Elder Giles Clariborn Harris is of English descent and a native of Tennessee. He first saw the light of day near Lebanon, Wilson County, Tennessee. He was born December 16, 1815. When he was five years old his parents moved to Marshall County, Tennessee, where he grew to manhood. During his youthful days he was remarkable for his morality and religious tendency. At an early period in life he gave his heart to God, who became his polar star through life, and finally led him to the green fields of paradise. His parents were Primitive Baptists, but, at about the age of twenty, he cast his lot with the Presbyterians. He now began to study God's word, with an honest heart, to know the right way. In the meantime, he had married and moved to the High Land Rim, near the line between Sumner and Macon Counties. Having become thoroughly convinced that the Baptists were the people described in the Bible as the followers of Christ, he united with Siloam Baptist Church, Macon County, Tennessee, in August 1842. From the very first he became an active worker in the church and in September, 1846, he was made deacon and served the church faithfully in this capacity for nineteen years. In December, 1864, he was licensed to preach by Siloam Baptist Church. He was ordained to the ministry by this same church in July, 1865, by a Presbytery consisting of Elders Jonathan Wiseman, Wm. H. Cooper, S. C. Talley, and J. J. Wiseman.
This was the beginning of a useful ministerial career. The next year he was called o the care of his home church and served them for eight years, during which time sixty-five persons were added to the church. Besides this, he served a number of other churches as pastor. Among them we note the following: Independence, Chestnut Grove, Long Creek, Meadorville, and New Harmony. Besides his pastoral work, he preached extensively in the surrounding country. He baptized and married a great many people and was a general favorite among the brethren. Among those whom he baptized we note Elder J. P. Gilliam.
In doctrine he was a staunch Baptist and bold defender of the faith. He never failed to preach a full gospel and set forth, in unmistakable terms, the doctrine of the church. He was a Baptist- the bible had made him one-and he rejoiced to preach their doctrines to others. He believed in "one Lord, one Body, on Faith, and one Baptism." He was a plain, practical preacher that believed something and said something.
He was three times married. In his early manhood he made a visit from Marshall County to Sumner County, Tennessee where he first met that noble Christian young woman, Miss Frances C. Meador. Friendship turned to love, which was consummated in marriage, February 15, 1837. Of this union two sons were born, Thomas G. and William T. Harris. He and his wife had united with the church at the same time and lived most happily together for a short time, when God took her to himself.
He was again married, to Miss Sarah H. Hawkins, August 14, 1844. She was a devoted, Christian wife, and bore to him one son, Robert W. Harris. Scarcely had they started on the journey of life together when he was again left in sorrow and his second love was "gathered to the fathers."
He next won the heart of Mrs. Elizabeth C. Davis. She was the widow of Carrell C. Davis, and most excellent Christian woman, with one daughter, Mary C. Davis. She bore to him seven children, as follows: Martha A., J. Sumpter, James L., G. Rice, Mollie C., D. Baxter and Joseph C. Seven of his children are still living.
He possessed a strong voice and spoke with distinctness and force. He had such unction in prayer that he often moved an audience to tears. In addition to this, he was a fine singer. He loved the old soul stirring songs of the fathers. "Amazing Grace" and "How Firm a Foundation" were among his favorites and often he would become happy while singing them. This faithful servant of God finished his work upon earth and fell on sleep at his home, near Westmoreland, Tenn., on the morning of March 4, 1889. His last sickness was borne with the courage and patience that becometh the true Christian soldier.
He had been in the better land but a short time when he was joined by his devoted wife. They are now singing the glad hallelujahs of redeeming grace, while they still live in the hearts of their friends.