Young Loftin Gerdine Harris (1812 – April 28, 1894) was an American lawyer, businessman, politician, judge, and philanthropist. He is best known as the early benefactor of Young Harris College in the U.S. state of Georgia, after whom the school was named.
Biography
Harris was born in Elbert County, Georgia, His exact birthday is unknown, and it was not included on his headstone. Primary education was obtained in the common schools, then he attended the University of Georgia.
Harris was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1834 and began his law practice in Elberton, Georgia, where he was quite successful Harris was one of a group of Athens businessmen who founded the profitable Southern Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1847. He was initially named Secretary and Principal Director where he proved his financial skill by smart management of the company's assets. Harris was company president from 1866 until his death, and the business became one of the largest in the southeast United States. Susan Bevel Allen, whose family worked a plantation, married Harris in 1835. The couple had no children. She died on May 18, 1888, at age 70 after 53 years together. His funeral was well attended, indicating the respect and admiration he had earned.
On January 3, 1909, 112 members founded a new church in Athens. Land was donated by the Reverend Joe Dunaway, with the stipulation that it be named in honor of Judge Young L. G. Harris, who had provided friendship and assistance to Dunaway during his college years. The Young Harris Memorial United Methodist Church of Athens celebrated their centennial in 2009.
Philanthropy
When Harris and his wife joined the First Methodist Church of Athens, it changed their lives and the lives of countless others who benefited from their generosity. Harris became a devout member, served as church superintendent for many years, and supported Methodism throughout the state. His income from Southern Mutual, legal work and judge's salary was substantial, exceeding $10,000 per year. That would be equivalent to $2.29 million today, using the nominal GDP per capita formula. He used his wealth to make numerous contributions to small churches, helped build minister's homes, and supported the Young Men's Christian Association.
Harris served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Emory College, and donated two buildings: the Marvin Dormitory and the President's Home.
The Harris-Allen Library was established at Elberton, Georgia in his wife's honor with a gift of $6,000, $1.38 million in 2010 dollars. After hearing positive things about the school, Harris resolved to increase his support of the institution. Harris funded the construction of the campus for $20,000, ($4.27 million in 2010 dollars) It is the oldest building on the YHC campus and was most recently renovated in 2009. As of 2011, the structure was used for vespers, lectures, concerts and homecoming.
Provision for the school was included in Harris' will, even though he never saw the campus. of the $100,000 estate.</blockquote>
Young Harris College is highly regarded in Georgia and has had more of an impact on the state's politics and society than would be expected from a small school in the mountains. Over the last 100+ years, many students have chosen careers in public service; the ministry and teaching have been traditional vocations, but some chose politics. One U.S. Senator, two governors, a number of congressmen, state legislators and mayors all started out at YHC.
Philosophical views
thumb|upright|Young Harris tomb and monument
Young Harris did not talk about his charitable contributions because he was too modest. Even his close friends were not aware of the extent of his generosity.
Monument
A provision of Harris' will requested that a monument be erected at his burial vault, costing between $1,500 and $2,000. Biographer Paul Paschal questioned why a modest man who lived simply and donated most of his income would request such an expensive and ornate decoration.
The intricately carved figures of three robed women are mounted on top of the tomb. Close inspection identifies symbols, which reveal the figures to be the three Saints, Faith, Hope and Charity or the three Theological virtues.
The monument appears to be a message to those who visit his final resting place. They represent the principles that guided Harris' life, and he viewed them as the meaning of life.