This well known pioneer of Santa Rosa was born in Grayson County, Kentucky, August 24, 1827, son of Samuel and Phebe (Fulkerson) Harris, each of whom where born of families among the oldest in Kentucky. In 1828 the family moved to Vigo County, Indiana, and settled at Terre Haute. From thence, when Jacob Harris was in his nineteenth year, they emigrated to Davis County, Iowa. There, in 1848, the subject of this sketch wedded Miss Phebe Fulkerson, daughter of Richard Fulkerson, whose history appears in this work. From Davis County Mr. and Mrs. Harris came to Santa Rosa, accompanying Mrs. Harris' father and other members of the family in 1854. The journey was made overland without serious loss or delay. Since coming to Santa Rosa Mr. and Mrs. Harris, with the exception of from 1860 to 1863 spent in Sutter County, have resided near the city of Santa Rosa. Their present residence, which was built in 1882, is a little northeast of the city and is well located upon a gentle eminence, giving a fine view of the city and surrounding country. Mr. Harris has erected a fine cottage home and has made many other improvements on the place. The ranch consists of forty-six acres, thirty of which are devoted to table and wine grapes. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are the parents of five children: Thompson M., who lives near his parents; Isabel, wife of Richard Weatherington of Santa Rosa Township; Alice Clara, who died aged six years; Richard A., who is a near neighbor, and Florence, the youngest, still resides with her parents. The parents of Mr. Harris left Davis County, Iowa, and settled at the head of Rincon Valley in this county, in 1860, where they lived with their son-in-law, Josiah Downey. His father died in 1864, and his mother, who survives, makes her home with the subject of this sketch. She is now (1888) ninety-three years of age and her physical and mental vigor are preserved to a remarkable degree. Mr. Harris is prominently associated with the Masonic order, being a member of the Santa Rosa subordinate lodge, Santa Rosa chapter and commandery, and also of the Santa Rosa Lodge of Knights of Pythias. A thoroughly radical advocate of temperance, he is a member of the Santa Rosa Lodge of Good Templars, No. 370, and in 1887 was an officer of the Grand Lodge of the State. In politics, he is identified with and prominent in the councils of the Democratic party.