HARRIS, HENRY (d. 1704?), chief engraver to the mint and seal-cutter, was engraver of the public seals throughout the reign of William III, and for a short time under Anne (Wyon, Great Seals of Engl. p. 190). In this office he succeeded East (who worked for James II), and was himself succeeded by John Roos (Cal. Treas. Papers, 1714–19, p. 228). In March 1689–90 he was appointed to the higher office of ‘chief graver of the stamps and irons of the king's mint’ (chief engraver to the mint) in the place of George Bower, lately deceased [see Bower, George, fl. 1681] (ib. 1556–1696, p. 108, under date 19 and 22 March 1689–90; Ruding (Annals of the Coinage, i. 45) dates Harris's appointment as engraver to the mint as early as 1680). Harris declares in his petition for the place to the lords of the treasury (Cal. Treas. Papers, l. c.) that he had been ‘educated in the art’ of die-cutting; but no coins or medals by him are known, and he appears to have exercised a general superintendence at the mint, and to have left the practical part of the work to his assistants. On his appointment the Roettiers were employed to act under him. On 22 May 1696 (ib. 1556–1696, pp. 513, 514) James Roettier is mentioned as his assistant. From 1697 till his death Harris had the able assistance of John Croker [see Croker, John, 1670–1741]. On 2 Feb. 1696–7 a committee of the House of Commons appointed to inquire into the clandestine removal of coin-dies from the Tower reported that though Harris (whom they had examined) was ‘the patent officer, and ought to have the inspection of the dies, yet … Roettier would never suffer him to come into the house where the press and dies were kept’ (J. H. Burn, ‘Memoir of the Roettiers,’ in Numismatic Chronicle, vol. iii.). Harris died before 12 Oct. 1704 (Cal. Treas. Papers, 1702–7, p. 297), at which date ‘the graver's place’ is spoken of as vacant through his decease. His successor, John Croker, was not appointed till 7 April 1705. Walpole calls him ‘Captain’ Harris and confuses him with Joseph Harris (fl. 1661–1699) [q. v.], the actor (Anecdotes of Painting, ed. Wornum, p. 570).
[Calendar of Treasury Papers, &c., cited above.]
HARRIS, HOWEL (1714–1773), a principal founder of Welsh Calvinistic methodism, third son of Howel and Susanna Harris of Trevecca in the parish of Talgarth in Breconshire, was born there 23 Jan. 1713–14. He was a younger brother of Joseph Harris (1702–1764) [q. v.] The parents owned the farm on which they lived, and were fairly well off. Young Harris was intended for the established church, and received a good education. Owing to his father's death, 9 March 1730, he had to support himself by opening a school. His prospects improving, he hoped, with the help of a near relative, to qualify himself for ordination. He is said to have been ‘wild and inconsiderate, though not without occasional twitches of conscience.’ He was much impressed by a sermon (30 March 1735) upon the duty of partaking of the Lord's Supper, and resolved to lead a new life. The following Sunday, being Easter Day, he went to the Lord's table. He got much help from some books he read, especially from ‘Holy Rules and Helps to Devotion,’ by Brian Duppa [q. v.] He conducted domestic worship regularly at his mother's house, and on Sundays many neighbours came to hear him and to join him in prayer. On 25 Nov. 1735 he matriculated at St. Mary Hall, Oxford, but returned home at the end of one term, and at once began his evangelistic labours with the greatest ardour. He was soon followed by such crowds that the houses were often too small to contain them. In 1737 he was invited by a gentleman to come to speak at his house in Radnorshire. At this time he taught a school, but went out every evening and on Sundays and holidays to advise the people. At the end of the year he was deprived of his school, which was connected with the established church. He was thus enabled to preach three, four, and sometimes five times a day. He still went to church himself, and urged his hearers to do the same. But his enthusiasm began to give offence. Whitefield wrote him an encouraging letter in the beginning of January 1738, and states in his diary for 1739 that Harris had already founded thirty societies in South Wales. For some years he delivered only extemporary sermons upon sin and the judgment to come.
In the course of six or seven years Harris, with the aid of his coadjutors, had aroused the whole principality. His appearance is described as most commanding, his voice solemn and strong, and his earnestness quite irresistible. He made many bitter enemies, and was often in peril of his life. He extended his efforts in 1739 to North Wales, and while at Machynlleth the mob rushed at him howling, threatening, swearing, and throwing stones. An attorney and a clergyman threatened him, and he was shot at.
Harris's great coadjutor in the foundation of methodism was Daniel Rowlands of Llangeitho, Cardiganshire; but an unfortunate misunderstanding, which continued for many years, arose as early as 1747, and led to an open rupture in 1751. The methodist body, which was now numerous, was divided into
