Elizabeth Johnson Harris, Life Story
Marriage and Children (pp.31-35)

Image of this page Now I have said many things here but have not introduced the name of the gentleman in this Subject. My first choice in love and marriage is the name following.

Jacob Walker Harris, Son of the late Rev. James and Henrietta Dent Harris, following, on Thursday night, July 5th 1883, Jacob and Elizabeth were happily united in marriage at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Walton Way, Augusta Ga., (The Hill) The Rev. Wm. B. Walker, officialing.

Miss Helen Connley (Dickey) presided at the organ, playing "Mendlessohn's Wedding March," while the late Dr. Edwd. Barry and Mr. Paul Langdon, acted as ushers.

I was led to the marriage alter and given in marriage, by my very dear old Grandfather, Peter Stewart, who was Sexton of above named Church, at the time, and for fourteen years in all. My only Brides-maid was Mrs. Emma Jones (Williams) of Augusta also. My wedding veil and wreath, was attached and placed in Virginia Style, by Mrs. Mary Owens, (Mother of Stuard B. Owens) assisted by Miss Mary C. Cuthbert, (white). The Church was filled to its capacity by colored and white Friends,

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Image of this page And the Episcopal matrimony was carried out in full. I still attended the Good Shepherd Sunday School for three years after I was married making it a total of fifteen years as a Scholar in this Sunday School during the time of which Rev. E. Gilbert was Rector of the Church, and Dr. Edwd. Barry, was Supt. of the colored Sunday-School Dept.

For three and one half years after marriage, I or we, lived happily with the old folks, at their own home from where we were married. Our family had there increased, with the addition of two little boys and one girl. At this time we decided to go out House-keeping. So we moved Just one block from the old house. The old folks were always kind, interested, and helpful to us in every way, and we managed to see one another every day, as we were not far apart. My first and eldest boy was named Peter James [ illegible text crossed out ] for my Grandfather and his Father's Father--Our first and eldest girl was named Mattie Louise, for my mother, and Grandmother. There were nine children added to our family. Six boys and three girls. Peter James (June 3rd 84), Charles Jacob (July 2nd 85), Mattie Louise (Sept 86), Thomas Owens (July 8th 88), Edwin Houston (Dec. 22 90), Jacob Walker (Jr) (Mch 92) Fannie Drayton (May 94), Lamar

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Image of this page Anderson (Nov 11th 1903), Emma Lou Ceilia Born Dec 4th 1905. [ in margins: 1905] We were unfortunate to lose two of the boys. Jacob Jr, born dead, and Lamar Anderson, died at the age of two years and two months - These being survived by four brothers and three sisters. These seven children surviving were all sent to school at the proper age, and all remained in school going through a few grades, but seemingly disinterested and preferring an early start out for work. Four dropped off from school to my regret. I am proud to say that Charles Jacob was interested and determined so that he went thro and graduated from the normal course of Paine College in 1904, and also studied from one to two years at Atlanta University, keeping up with his music until he finished at the New England Conservatory in Boston Mass. Fannie Drayton finished from the graded school on thro grammar up to second year of normal at Paine College, including a little music with home teaching and Prof. C.U. Dryscoll. Emma Lou Celia is in school at the present. [in margins: Oct. 1923]. Second year at Haines school keeping in touch with music also. With the little knowledge of music on my part I attempted with interest

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Image of this page and deepest anxieties to give each child of mine a start in music at the age of seven years - But only three were interested, Charles, Fannie and Emma L.C., They all seemed to have good voices for singing but Careless in practice for same, except Emma Lou Ceilia. I deeply regret that the others grew careless in regards to school music ect. - I believe that Thomas Owen would have made a good scholar, and he possesses a fair voice for Baritone, but he has always wanted and prepared to start out early and make his own dollars.

Peter James, and Edwin Houston have splendid voices for tenor, Mattie Louise, for soprano and alto, Chas. Jacob, second tenor, Fannie Drayton soprano or alto, Emma Lou Celia Soprano or coutralto. With practice and cultivation they might do well But Charles and Emma are the only two with continuous signs of interest. Fannie yet plays, but never taking the time or as much interest as Charles and Emma L.C. I also gave my youngest brother Thomas a start in music when he was a little boy, proud to say he displayed his interest kept up his practice and now excels his sister

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by far. He is now a man with a small family, a daily laborer making his home in the east in the past twenty years, but he manages to keep in practice with his music.

My girls and boys are all willing and honest workers, which is not a disgraceful move for poor persons, but I would feel so proud if they had only finished or gone higher in school. Anyway I have seen and marked the results from the interest manifested by Charles, and at the present I am looking and hoping for a bright future for Emma if she willingly continues with the present interest and determination. After Chas. had completed the normal course at Paine and studying two years at he A.U. at the time taking music instructions first at his home here from his mother, and Prof. C.A. Dryscoll, and from Prof. Work of Fiske, during his stay in Atlanta [in margins: 1905] He taught several persons at his time here before going to Atlanta. And while there he taught a good many, gave his service in music at the various churches, regular Butler St. and Holsey's Chapel. Appeared in concert at Wheat St. Friendship and others, making himself somewhat popular in the community of the city complete.

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