HARRIS, Simpson
Source: Waterloo Indiana Press Thurs 27 Jan 1887 p 2
Simpson Harris died in Putnam County, Indiana last week, aged 109. He was born in Orange County, NC Jan 1, 1778. He cast his first vote for Jefferson for President in 1801 and has voted at every Presidential election since. He was a veteran of the War of 1812. His memory remained good. He talked intelligently about men and events connected with the formation period of the Republic. Note: Obit from the Putnam County listserve - thanks so very much to whoever sent this awesome one
Source: Greencastle Star 17 July 1880 p5
There are two centenarians in Putnam County as shown by the census returns. One of them, Jeremiah Wampler of Monroe township, we have made mention of before, the other is Simpson Harris of Washington township. No other county in this state of the same population can show such a record.
Source: Greencastle Banner, 6 April 1882 p 5
Simpson Harris, of Washington Township celebrated his 102 birthday Monday by going to the polls and voting the Republican ticket.
Source: Greencastle Banner 12 Feb 1885 p 5
Simpson Harris, the Washington Township veteran of the War of 1812, has been granted a pension.
Source: Greencastle Daily Banner 5 September 1942
When Simpson Harris died at his home in Washington Township, Jan 19, 1887, he had attained the remarkable age of 108 years and 19 days – for he was born on Jan 1, 1779 in Orange County NC. He cast his first vote for Thomas Jefferson for president in 1800 and voted for every presidential candidate from that time until his death. He was 3 years old when the articles of federation were signed, 10 years old when the Constitution was adopted and 19 years old when General Washington died. He was a veteran of the war of 1812. He emigrated to Indiana in 1821, settling on the farm on which he died. His wife, who survived him, was born in 1802. There were two surviving children – Henry Harris and Mrs. MF Earnhart, both residing in Washington Township at the time of their father’s death. It was related of him by LB Smity his bosom companion and confidential adviser that when the old man was hauled to the polls to vote, he would always read the boys a lecture on loyalty before casting his vote. He would say, “Now, boys, I am older man already than most of you will live to be, and I have always found that it pays to stand by your country. Help her out now, while she is in trouble, and if you have any differences to settle, settle them afterwards.” In the prime of his manhood, it is related, “Uncle Simp” was possessed of great physical strength and prowess and in the good old days of natural fusticuffs before pistols, bricks, knives and clubs were known as weapons, he enjoyed some of the reputation in his own neighborhood that young Abe Lincoln enjoyed at his home in Illinois. In an early day in Washington Township, there was a large family by the name of Lawson in the neighborhood and, it was the cherished idea of theirs to lick Simp Harris. One day five of the boys thought they would get him under the influence of liquor and then thump him to their hearts’ content. They began the process in the usual way but Harris, after getting a “bracer” or two, allowed his liquor to run down his first front. When the boys thought him sufficiently mellow they opened the ball. At this juncture, the narrator states, Uncle Simp braced himself and in about five blows had his assilants sprawling on the ground when jumping up and cracking his heels together he shouted, ‘Bring on the rest of them, I can lick the whole regiment of them yet!”
Source: Greencastle Times 27 Jan 1887 p 1
Simpson Harris, of Washington Township, Putnam County died at his residence Wednesday night, the 19th inst at the advance age of 108 years and 19 days – for he was born on January 1, 1779 in Orange County NC. He retained to the last his memory to a remarkable degree and unto the close of his life could talk intelligently of events and occurrences that had occurred during his wonderful span of life. He case his first vote for Thomas Jefferson for President in 1800 and voted at every presidential election since. His recollection covered every administration. He was three years old when the articles of federation were signed, 10 years old when the constitution was adopted, 19 years old when Washington died. He was a veteran of the War of 1812. He emigrated to Indiana in 1821 setting on the farm on which he died. His wife, who survives him was born in 1802. There are but two children now living in this county, Henry Harris and Mrs. MF Earnhart, both of Washington township. Many interesting anecdotes are told of “Uncle Simp” by those who have known him during his residence in Putnam County. He was always loyal to his country and a stanch defender of it whenever occasion arose. It is related of him by Mr. LB Smity his bosom friend and confidential adviser that during the late war when the old man was hauled to the polls to vote he would always read the boys a lecture on loyalty before casting his ballot. He would say, “Now boys, I am a older man already than most of you will live to be and I have always found that it pays to stand by your country. Help her out now while she is in trouble, and if you have any differences to settle, settle them afterwards.” In the prime of his manhood “Uncle Simp” was possessed of great physical strength and prowess and in the good old days of natural fisticuffs, before pistols, bricks, knives and clubs were known as weapons, he enjoyed some of the reputation in his own neighborhood thatyoung Abe Lincoln at about the same time, enjoyed in his Illinois home. Illustrating this Mr. Smith tells a story as a reminiscence of his own early childhood which we will give. In that day there was a large family of boys by the name of Lawson in the neighborhood and it was a cherished idea with them to lick Simp Harris . One day five of the boys thought they would get him under the influence of liquor and then thump him to their hearts’ content. They began the process in the usual way but Harris after getting a “bracer” or two allowed his liquor to run down his shirt front- thus keeping it where it would do the least harm. When the boys thought him sufficiently mellow they opened the ball. At this juncture, the narrator states, Uncle Simp braced himself and in about 5 blows had his five assailants sprawling on the ground when jumping up and cracking his heels together he shouted, “Bring on the rest of your Lawson; I can lick a whole regiment of ‘em yet!”
Source: Greencastle Banner 13 Aug 1863 p 3
RealEstate Transfers – Isaac Deal to Simpson Harris undivided half of 80 acres in Washington Township for $790.
Source: Greencastle Banner 14 Aug 1884 p 6
“Manhattan news item” – We have the oldest Republicans in this township now living, Simpson Harris, 104 years old. He expects to live to vote for Blaine & Logan.
Greencastle Banner 12 Feb 1885 p 5
Simpson Harris, the Washington Township veteran of the War of 1812 has been granted a pension. Greencastle Banner 18 Sept 1884 p 6 – A special act gives Simpson Harris, of North Carolina, a pension of $50 a month services rendered in 1814. He is 104. Boonville Enquirer Sat 29 Jan 1887 p1 – Simpson Harris, a resident of Washington Township, Putnam County, died at his residence Sunday night at the advanced age of 109 years. Mr. Harris was born in Orange County, NC Jan 1, 1778 and was thus upward of 109 years old. He emigrated in 1831 to Indiana settling on the farm on which he died. He cast his first vote for Madison for President of the US and has voted at every Presidential election since. His recollection covered every administration for he was 19 years old when Washington died. He was a veteran of the War of 1812.