Hunter Harris was the second oldest of seven children born to Sally and Dr. Robert Harris of Pittsville, a village near today’s city of Fulshear, Texas. When Hunter was in his third year of college, his father died. At 19 years of age, Hunter was called to take over the family farm that was comprised of 6000 acres of land in the Brazos bottom in and around Pittsville, with more acreage in the Katy Prairie.
Judge Harris was successful at running the farm and assisted his mother in financing the education of all his siblings including medical school for four of the boys. Judge Harris married Willie McKithean, who came to Fulshear to teach school. Hunter and Willie Harris had three children, Hunter Jr., Evalyn and the youngest, Billie Amilee, who, as Ms. Billie Wendt, was present at the unveiling.
Judge Harris served as County Commissioner from 1933-1936, and as County Judge from 1941-1944. He continued to manage his farm and ranch operations until his death at age 69.
County Judge Bob Hebert presided at the unveiling and said, “It was a different county in the early forties. For instance, during Judge Harris’ term the county purchased 6 acres of right-of-way along US90A through Richmond and Rosenberg for a total of $3,544. Today, in highly commercialized areas of the county, $3500 might buy you 50 square feet. However, I’m sure if he were to return he would understand my job, as I would understand his. We are here thanks to all who went before us, and we serve ourselves well by honoring our history.”
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