The Harris family were early converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as early settlers of Utah. Emer Harris was the brother of Martin Harris, one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon. His son, Dennison Lott Harris served a mission to the Navajos, as part of the Nauvoo Legion, and as bishop in Monroe, Utah. His son, Dennison Emer Harris, attended the University of Deseret and Brigham Young Academy. Following his graduation he worked as an educator while serving actively in the Church. His son, Franklin S. Harris, was also an educator, and later became president of Brigham Young University and the Utah Agricultural College.