Among the native sons of Delaware county who have willingly resided within its borders, recognizing the fact that the natural resources and established advantages here to be found are equal to those offered elsewhere in the country, is William P. Harris, who was born October 25, 1866, on the farm in Elk township upon which he now resides. He is the only son of John and Elizabeth, (Le Lacheur) Harris, both of whom were natives Prince Edward Island. They arrived in the United States in 1850 and, making their way westward, became pioneer settlers of Delaware county, their home being in Elk township, on section 19, the father having entered a claim from the government. Upon that farm both he and his wife spent their remaining days, the father passing away oh the 13th of May, 1881, while the mother survived for many years and died January 13, 1909, their remains being interred in the Grantview cemetery at Greeley.
      William P. Harris was reared on the old homestead and was only fourteen years of age at the time of his father's demise. Soon afterward he took charge of the farm and, although the burden was a heavy one for young shoulders to bear, he uncomplainingly met the duties which came to him. He has always lived upon this place and with the death of his mother he inherited the property. He was not content to sit down, however, and leave the farm as it was. He has kept in touch with the advancement made along agricultural lines and to his property he has added until he is now the owner of four hundred and sixty acres, all splendidly improved. He makes a specialty of stock-raising and has good grades of cattle and hogs upon his place. Moreover, his farm is splendidly improved, there being an attractive residence, large barns and outbuildings, well kept fences to divide the place into fields of convenient size and the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of crop production.
     In November, 1889, Mr. Harris was married to Miss Viola Noble, who was born in Honey Creek township, this county, a daughter of Timothy and Susanna (Jones) Noble. Her parents were natives of New York and Ohio but came to Iowa during the early epoch in the development of Delaware county and here entered government land, the father giving his undivided attention to the further development of his place until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have become the parents of five children, John N., Ethel A., Arthur W., one who died in infancy and Edna M.
     Mr. Harris votes with the republican party and for four years has served as township trustee, while since attaining his majority he has been one of the school directors. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree, and both he and his wife are connected with the Eastern Star. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and both Mr. and Mrs. Harris hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. They have many friends owing to the fact that theirs is a hospitable home and also because they have lived lives worthy of confidence and high regard. Mr. Harris has never sought to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any business transaction, and his life exemplifies the principal phases of honorable manhood and upright citizenship.