Warren G. Harris Explained

Warren G. Harris
Birth Date:April 29, 1913
Birth Place:Worcester, Massachusetts
Death Date:November 5, 1970 (aged 57)
Death Place:Millbury, Massachusetts
Occupation:Lawyer
Insurance executive
Party:Republican
Alma Mater:Boston University
Member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council from the 7th district
Term Start:1947
Term End:1949
Predecessor:James Marshall
Successor:John O'Brien

Warren G. Harris (1913-1970) was an American politician and business executive who served as a member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council from 1947 to 1949.

Early life

Harris was born on April 29, 1913, in Worcester, Massachusetts.[1] He was raised in Millbury, Massachusetts, where his father, Warren B. Harris, was a member of the school committee.[2] Harris attended the Boston University College of Business Administration and School of Law.

Political career

In 1938, Harris was elected to the Millbury school committee. He defeated the same candidate who beat his father in 1923. Harris was reelected in 1940. In addition to serving on the school committee, Harris was also the president of the town's Republican committee and Kiwanis.

In 1942, Harris enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the Pacific, African and Middle East theaters of World War II. He left the Army with the rank of Lieutenant.[3]

In 1946, Harris was elected to the Massachusetts Governor's Council. He was defeated for reelection in 1948 by Democrat John O'Brien.[4]

In 1950, Harris was a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. He finished fifth in the five-candidate Republican primary behind former state treasurer Laurence Curtis, businessman and future John Birch Society founder Robert W. Welch, Jr., state senator Harris S. Richardson, and former Beverly Mayor Daniel E. McLean.[5]

Business career and personal life

Harris owned two insurance firms, with offices in Millbury and Worcester.

During the late 1940s, he held three world records in speedboat racing.

Death

Around 10 pm on November 5, 1970, a fire broke out at Harris' home. Fire officials were unable to enter the home for over an hour. Harris' body was identified by dental records.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Public Officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1985-1986. March 31, 2017.
  2. News: Harris. John G.. Welch, Harris Attracting Early Interest in Bid for G. O. P. Ticket Spot. The Boston Globe. January 20, 1950.
  3. News: Ex-governor's councilor dies in fire at Millbury. The Boston Globe. November 7, 1970.
  4. Book: Election Statistics; The Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1948 .
  5. Book: Election Statistics; The Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1950 .