Background
Harris, Sampson Willis was born on February 23, 1809 in Elbert County, Georgia, United States.
Harris, Sampson Willis was born on February 23, 1809 in Elbert County, Georgia, United States.
He graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens in 1828, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1830.
He began practicing law in Athens and served in the Georgia House of Representatives in 1834 and 1835. After moving to Wetumpka, Alabama in 1838, Harris was elected as the solicitor of the eighth circuit in 1841. He then served in the Alabama Senate in 1844 and 1845.
Harris was then elected in 1846 to represent Alabama"s 3rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives during the 30th United States Congress and was reelected to three additional terms (31st, 32nd and 33rd Congresses) in that seat from March 4, 1847, until March 3, 1855.
He did not seek reelection in 1856 and died on April 1, 1857, less than a month after leaving congressional office. He was buried in Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens.
Member Georgia; member Alabama Member United States House