Background
Harris was born in Asbury Park, New Jersey on October 26, 1888, the son of Fortune F. Harris, a funeral director
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Leon Harris
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Career
He was the first African American elected to a county wide office in Monmouth County, New Jersey. As a young man he was a commercial artist and operated the Beacon Art Studio, before following his father"s occupation in 1914. He would be the proprietor of the F. Leon Harris Funeral Home in Asbury Park and later also in Red Bank until his death in 1973.
F. Leon Harris was politically active and served as president of the United Colored Republican Clubs of Monmouth County.
He was elected three times as a Republican to the office of coroner in Monmouth County, in 1929, 1944 and 1965, and would be the only African American to be elected county wide until the election of Democrat Philip North. Gumbs to the Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1973. In later years he moved to Red Bank, where he died on November 2, 1973.
Membership
He was a member of the Shore Area North. A. A. C. P.
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Born
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Died
November 2, 1973 (aged 85) -
Nationality
American -
Political Party
Republican party