Rushden Research Group: Newton Bromswold Harris' Farm

Harris' Farm

The Cottage


The farmhouse frontage	Rear of the farmhouse

James Harris was born at Bedford and with his wife, Fanny (nee Sykes from Rushden), came to the farm in about 1877, and was a tenant of 197 acres. James was a cattle dealer and he was employing three men and three boys on the farm.

They had four children. Fanny died in 1892 aged 36. About 1908 James bought the farm from the Sartoris family.

James died in 1922 and he was buried in Rushden Cemetery Grave B841.

His grandson James George Harris (born 1912) and his wife Ciceley kept the farm until 1985.

1908 they supplied the Co-op with meats for Xmas

Rushden Echo, 24th December 1915

A gift of cakes, oranges and tomatoes has been made by Mrs. Harris, of Newton, to the V.A.D. Hospital at Higham Ferrers.

The Argus, 20th April 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

Higham Police Court

James Harris, sen., and James Harris, jun., farmers, were summoned for keeping a dog without a licence on March 19th at Higham Ferrers.P.C. Powell said defendant told him he forgot to send for his exemption for the dog.Supt. Mcleod said the defendants were entitled to an exemption had they applied, so the Revenue was not defrauded.The Chairman said owing to previous convictions they would be fined 25s.

Rushden Echo, 15th June 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

HaymakingIn a field belonging to Mr. James Harris, farmer, of Newton, we observed that a fine crop of clover had been mown on Saturday last, this being the first field in the neighbourhood where haymaking has commenced. The crop has been carried and today the steam plough is at work turning up the soil.

Rushden Echo, 11^th May 1917

War ShrineMr. J. Harris is presenting a war shrine to the parish, which will bear the names of those who have given their lives in the service of their country, and of those at present serving.

Rushden Echo, 15^th June 1917

Rushden Echo, 25^th May 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

The Roll of Honour which has been presented to the parish by Mr. Harris, as mentioned in last week’s “Rushden Echo” was formally dedicated on Sunday evening by the Rev. W. McCleary. A good number of people were present, including many Yelden residents.

Fire 1914