I am looking for a needle in a haystack. I have a DNA match that appears to
go back to a Harris surname but don't have enough genealogical information
to identify the source of the match.
I know that George Harris, born about 1811 in either KY or VA and married to
Elizabeth Johnson is my 3rd great grandfather, but I do not know his
parents. I know that he and Elizabeth were the parents of at least 8
children, including Mary Matilda Harris, Miles Wesley Harris (died in Civil
War), Sarah E. Harris, George W. Harris, Martha J. Harris, Paris Harris
(died 1934 in Shelby Co, IN), and Thomas Jefferson Harris. I know that the
family lived in Monroe County, Indiana, before moving first to Johnson
County, Indiana, between 1860 and 1870, and to Shelby County between 1870
and 1880. George Harris and his wife Elizabeth Johnson appear to have died
between 1880 and 1900, possibly in Shelby County, Indiana (their last known
residence in 1880 census). Mary Matilda Harris (my 2nd great grandmother)
married first, Lewis Houston (died in the Civil War), second, James H.
Stroup (died in the Civil War), and third, Thomas John Richardson (died
1939). Mary Matilida Harris Houston Stroup Richardson died in 1904 in
Shelby County, Indiana.
I have read through the Shelby County website and found the news items
associated with the Harris family, and picked up whatever else there is on
the website about the Harris surname. I am looking for someone who may be
able to help me learn more about the parentage of George Harris. Is there a
cemetery record for either George or Elizabeth in Shelby County? Is there a
probate record, deed record, court records, etc. in Shelby County? I live
out of state and am not able to visit Shelby County to search for such
records. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Constance T. Shotts