Warner McClary Harris

A well cultivated and highly improved farm on one hundred and sixty-seven acres near Postville gives evidence of the successful pursuits of Warner McClary Harris as an agriculturist in Allamakee county. He is a native of Post township, having been born August 3, 1874, and is a son of George W. and Ella (Laughlin) Harris, the former a farmer of the Postville district, of whom more extended mention is made in another portion of this work.

Warner M. Harris, in the acquirement of his education, attended school in Post township and also the Postville high school. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, although he had rented land, and engaged in farming five years before that event. When he married he bought the farm upon which he now resides, locating thereon the next day. His property comprises one hundred and sixty-seven fertile acres which he has improved with modern buildings and brought to a high state of productivity. He engages in general farming and also has extensive stock-raising interests. Mr. Harris is also a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Store and in the Canning Factory at Postville.

On February 23, 1898, Mr. Harris married Miss Rachel Folsom, who was born just across the border in Winneshiek county, September 4, 1879, and is a daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Ewing) Folsom, both parents being natives of Indiana. The father during his active life followed farming and at an early date settled in Allamakee county, where he operated the Myren mill and also cultivated rented land for some time. Later he removed across the county line to Winneshiek county, but again returned to Allamakee county, acquiring title to a farm in Post township, where he still resides. This property is one mile southwest of the Harris farm and there he is still actively engaged in its operation. The wife of our subject is the second in order of birth in a family of ten children. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are the parents of three children: Lloyd, born May 6, 1900; Robert Ray, born July 18, 1905; and Roger, born April 20, 1909.

Mr. Harris holds membership in the United Brethren church, and in his political views is independent, although he inclines toward the Republican party. Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen lodge of Postville. One of the younger generation of successful farmers, he has done much toward promoting the agricultural growth of Allamakee county and is considered a serviceable factor in his locality, where he has gained many friends whose good-will and confidence he enjoys.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Diana Diedrich

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