Samuel D. Harris
Samuel D. Harris, editor Democratic Press, Ravenna, was born in Ravenna Township, this county, May 17, 1816; son of Samuel D. Harris, born in Bozrah, Conn., and Lucy S. Harris, a daughter of Zenas Kent, also a native of Connecticut. In 1812 Samuel D. Harris, Sr., moved to Stowe Township, now in Summit County, where he remained but a short time, and then moved to Ravenna, where he established a home and reared a family. Of his children there are three living: Samuel D., A. A., and Mary M., widow of Dr. Cane, of St. Paul, Minn. He was for years engaged in teaching school; served the county as Auditor from 1823 to 1831; was Surveyor from 1833 to 1845; again elected and served till 1857. Samuel D. Harris, Jr., served in the County Clerk's office, where he acted as Assistant from 1838 to 1855. He took a just pride in surveying and followed it until his death, which occurred in this county August 2, 1865. Our subject, after receiving his education in the common schools of the county and Ravenna Academy, taught school. In 1836 he entered the Western Courier office, then controlled by Selby & Robbins, and in 1837 took a position at the case in the Buckeye Democrat, then published by John B. King & Co., and edited by Le Grand Byington. After the collapse of this journal in 1837, and early in 1838, he was employed as Assistant Clerk in the office of the Court of Common Pleas. He filled this position until 1844. In June, 1845, he and Boswell Batterson published the Portage Sentinel, a Democratic journal. Mr. Batterson sold his interest to Mr. Harris, who became sole proprietor about 1851. In August, 1855, he sold the Sentinel to Alphonso Hart and a Mr. Craig, of New Lisbon. From August, 1855, to 1857, he studied law with N. L. Jeffrys at Ravenna, and was admitted by the District Court in 1857. Subsequently he was employed in the offices of Judge Day and H. C. Ranney. In 1860 he was Delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Cbarlestown, in company with Samuel Lamb, of Canton (Eighteenth Ohio District) both being firm supporters of Stephen A. Douglas. In 1861 he was one of the most ardent supporters of the Union movement, and in the fall of 1861 was nominated by Republicans and Democrats on the Union ticket as County Treasurer; was elected, and re-elected in 1863. From 1861 to 1866 he was a member of the County Military Committee. In August, 1868, he organized the Press office, and on September 3, that year, issued the first number of the Democratic Press, a thorough Democratic weekly journal, which he has edited continuously up to the present time. Mr. Harris was married April 28, 1844, to Miss Joannah Doty, daughter of David Doty, of Ravenna. They are the parents of three children, viz.: Lucy M., married to A. T. Smith, of Ravenna; George D., now part owner of the Press; and Miss Kate Harris, residing with her parents.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885