Near Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Harris Family

By Brandon Bartoszek, August 13, 2009

1. Harris Family Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Among the earliest pioneers of Oshtemo Township was a Black family, that of Enoch and Deborah Harris. Born in the East in the late 1700's, they settled in the Ohio wilderness about 1810. Moving westward with the advancing frontier, they claimed land near here in 1831. Early accounts agree that Harris planted the first apple orchard in the area, and their daughter was said to be the township's first bride. Farming over two hundred acres, Harris won the respect of his fellow settlers. He died in 1870 and was buried here, one-quarter mile east of his farm.

Erected 1973 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L245A.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1810.

Location. 42° 15.579′ N, 85° 39.463′ W. Marker is near Kalamazoo, Michigan, in Kalamazoo County. Marker is at the intersection of Parkview

Harris Family Marker in the Genessee Prairie Cemetery image. Click for full size.

By Duane Hall, September 17, 2013

2. Harris Family Marker in the Genessee Prairie Cemetery

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Avenue and 11th Street, on the right when traveling east on Parkview Avenue. Marker is located in the northwest corner of the Genessee Prairie Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kalamazoo MI 49009, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pioneer Cemetery (approx. 3.8 miles away); Kalamazoo Celery (approx. 3.8 miles away); Kalamazoo School Case (approx. 3.9 miles away); Kalamazoo College (approx. 3.9 miles away); South Street Historic District (approx. 4 miles away); Stuart Neighborhood (approx. 4 miles away); First Women's Club in Michigan (approx. 4.2 miles away); First United Methodist Church (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalamazoo.

Regarding Harris Family. The grave sites of Enoch Harris and the Harris Family are located 100 feet south of the marker.

By Duane Hall, September 17, 2013

3. Harris Family Marker

At the northwest corner of the
Genessee Prairie Cemetery

Grave sites of the Harris Family image. Click for full size.

By Duane Hall, September 17, 2013

4. Grave sites of the Harris Family

Headstone and Grave of Enoch Harris image. Click for full size.

By Duane Hall, September 17, 2013

5. Headstone and Grave of Enoch Harris

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2009, by Brandon Bartoszek of Muskegon, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,083 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 6, 2009, by Brandon Bartoszek of Muskegon, Michigan. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 20, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.