Tragedies of Legendary Railroad Detective's family

Lenard Harris was a fearless lawman who kept the peace in California's 19th Century not only on the streets of Sacramento but on the rails of the Southern Pacific Railroad in California and Arizona.
When the train was robbed in Ceres, California on September 8, 1891 by notorious robbers John Sontag and Christopher Evans, Harris was the train detective onboard who took a shot to his neck. He survived and went on to only be killed by robbers in Boulder Creek in the Santa Cruz area.
His family sustained a series of tragedies. Their three infant children died, a son (W.H. Harris) was crushed to death coupling rail cars, another son (Len Harris Jr.) was shot after he kicked a dog and another son was fatally shot by his wife's alleged lover in self defense.
Amanda Harris, the 45-year-old wife of Lenard Harris, died at a young age from a cerebral hemorrhage.
The tragedies continued for other members of the Harris family. Leonard Harris IV who was the mayor of Reno in the 1950s, lost his wife and son in a botched residential robbery. All three are buried in the Harris family plot in Sacramento.
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[@coffeedad31]

Thank you for all the hard work you do creating these videos this history of California would otherwise literally not be known

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate that! This fabulous story would have been completely ignored if it were not for me retelling it! Not even the cemetery manager heard anything about him!

[@coffeedad31]

@@jbenziggy I believe you! You did a video a few years ago about the jacuzzi family and how there is one buried in Modesto . You would be amazed at how many people have literally never heard of that before!!! If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have passed the information on it. It's very possible that one day, that history will be lost, that is incredibly sad. Have you ever considered doing a video on the Gallo family? I heard Bob Gallo passed away recently

[@jbenziggy]

@@coffeedad31 yes I have. I have already some very interesting information on them!

[@coffeedad31]

@@jbenziggy I can't wait!! There is a lot of history there 🙂✔️

[@operadog2000]

I love your channel! No BS, just straight to the point. Always great content . Your videos should be mandatory in all schools.

[@HollywoodGraham]

So much history buried in cemeteries, thank you for bringing it to light.

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate that as always, sir. Not even the cemetery manager knew about Lenard Harris and his family of tragic endings.

[@dano8203]

Moving to Sacramento was not a generational blessing for Len Harris and his family. Thanks for another great video Jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! And thanks for your input in that other guy who dislikes cemetery visits.

[@AB-ye7bw]

A dark cloud of sadness for this family. I always look forward to seeing your episodes every Sunday.

[@WayneKline]

A story that needed telling and only you, Jeff, can tell the story as well detailed and respectfully as you do.

[@jbenziggy]

As always, Wayne, thanks for your support and encouragement! God’s blessings to you!

[@amargosaranch7794]

Jeff, this was one of your best Videos! From the start, I liked the introduction. Once again you exposed another tragedy caused by Evans and Sontag. You may recall that I have a 44 Colt that allegedly was used by those train robbers. I found one newspaper report which explained what happened to Len Harris in 1890 at Ceres. Evans and Sontag shot Len Harris during a gunfight, which left Harris partially crippled. It was said that Harris suffered for over a year, and only a partial recovery resulted. The bullet entered his neck from the right shoulder, and was never removed. It left him in intense pain, and he could not raise his right arm quickly to shoot back in 1894.

[@wsflco]

Thanks for remembering them. Astounds me how many gave their lives for the railroads in this country. Their sacrifice helped build America.

[@BillGreenAZ]

That's a great way to look at it.

[@debralang9467]

Good gracious. It hardly gets more sad for a family than that.

[@irishgip71]

WOW! 2 videos in two days! Thank you so much sir for the knowledge! Now get to the 3rd video for manana. 🤣 🤣

[@reginamay2767]

Thankyou for the coverage.

[@mov1ngforward]

Thank you! Sad but necessary. Our legacy is important and for you to remember them, recite their names is keeping their memory alive.

[@jbenziggy]

Agreed! Thank you!

[@rhondaz356]

That is an overwhelming, brutal amount of deaths in the Harris family. Talk about TRAGEDIES. Thank you for this video, Jeff. I don't know why, but sometimes I have a curiosity about these kinds of morbid events. Thanks so much, Jeff. 🙏🏻😔🥺

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate you leaving us that comment, Rhonda. This family had more tragedies I think than the Kennedy family. But nobody knows about this family and hopefully my video will bring them to the forefront of those who visit the cemetery. It is a fascinating cemetery in Sacramento.

[@rhondaz356]

@@jbenziggy so true... 😔🙏🏻

[@bradfordbarrettluckotheIrish]

Fascinating and so tragic that Harris family series of events.

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Thanks again for sharing, Jeff and Sarah, haven't heard about this family, such a tragedy

[@redmccoy8633]

Good God - you weren't kidding. Days of Our Lives. Some families were dealt heartaches galore. Could be a sad movie 😢. Thanx Jeff

[@privatepilot4064]

Thanks Jeff! Awesome video! Truly appreciate all the time and effort that you put into this channel.

[@CameronMcCreary]

No Jeff, I didn't know anything of the Harris family. Thank you for presenting this.

[@jbenziggy]

Not even the cemetery manager knew about this gentleman and his family. So apparently my videos do bring out untold stories and I appreciate you for helping us to remember this family.

[@gregorykacsandy5005]

Great vid Jeff ! Where's your sidekick today?: cheers !

[@charlesclayton8534]

Jeff, as always your videos and stories are at a higher level than most! It’s evident and it shows the time and effort you’ve put into each one! Once again thank you! Tom in Ceres

[@jbenziggy]

Hey friend, long time no hear from! How have you been? Thanks for the glowing review, as sheets!

[@charlesclayton8534]

@@jbenziggy Fantastic! I watch the your videos on my TV and not smart enough to figure out how to hit like or comment on the TV. My bad🤣however watch everyone of them!

[@liberalliar9216]

Jeff, I love everything you put out but also the music you play!!

[@jbenziggy]

I truly appreciate that. Some have dissed me for my choice of music.

[@mikewhite2aadvocacy172]

The entire family's history is intriguing, particularly the ways in which they passed away, which appear to be largely connected to the Railroad. I'm also curious as to whether any descendants of the family tree are still around and what pursuits they are engaged in.

[@rundown48]

Wow !! That poor Harris family sure did have a powerful streak of bad luck .. so much heartbreak and pain... thank you for bringing their story to light.. best wishes Jeff.................. cheers

[@jbenziggy]

If Hollywood would look for great movie ideas, they could start with this single family!

[@gunsole64]

So I have to tell you this before watching your video. 1st time in north cali last week and I was able to drive my semi across Golden Gate. We were re routed and ended up getting our last load in Modesto. I thought that was cool to visit and see your surroundings.

[@Serrano46571]

Wow what a tragedy. Cursed it right. I like videos of people I never heard of. Everybody has a story. Thanks Jeff.👍

[@GF-vn2cs]

My dads name is Leonard Harris 😊

[@jbenziggy]

It’s a good thing he’s not related to this unfortunate family. Lol.

[@alancamper7796]

Incredible story of the Harris family. The heartbreak of the children passing. Stay cool in this heatwave.

[@dmzabo3914]

7:06 isn’t this guy a spitting image of Herman Goring… The Reichsminister without portfolio and Reichskommissar of Aviation?

[@frankmarullo228]

Jeff this video is awesome , CHOCK FULL OF INFORMATION . Two videos in one week can't be at that ( unless you put out three a week ) THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA.......

[@muan108]

Thank you Jeff, for always bringing us interesting and educative episodes.

[@johnsaucerhunter]

Hi Jeff. Rather sobering history for the Harris family. Always appreciate and enjoy your episodes sir.

[@robertbiastre6037]

Once again the local railroads provided for the interest...great story!!!

[@LeeEblen]

Have you visited the River View Cemetery in Portland Oregon? Virgil Earp, Mark Hatfield and many pioneers?

[@terry7937]

Wow, one family so much tragedy. Never heard Of Len Harris or the stories behind the family name. Thank you.

[@bill2066]

HI Jeff...Wonderful job as usual. Lets hit 250 K Subs!

[@alichtenwalter]

Thank you my husband worked for the southern Pacific in California, and Oregon

[@stevestreet2825]

Fantastic episode Thank You, Reno and Sacramento so intertwined, Tahoe

[@janetsherwood7210]

Enjoy all the details of the person's history you share. You make each video so interesting. Thank you Jeff. The "Old West" was a truly wild & tragic place. 💔

[@whip-its_dad4239]

Another story of California's great history . Thank you for these videos . I really enjoy watching and learning from them .

[@hamspud35]

Sontag and Evans is a great SJ Valley story. Book by Anne Mitchell (?) Prodigal Sons. They were in a famous shootout at Stone Corral in Tulare County

[@RichardCaldron]

Great segment Jeff and I remember the murder of Harris family in Reno Nevada in 1974 as a young man wow a lot of tragedy in that family. Thx Jeff

[@BarbaraSalisbury-st7bu]

Very interesting video but such sadness for the Harris family. Thank you for bring us all the interesting history - sad, happy and sometimes funny but always entertaining.

[@_Dave_S]

Jeff, thank you for another fantastic video. I always enjoy learning about history, especially people and events I am not aware of. I appreciate the research you do for these videos. Thank you for posting!

[@TheSpaghetti64]

Excellent research as always. Very familiar with Evans and Sontag but most books give little information on the lawmen who tried to apprehend them.

[@kathycorley9236]

Thank you for 'digging up' all these interesting stories about people and our recent history. Fascinating!

[@davidelack8809]

I love obscure history also! I imagine you are fantastic at the trivial pursuit game. Thank you for doing the research.Keep up the great videos. Ps looks like you have been hitting the gym a bit. Looking good brother!

[@NormaHird]

What an interesting video Thank you for all of your research and professional presentation. Please make more videos for your viewers

[@zcam1969]

Jeff in the late 60s and early 70s the 'hippie generation '' coined a slang term ''far out man'' in reference to the Apollo missions to outer space . true lol !

[@footballlvnlady]

How horrible that the Harris family went through so much tragedy! I had not heard of this family before this video. I feel bad that one family went through so much trauma!

[@dawnlefevre9172]

My heart breaks for any parent to lose one child...they suffered horribly!! So sad!

[@johnhalley974]

Great piece Jeff…Thanks for expanding my history of the old West.

[@joelhurley2678]

Great video Jeff thank you so much for sharing really enjoyed this story.

[@brentmcmillan646]

Wow! I know there’s a lot of drama amongst people now days but so unfortunate for that Harris family to have that happen!!!

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Sad video but great history well done for all the time taken on the research Thankyou Jeff for sharing it

[@TravisWhite-m3r]

If it weren’t for bad luck I have no luck at all….still an interesting story…thanks Jeff.

[@graycloud057]

My goodness! That poor family must have been in the business of breaking mirrors.

[@DebFrantz]

My questio is on all they graves of the pioneers who came to Calif for gold and or just a better life and tombstone is marked he/she is from a foreign country. Did they have birth certificates back then. How was the validity of his birth location verified.

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff, Thanks for sharing this interesting and sad story of the Harris family rest 🙏 peace. Have a wonderful day!

[@williamphillips7068]

Thank you this family was plagued by tragedy, I had no clue about them till your video.

[@mdenten]

Wow. That’s really some story. So much tragedy. But a great video!

[@frankdomingo191]

Jeff I enjoy watching all the cemetery videos because you always discover so much more than what you set out to show. This one was definitely more tragedy than any one family deserves.

[@albertmartin-o3f]

I think it would be nice if you done the filming locations of Gun Smoke and Tales from Wells Fargo

[@skimmer8774]

I count my blessings when I see what this family went through. Yikes !

[@theburtseoni]

That family sure had a target on their back! Thank you Jeff for this very interesting story!

[@steveflaim2656]

Amazing story. I wonder how many families have those kind of events in their past!

[@terryeustice5399]

The Harris family sure had a lot of tough luck. Thank you Jeff for as many details you gave us. 💯👊👍💕

[@peanut_trucker]

Wow so much history in a cemetery. Didn't know anything about that one. Safe travels buddy thanks for sharing

[@richardsmith4187]

You are right the Harris family had their share of tragedy ! Your research was great as you filled in all the details of this lost History ! Thanks again Jeff & Sarah for your dedication.

[@bevgreen8165]

Sheesh. Some families just can't seem to catch a good break.

[@edmcconnell2105]

Wow, bad ending for this family not deserved.

[@karaDee2363]

So much tragedy for just one family. Very sad

[@shaunchurch9563]

Jeff love you're videos, keep them coming.

[@MrBucidart]

Thank you for the vid, good to see you and Sarah back in Nor-Cal.

[@gerrymaitland9799]

A tragic story for sure. Thank you for sharing...

[@justinvernal]

An episode on the lost venice ca canales would be interesting 👌🇺🇸

[@lindaxwrenoh]

seeing “wife of” and “aged 15 years” for the same person on a headstone feels so icky, lol

[@johnmeadows5645]

They need detectives nowdays to stop the thefts from container trains.

[@FDT212]

Great work on this video sir the work you do on your videos is unparalleled this guy went through alot

[@jimbullard441]

Another interesting tale. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnygarcia7636]

👍👍👍

[@Julie-lh7jp]

Love all the videos you put out. This was such a tragic story.

[@arnoldgonzales8599]

Can't imagine the pain and suffering this family went through. Thank you for the video, I learn so much history from watching every week!

[@Corgis175]

So many deathss and so tragic. RIP to all the Harris'.

[@knit1purl1]

Learn a lot from this channel. Thank you.

[@philmcmurray]

Thank you Jeff, great stories!

[@danahsutton101]

I grew up near here. I never thought to visit this cemetary so thank you.

[@JonStallings]

Really hard to imagine so much tragedy for one family 😢

[@161papa]

Great and interesting story, thanks for sharing.

[@donnawoepke8861]

Another very interesting story, thank you.

[@ronlasting1203]

Thanks Jeff, peace my friend.

[@merelhoekstra7330]

A lot of tragedies for the Harris family 😮😢

[@davidl9372]

Jeff, thanks for sharing this sad history.

[@ralphpatrick3071]

A family steeped in tragedy.

[@alanatolstad4824]

Your stories are always welcome.

[@greyghostjay]

That poor man. So interesting!

[@davidkulczyk678]

man, that's some tragic stuff

[@pittsburgh-gal]

Thanks for sharing the stories🙂

[@allanbeamer7110]

I worked for Amtrak the summer of '88 as a car attendant out of the LA Station before moving to Utah. I met a railroad detective on one of the trains I was on and he told me a few of HIS stories. I had no idea at the time just how vital, even in modern times, policing the rails really is. Back in Len Harris' day, even more so. I'm reminded of a Mormon scripture that states, "Men are that they MIGHT have joy". I hope and pray Len & his I'll fated family had some measure of joy here in their time upon the Earth. God bless him and them for their sacrifice. And God bless you too, Jeff,for shedding light upon this unsung hero. 😊

[@jbenziggy]

He certainly had some great sadness in his life. I thank God that there are men and women willing to lay down their lives for others’ safety.

[@robertcassey4014]

Wonderful edition! Just love the way you bring true and fascinating history. No spin or faux dramatics. You let the history speak for itself with your presentation. Thank you!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gloriaseymour1395]

Awsome video enjoyed it I'm from antioch california thank you

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome! Thank you, Gloria!