Young Harris
Encyclopedia
Young Loftin Gerdine Harris (1812 – April 28, 1894) was an American lawyer, businessman, politician, judge, and philanthropist. He is best known as the early benefactor of Young Harris College
in the U.S. state of Georgia
, after whom the school was named.
, in the middle of Walton Harris and Virginia Beverly Billup's 8 children. His exact birthday is unknown, and it was not included on his headstone. Primary education was obtained in the common schools, then he attended the University of Georgia
.
Harris was admitted to the Georgia Bar
in 1834 and began his law practice in Elberton, Georgia
, where he was quite successful and represented Elbert County in the state legislature. He and his wife moved to Athens in 1840. He became well known and was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives
from Clarke County
in 1841 and from 1847-52. He was also a delegate to the 1865 convention that drafted the 1868 Constitution of Georgia. Harris was appointed as judge of the Inferior Court
of Athens
Harris was one of a group of Athens businessmen who founded the profitable Southern Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1847. He was initially named Secretary and Principal Director where he proved his financial skill by smart management of the company's assets. Harris was company president from 1866 until his death, and the business became one of the largest in the southeast United States. Susan Bevel Allen, whose family worked a plantation, married Harris in 1835. The couple had no children. She died on May 18, 1888 at age 70 after 53 years together.
in Athens. His funeral was well attended, indicating the respect and admiration he had earned.
On January 3, 1909, 112 members founded a new church in Athens. Land was donated by the Reverend Joe Dunaway, with the stipulation that it be named in honor of Judge Young L. G. Harris, who had provided friendship and assistance to Dunaway during his college years. The Young Harris Memorial United Methodist Church of Athens celebrated their centennial in 2009.
throughout the state. His income from Southern Mutual, legal work and judge's salary was substantial, exceeding $10,000 per year. That would be equivalent to $2.29 million today, using the nominal GDP per capita formula. He used his wealth to make numerous contributions to small churches, helped build minister's homes, and supported the Young Men's Christian Association
.
Harris served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Emory College
, and donated two buildings: the Marvin Dormitory and the President's Home.
The Harris-Allen Library was established at Elberton, Georgia in his wife's honor with a gift of $6,000, $1.38 million in 2010 dollars.
Methodist minister Artemas Lester started a school at the small community of McTyeire, Georgia, named after Bishop Holland McTyeire. The goal of the McTyeire Institute was to provide rural Appalachian Mountain children in north Georgia with an opportunity for an education. Lester wrote to Judge Harris, asking for a $100 loan, which was promptly granted. Zell Miller
, Young Harris' most famous native, wrote a history of the school and town. He commented, "Young L. G. Harris was a big Methodist church member, and didn’t have time to come and look at this school in the Brasstown valley, so he sent his associate, a Mr. Thomas, who looked it over and liked the idea." After hearing positive things about the school, Harris resolved to increase his support of the institution. Harris funded the construction of the campus for $20,000, ($4.27 million in 2010 dollars) then continued to contribute several thousand dollars each year.
The school's name was changed in 1888 from McTyeire Institute to Young Harris Institute in honor of his strong financial support. Within the next three years it was changed again, to Young L. G. Harris College, and the United States Post Office Department
was petitioned to change the name of the community as well. The initials were dropped over time to simply, Young Harris College
.
In 1892, a few years after the death of his wife, he donated $4,000 (worth $762,000 today). to construct the Susan B. Harris Chapel on the McTyeire campus in her memory. The brick structure contains a bell tower and was home to the local Methodist congregation until a new facility was built in 1949. It is the oldest building on the YHC campus and was most recently renovated in 2009. As of 2011, the structure was used for vespers, lectures, concerts and homecoming.
Provision for the school was included in Harris' will, even though he never saw the campus. However, dozens of family members contested the will, which was finally settled by the Supreme Court of Georgia in 1897 when the college received $16,000 of the $100,000 estate.
Arguably Harris' most lasting and significant achievement were his donations to McTiere Institute. An article in the Athens newspaper on May 1, 1894 stated:
Young Harris College is highly regarded in Georgia and has had more of an impact on the state's politics and society than would be expected from a small school in the mountains. Over the last 100+ years, many students have chosen careers in public service; the ministry and teaching have been traditional vocations, but some chose politics. One U.S. Senator, two governors, a number of congressmen, state legislators and mayors all started out at YHC.
The intricately carved figures of three robed women are mounted on top of the tomb. Close inspection identifies symbols, which reveal the figures to be the three Saints, Faith, Hope and Charity
or the three Theological virtues
.
The monument appears to be a message to those who visit his final resting place. They represent the principles that guided Harris' life, and he viewed them as the meaning of life.
Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private, Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college located in the mountains of northeast Georgia. The current president is Cathy Cox, former Georgia Secretary of State.-Origins:...
in the U.S. state of Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
, after whom the school was named.
Biography
Harris was born in Elbert County, GeorgiaElbert County, Georgia
Elbert County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. It was established on December 10, 1790 and was named for Samuel Elbert. As of 2000, the population was 20,511. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 20,525...
, in the middle of Walton Harris and Virginia Beverly Billup's 8 children. His exact birthday is unknown, and it was not included on his headstone. Primary education was obtained in the common schools, then he attended the University of Georgia
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
.
Harris was admitted to the Georgia Bar
State Bar of Georgia
The State Bar of Georgia is the governing body of the legal profession in Georgia, operating under the supervision of the Supreme Court of Georgia. Membership is a condition of admission to practice law in Georgia....
in 1834 and began his law practice in Elberton, Georgia
Elberton, Georgia
Elberton is the largest city in Elbert County, Georgia, United States. The population was 4,743 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Elbert County and serves as a hub for industry and small business in Northeast Georgia...
, where he was quite successful and represented Elbert County in the state legislature. He and his wife moved to Athens in 1840. He became well known and was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives
Georgia House of Representatives
The Georgia House of Representatives is the lower house of the Georgia General Assembly of the U.S. state of Georgia.-Composition:...
from Clarke County
Clarke County, Georgia
Clarke County is a county in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2000 census, the population was 101,489. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 114,063...
in 1841 and from 1847-52. He was also a delegate to the 1865 convention that drafted the 1868 Constitution of Georgia. Harris was appointed as judge of the Inferior Court
Judiciary Act of 1789
The United States Judiciary Act of 1789 was a landmark statute adopted on September 24, 1789 in the first session of the First United States Congress establishing the U.S. federal judiciary...
of Athens
Harris was one of a group of Athens businessmen who founded the profitable Southern Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1847. He was initially named Secretary and Principal Director where he proved his financial skill by smart management of the company's assets. Harris was company president from 1866 until his death, and the business became one of the largest in the southeast United States. Susan Bevel Allen, whose family worked a plantation, married Harris in 1835. The couple had no children. She died on May 18, 1888 at age 70 after 53 years together.
Death and afterward
In the spring of 1893, Harris suffered a serious illness from which he never completely recovered. He died in 1894 and was buried at Oconee Hill CemeteryOconee Hill Cemetery
Oconee Hill Cemetery is an American cemetery in Athens, Georgia. The cemetery opened in 1856 and is located just off the University of Georgia's campus....
in Athens. His funeral was well attended, indicating the respect and admiration he had earned.
On January 3, 1909, 112 members founded a new church in Athens. Land was donated by the Reverend Joe Dunaway, with the stipulation that it be named in honor of Judge Young L. G. Harris, who had provided friendship and assistance to Dunaway during his college years. The Young Harris Memorial United Methodist Church of Athens celebrated their centennial in 2009.
Philanthrophy
When Harris and his wife joined the First Methodist Church of Athens, it changed their lives, and the lives of countless others who benefited from their generosity. Harris became a devout member, served as church superintendent for many years, and supported MethodismMethodism
Methodism is a movement of Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations, claiming a total of approximately seventy million adherents worldwide. The movement traces its roots to John Wesley's evangelistic revival movement within Anglicanism. His younger brother...
throughout the state. His income from Southern Mutual, legal work and judge's salary was substantial, exceeding $10,000 per year. That would be equivalent to $2.29 million today, using the nominal GDP per capita formula. He used his wealth to make numerous contributions to small churches, helped build minister's homes, and supported the Young Men's Christian Association
YMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
.
Harris served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Emory College
Emory University
Emory University is a private research university in metropolitan Atlanta, located in the Druid Hills section of unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. The university was founded as Emory College in 1836 in Oxford, Georgia by a small group of Methodists and was named in honor of...
, and donated two buildings: the Marvin Dormitory and the President's Home.
The Harris-Allen Library was established at Elberton, Georgia in his wife's honor with a gift of $6,000, $1.38 million in 2010 dollars.
Young Harris College
In 1886, Circuit-ridingCircuit rider (Religious)
Circuit rider is a popular term referring to clergy in the earliest years of the United States who were assigned to travel around specific geographic territories to minister to settlers and organize congregations...
Methodist minister Artemas Lester started a school at the small community of McTyeire, Georgia, named after Bishop Holland McTyeire. The goal of the McTyeire Institute was to provide rural Appalachian Mountain children in north Georgia with an opportunity for an education. Lester wrote to Judge Harris, asking for a $100 loan, which was promptly granted. Zell Miller
Zell Miller
Zell Bryan Miller is an American politician from the US state of Georgia. A Democrat, Miller served as Lieutenant Governor from 1975 to 1991, 79th Governor of Georgia from 1991 to 1999, and as United States Senator from 2000 to 2005....
, Young Harris' most famous native, wrote a history of the school and town. He commented, "Young L. G. Harris was a big Methodist church member, and didn’t have time to come and look at this school in the Brasstown valley, so he sent his associate, a Mr. Thomas, who looked it over and liked the idea." After hearing positive things about the school, Harris resolved to increase his support of the institution. Harris funded the construction of the campus for $20,000, ($4.27 million in 2010 dollars) then continued to contribute several thousand dollars each year.
The school's name was changed in 1888 from McTyeire Institute to Young Harris Institute in honor of his strong financial support. Within the next three years it was changed again, to Young L. G. Harris College, and the United States Post Office Department
United States Post Office Department
The Post Office Department was the name of the United States Postal Service when it was a Cabinet department. It was headed by the Postmaster General....
was petitioned to change the name of the community as well. The initials were dropped over time to simply, Young Harris College
Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private, Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college located in the mountains of northeast Georgia. The current president is Cathy Cox, former Georgia Secretary of State.-Origins:...
.
In 1892, a few years after the death of his wife, he donated $4,000 (worth $762,000 today). to construct the Susan B. Harris Chapel on the McTyeire campus in her memory. The brick structure contains a bell tower and was home to the local Methodist congregation until a new facility was built in 1949. It is the oldest building on the YHC campus and was most recently renovated in 2009. As of 2011, the structure was used for vespers, lectures, concerts and homecoming.
Provision for the school was included in Harris' will, even though he never saw the campus. However, dozens of family members contested the will, which was finally settled by the Supreme Court of Georgia in 1897 when the college received $16,000 of the $100,000 estate.
Arguably Harris' most lasting and significant achievement were his donations to McTiere Institute. An article in the Athens newspaper on May 1, 1894 stated:
"Gifts to the school by Judge Harris, at times when they were most needed, established an institution that has shed abroad the light of religion and education and has given to the State of Georgia and to the world a priceless heritage of education and refinement nowhere exceeded. From the halls of Young Harris College, scores of youths have gone forth blessing his name, and their lives have brought honor to their state and country."
Young Harris College is highly regarded in Georgia and has had more of an impact on the state's politics and society than would be expected from a small school in the mountains. Over the last 100+ years, many students have chosen careers in public service; the ministry and teaching have been traditional vocations, but some chose politics. One U.S. Senator, two governors, a number of congressmen, state legislators and mayors all started out at YHC.
Philosophical views
Young Harris did not talk about his charitable contributions because he was too modest. Even his close friends were not aware of the extent of his generosity. It was said "that little children delighted to crowd around him and hear from him the wondrous story of our Lord". The author of Harris' obituary in the Athens Weekly Banner quoted Harris just before he died: "I do not think the deeds of a man are near as important in a religious sense as those things he omits to do; and yet a man ought to feel thankful if it can be said of him after death, 'Here lies a blameless man'."Monument
A provision of Harris' will requested that a monument be erected at his burial vault, costing between $1,500 and $2,000. Biographer Paul Paschal questioned why a modest man who lived simply and donated most of his income would request such an expensive and ornate decoration.The intricately carved figures of three robed women are mounted on top of the tomb. Close inspection identifies symbols, which reveal the figures to be the three Saints, Faith, Hope and Charity
Faith, Hope and Charity
Saints Faith, Hope and Charity , Church Slavonic: are a group of Christian martyred saints. Their mother is said to have been Sophia ; Sapientia is also mentioned in some accounts, though not as their mother. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, these were, in fact, two groups bearing the...
or the three Theological virtues
Theological virtues
Theological virtues - in theology and Christian philosophy, are the character qualities associated with salvation, resulting from the grace of God, which enlightens human mind.- In the Bible :The three theological virtues are:...
.
The monument appears to be a message to those who visit his final resting place. They represent the principles that guided Harris' life, and he viewed them as the meaning of life.
Further reading
- A History of Young L.G. Harris College, Joseph Milton Brogdon, 1938,
- History of Young L.G. Harris College, Thomas Jackson Lance, 1935, 61 pages