Harris Family

Among the earliest pioneers of Oshtemo Township was a black family, that of Enoch and Deborah Harris. Born in the East in the late 1700s, they settled in the Ohio wilderness about 1810. Moving westward with the advancing frontier, they claimed land near here in 1831. Early accounts agree that Harris planted the first apple orchard in the area, and their daughter was said to be the township’s first bride. Farming over two hundred acres, Harris won the respect of his fellow settlers. He died in 1870 and was buried here, one-quarter mile east of his farm.