Ira
Harris was born in Charleston, Montgomery County, on 31st May, 1802.
He graduated from Union College in 1824 and after studying law in
Albany was admitted to the bar in 1827. Harris served in the State
Assemby (1845-46) and State Senate (1847-1850).
A member of the Republican Party,
Harris was elected to the United States Senate in 1860. Harris was
a family friend of Abraham Lincoln and
his wife Mary Lincoln. Harris's daughter
and stepson, Clara Harris and Henry
Rathbone, were with Lincoln when he was assassinated at the Ford's
Theatre on 14th April, 1865.
Harris was defeated in 1866 and after his retirement from politics
became a professor at the Albany Law School (1867-75). Ira Harris
died in Albany on 2nd December, 1875.
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