In memory of Captain J S Harris
By Thomas Roberts
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and a loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
Our good Captain Harris and friend is gone,
To be with Christ his Lord;
The fight is fought, the victory’s won,
He’s gone to his reward.
He spent his strength for those around,
His words were greatly blest;
His labours with sincere were crowned,
And now he’s gone to rest.
We have missed him in the mine,
We have missed his voice in prayer;
We have missed him in the singing seat,
We have missed him everywhere.
Our loss we mourn, with tears and sighs,
Our hearts with grief are riven;
But let us wipe our weeping eyes,
We know he’s safe in heaven.
Our loss is his eternal gain,
He kept his Father’s word;
Now free from the troubles of Jericho and pain,
He’s present with the Lord.
We loved to hear his voice below,
Singing our songs of praise;
But he is singing with the angels now,
Above the starry skies.
A glorious crown is on his dear head,
Bedecked with many a star;
By Jesus Christ he now sits down,
Where living waters are.
His light e’er shine forth bright and clear,
For he lived to God alone;
Too good, too pure, to tarry here,
His Father took him home.
His path was like a burning light,
It reacheth the perfect day,
And leaves behind a rapture bright,
To shine upon our way.
Farewell dear friends, farewell,
To us his faith be given;
Then when we reach our journey’s end
We’ll meet again in heaven.
John Salter Harris was a miner, a mine captain (possibly at St Agnes) and a mine agent – at Wendron in 1871.
He died at Peterville, St Agnes and his death was registered on 31st August 1897.
He was a great-grandfather to Richie Sandercock, a St Agnes mine carpenter at Cligga mid-20th century.
Submitted by Maureen Adams (née Sandercock), John Salter Harris’s Great-Great-Granddaughter.
