincidence
that Miss Jennie Iowa Berry, in
whose favor Mrs. Harris withdrew
during the last campaign for presi-
dent of the w. r. c., is also from
Iowa.
While in the 46th Regiment, Mr..
Harris fought under David P. Hen
derson, Joe Cannon's predecessor as
speaker in the house of representa-
tives.
Following her election to the pres
idency of the W. r. c.. Mrs. Harris
selected Mrs. Ida W. Moore of Abb
lene, wife of Judge o. L. Moore of
that city, for national secretary.