Harris, William Logan, Dd, Lld

Harris, William Logan, D.D., LL.D.

a Methodist Episcopal bishop, was born near Mansfield, Ohio, November 14, 1817. He was converted in 1834; afterwards studied in Norwalk Seminary; was licensed to preach in 1837, and entered the Michigan Conference the same year. In 1845 he became tutor in Ohio Wesleyan University; in 1848 principal of Baldwin Institute; in 1851 principal of the preparatory department of Ohio Wesleyan University; in 1852 professor of chemistry and natural history in the same school; was elected assistant missionary secretary in 1860; served as member and secretary of the General Conference in 1858,1860, 1864, 1868, and 1872; and was elected bishop in 1872, continuing in that office until his death, September 2, 1887. In 1873 he made a missionary tour around the world; in 1880 visited the missions in Mexico, and again in 1884 and 1885; in 1881 those in South America, returning by the way of Europe in 1882. He also organized the Japanese mission. He wrote a work on The Powers of the General Conference (1859), and, conjointly with judge William J. Henry of Illinois, a treatise on Ecclesiastical Law (1870). See Simpson, Cyclop. of Methodism, s.v.; Minutes of Annual Conferences (Fall), 1887, page 347.