Broughton Harris
Broughton Harris | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Chesterfield, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Died | January 19, 1899 (aged 76) Brattleboro, Vermont, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, politician |
| Years active | 1847–1884 |
| Known for | Secretary and Treasurer of Utah Territory; Runaway Official of 1851 |
Broughton Harris (August 16, 1822 – January 19, 1899) was a prominent businessman and political leader from Vermont. He held the positions of Secretary and Treasurer for Utah Territory and was notably among the Runaway Officials of 1851.
Early life
Harris was born in Chesterfield, New Hampshire to parents Wilder Harris and Harriet ( Davies) Harris. He received his education at Chesterfield Academy and Kimball Union Academy, before graduating from Dartmouth College in 1845. During his time at Dartmouth, he was inducted into both Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Delta Phi.
Career
Initially pursuing legal studies for a short period, Harris transitioned into journalism. He took on editorial roles at The Vermont Phoenix and subsequently at The Semi-Weekly Eagle, both newspapers supporting the Whig cause. Between 1847 and 1850, he served as Register of Probate for the Marlboro District.
Secretary of Utah Territory
In 1850, President Millard Fillmore appointed Harris as Secretary and Treasurer of the newly established Utah Territory. Alongside two other federal officials, Harris clashed with territorial Governor Brigham Young, ultimately departing the territory without arranging successors. Following an inquiry that concluded they had abandoned their duties without justification, the Fillmore administration demanded their return or resignation. Their refusal led to their dismissal from territorial office. Subsequently, Harris declined an appointment as Secretary and acting Governor of New Mexico Territory.
American Civil War
Resettling in Brattleboro, Vermont, Harris became one of the founding members of the Republican Party. He represented his district in the Vermont Senate from 1860 until 1862. Additionally, he participated as a Vermont Delegate at the Peace Conference of 1861, which attempted unsuccessfully to avert the outbreak of the Civil War.
Later career
Harris later joined Harris Brothers & Company as a partner; this firm ranked among the largest railroad construction enterprises in the nation. He also held the presidency of Brattleboro Savings Bank. In 1884, he served as a Delegate to the 1884 Republican National Convention.
Personal life
In 1851, Harris married Sarah Buell Hollister, daughter of Edwin M. Hollister, a businessman based in New York City. Sarah was related to banker and real estate investor Walter E. Maynard as his aunt. Their honeymoon took place during their journey to Salt Lake City, where Harris commenced his duties as territorial Secretary. Sarah documented their 1851 travels and her experiences within Utah Territory in a journal later published under the title An Unwritten Chapter of Salt Lake. The couple had one daughter:
- Mary Buell Harris, who wed John Seymour Wood, an attorney and author.
Broughton Harris passed away in Brattleboro on January 19, 1899, and was interred at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro.