Family and Education

b. c.1590, 1st s. of John Harris I* of Lanrest and Joan, da. and h. of Robert Harte of Plimston, Stoke Climsland, Cornw.; bro. of John III*.1 educ. Exeter Coll. Oxf. 1605, BA 1608, MA 1611; L. Inn 1611.2 m. settlement c.26 Jan. 1619 (with £2,500),3 Gertrude, da. of Sir Bernard Grenville† of Stowe and Killigarth, Cornw., s.p. suc. fa. June 1623. bur. 27 Nov. 1623.4

Offices Held

Burgess, W. Looe, Cornw. 1615;5 under-steward, Liskeard manor c.1618-d.6

Biography

Harris’ burgess-ship at West Looe, and his election to Parliament there in 1621, are both explicable by the fact that his father John was the borough’s recorder. Harris left no mark on the Commons’ records, and few traces elsewhere. His life from 1619 was marred by disputes between his father and father-in-law Sir Bernard Grenville, particularly over the implementation of his marriage settlement. Probably in response to delayed payment of the dowry, the impecunious John Harris deferred finalizing the jointure arrangements, thereby prompting legal action. Harris may ultimately have sided with the Grenvilles, since around 1622 he released to them a £500 legacy due to his wife, without first consulting his father. In February 1623 he was overlooked as executor of John’s will, though in the event he obtained probate in the following August, his younger brothers having renounced their rights. However, Harris himself died in November 1623, childless and apparently intestate, before he could resolve the jointure problem. He was succeeded by his brother John.7

Ref Volumes: 1604-1629

Author: Paul Hunneyball

Notes

WARD 7/58/57.

• 1. Vivian, Vis. Devon, 447-8.
• 2. Al. Ox.; LI Admiss.
• 3. C78/333/2.
• 4. Vivian, 447-8.
• 5. A.L. Browne, Corporation Chronicles of E. and W. Looe, 189.
• 6. SC2/160/44, 47.
• 7. C78/333/2; 78/346/9; PROB 11/142, f. 164-v. .