Sampson Willis Harris

Sampson Willis Harris (February 23, 1809 – April 1, 1857) was an American politician and lawyer in the states of Georgia and Alabama.

Harris was born in Elbert County, Georgia. He graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens in 1828, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1830. He began practicing law in Athens and served in the Georgia House of Representatives in 1834 and 1835.

After moving to Wetumpka, Alabama in 1838, Harris was elected as the solicitor of the eighth circuit in 1841. He then served in the Alabama Senate in 1844 and 1845. Harris was then elected in 1846 to represent Alabama's 3rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives during the 30th United States Congress and was reelected to three additional terms (31st, 32nd and 33rd Congresses) in that seat from March 4, 1847, until March 3, 1855. Harris won election to Alabama's 7th congressional district in 1854 and served in the 34th Congress and served from March 4, 1855, until March 3, 1857. He did not seek reelection in 1856 and died on April 1, 1857, less than a month after leaving congressional office. He was buried in Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens.

References

• Sampson Willis Harris at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Find-A-Grave profile for Sampson Willis Harris