Dr. Harris has for many years been a strong advocate and worker for a united Chiropractic in Texas. Like so many others he cherishes the belief that this will some day be a proved landmark in the upsurge of the chiropractic profession in the nation.
Dr. Harris was born in Butler County, Kansas, December 22, 1895 and within the year his family moved to his father’s newly acquired government claim in Oklahoma. This first move seemed to set the pattern for his early life for his family continually moved from the Middle West to the Pacific Coast and back as his father, Asby T. Harris, vainly searched for health. Finally in San Antonio, his father found the new art of Chiropractic to be the answer to his health problem and it was there that they settled.
Dr. Harris graduated from high school and enrolled in Palmer School of Chiropractic in 1916, but like so many others, his education was interrupted by World War I. He served overseas as a convoy pilot in the Motor Transportation Corps, and after the Armistice he served at the Hague, Holland. Following the war, he returned to Palmer School and received his Diploma in 1920.
After practicing alone for a short time in Kaufman, he formed a partnership in Dallas with his late father which has operated as Harris Chiropractors ever since.
On August 14, 1921, Dr. Harris married Leora Elizabeth Terry. They had six children, but lost their oldest son in World War II. Two sons, Dr. W. E. Harris and Dr. E. T. Harris are now practicing with him. He has a third son graduating from Texas University this year and two married daughters – six grand children.
Dr. Harris has been a member of the Texas State Chiropractic Association since 1920, having served as Vice-president, Board member, chairman, and as a member of various committees almost continuously during the years. Although Dr. Harris modestly shies away from any type of “limelight” he has nonetheless received his share of honors and recognition. He was awarded trophies and service plaques in 1944, 1948 and 1956, and an Honorary Degree of Philosopher of Chiropractic in 1955.
Probably the most service to the profession by Dr. Harris was during the time he served as Chairman of Publications. During a period of five years, the deficit of $4579.00 was cut to $770.00. Also during this time, arrangement was made for the late Lorry A. Jacobs to travel to Pleasantville, N.Y. to interview the Managing Editor of Readers Digest, who was his personal friend. The late Dr. Vinton F. Logan accompanied him at his request. At this interview he was promised an answer to the article published by Readers Digest against Chiropractic and permission was granted to publish this answer in Health for Texans. Readers Digest published that answer in February, 1947 as did Health for Texans a month later. He was awarded the Keeler Plaque in 1946 for outstanding service to Chiropractic.
BIOGRAPHY AS IT APPEARED IN THE TEXAS CHIROPRACTOR JULY 1956 (corrections and additions to date 1961)
