Joseph S. Harris
Joseph S. Harris, Washington, was born in Clinton County, March 11, 1849. His father, James Harris, is a native of Ohio, and is now living with his second wife, in Clarke County. He had eight children by his first wife, two of whom died in infancy: Aman J., married, and lives in Yellow Springs, Greene County ; Anna, married, and lives in Clinton County; George H., single, and lives on a farm in Missouri ; Arthur W., single, living near Yellow Springs.
The subject of this sketch was married to Miss Lucinda Wright, daughter of Merritt Wright, of Xenia, September 28, 1871, and soon after their marriage commenced house-keeping in Xenia. They have three children, two sons and one daughter : Edgar W., John McCling, and Clara A. At the age of sixteen Mr. Harris commenced to learn the marble and monument business with Mr. Dodds, of Yellow Springs, in the year 1863. In 1864 Mr. Dodds moved to Xenia, where he opened up a more extensive business. Mr. Harris remained in his employ until 1866, when he enlisted in the regular army for three years, served out his time, and was honorably discharged. He at once returned home, and resumed his place with Mr. Dodds in the monument business, continuing with him until 1876, when he set np in business for himself at Xenia, and continued until March, 1880, when he returned to Washington, and opened a marble and granite establishment, which has steadily increased until the present time.
From R. S. Dills' History of Fayette County