Oshtemo Township near Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Harris Family

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, March 9, 2023

1. Harris Family Marker

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. It is in Oshtemo Township. Marker is at the intersection of Parkview 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.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 5478 Parkview Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49009, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Western Michigan University (approx. 2.9 miles away); Kalamazoo State Hospital (approx. 3.1 miles away); Henderson Park West Main Hill Historic District (approx. 3.6 miles away); Edward Israel Arctic Pioneer (approx. 3.6 miles away); Pioneer Cemetery (approx. 3.8 miles away); Kalamazoo Celery (approx. 3.8 miles away); Kalamazoo School Case (approx. 3.9 miles away); Stuart Neighborhood (approx. 3.9 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.

Photographed By Brandon Bartoszek, August 13, 2009

2. Harris Family Marker

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

Photographed By Duane Hall, September 17, 2013

3. Harris Family Marker in the Genessee Prairie Cemetery

Photographed By Duane Hall, September 17, 2013

4. Harris Family Marker

At the northwest corner of the
Genessee Prairie Cemetery

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

Photographed By Duane Hall, September 17, 2013

5. Grave sites of the Harris Family

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

Photographed By Duane Hall, September 17, 2013

6. Headstone and Grave of Enoch Harris

Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2009, by Brandon Bartoszek of Muskegon, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,317 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 13, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on October 6, 2009, by Brandon Bartoszek of Muskegon, Michigan. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 20, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.