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William H. Harris, master mechanic of the Iron Mountain Railway Shops, De Soto, is a native of Auburn, N. Y., and was born February 25, 1838. His father, Daniel Harris, was a native of the same place and died in 1839. William H. Harris was educated in his native city, and when nineteen years of age learned the machinist's trade in Toronto, Canada in the shops of the Northern Railroad Company, where he was employed six years. He then returned to Oswego, N. Y., and worked in the shops of the Rome & Water Cross Railroad as master mechanic about six years. He located in De Soto in 1880, accepting at that time his present
position. He has charge of the locomotive department, and over thirty engines leave the shops daily. These railroad shops were established in De Soto in 1876. January 9, 1866, Mr. Harris married Eliza Paine, daughter of Edmond Paine, of St. Louis. Two children have blessed this
union, May and Roswell. Mr. Harris is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, holding membership in the lodge of Oswego, N. Y. Mrs. Harris is a member of the Episcopal Church.