Josiah Harris papers

Collection

Identifier: Coll. 4229

Staff Only

Scope and Content note

The collection consists of a mixture of personal, business, and legal correspondence, financial records, various vital records for the town of Machias, disputes and writs, and administrative material related to personal estates. This material reflects the personal and business activities of Josiah Harris, as well as his various positions in local and regional government. Through the town’s vital records, the development and management of Machias is reflected, as are marriages in the area. The collection’s estate documents represent the holdings of various local figures, such as George Stillman and Edward H. Robbins.

Dates

Creation: 1787 - 1867

Creator

Harris, Josiah, 1770-1845 (Person)

Access

Unrestricted

Copyright

Access to collections at Maine Historical Society is not an authorization to publish. Rights and reproduction requests may be submitted in writing to the MHS Image Services Coordinator or Research & Administrative Librarian, subject to format.

Biographical note

Josiah Harris (1770-1845) was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but spent his adult life in Machias, Maine. Harris and his wife Ludy (née Talbot), had nine children. Harris was a merchant and trader, exporting timber to Massachusetts and importing goods from Boston. In addition to his business endeavors, Harris held numerous local and governmental positions, including town treasurer, Justice of the Peace, member of the Washington County court system, and tax collector for the District of Maine for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. An active participant in town affairs, his papers include material documenting the development of community and religious services, as well as marriage records.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Provenance

Gift of E. Christopher Livesay, June 20 and June 27, 2022 (acc. no. 2023.021).

Related Materials

The Maine Historical Society also holds the following relevant items:

Papers [of Josiah Harris], 1786-1825, Coll. 1509
Letter to Josiah Harris, Coll. S-5956
Josiah Harris, 1770-1845, East Machias, Maine: his ancestors and descendants in nine generations, Call No. G H24.5

Processing note

E. Christopher Livesay gifted these papers to MHS as part of a larger donation of material compiled over decades as a collector of Maine-related manuscripts and books. All of the material from the donation shares accession number 2023.021.

The material arrived arranged, inventoried, and described. The original order was largely retained, though folders were combined when appropriate. The material was processed as an individual collection.