J. M. Harris, is a native-born resident of the county, his birth occurring in 1843, and ever since starting in life for himself he has enjoyed the reputation of being not only a substantial and progressive planter, but an intelligent and thoroughly posted man in all public matters. His brothers and sisters are as follows: Mary F. (Mrs. Johnson), Calvin H., who was killed at the battle of Chickamauga; W. S., a resident of the county; J. M., B. F., who is married and resides near by; C. H., S. A. (Mrs. Settle, residing in Cross County, Ark.); Susan (Mrs. Magee, of Scott Township), and Alice (deceased). The parents of these children, W. H. and J. P. (Copeland) Harris, were born in Alabama, and in 1829 the father removed to Arkansas, and squatted on a tract of land near where our subject now lives. He took an active part in the early history of Poinsett County, and always voted the Democratic ticket. He was elected by that party to the office of county judge, serving a number of years. His death occurred here, in March, 1879, but his widow is still living, and resides on the old homestead. J. M. Harris was educated in the schools of the county, and in 1862 dropped both farm work and schools to engage in the Rebellion, serving in Company K, Adams' regiment, and was a participant in the battles of Corinth, Port Hudson and numerous skirmishes. After the final surrender, he returned to Poinsett County, with the consciousness of having served his cause faithfully and well, and was married here the same year, to Miss C. A. Stancell, a native of North Carolina, but her death occurred in 1870, she having borne one child, C. H., who is at home. Mr. Harris took for his second wife (in 1873) Miss R. D. Reeves, a daughter of J. F. Reeves, one of the early pioneers of the county, but he mourned her death the following year. He took for his third wife Miss N. E. Conn, by whom he has five children: Sally A., Etta, Dove, Grover G. and Francis. After his first marriage, Mr. Harris purchased a farm of forty acres, and, by additional purchases, is now the owner of 320 acres, with 100 acres under cultivation. He is also engaged in stock dealing, and raises to some extent, his cattle being of the Durham breed. He is an active agriculturist, and in addition to his farm, operates a saw and gristmill and a cotton-gin in Scott Township, his various enterprises netting him a lucrative annual income. Socially, he is a member of the K. of H. He is a member of the school board, and he and his wife belong to the Baptist Church.