William Plunkett Harris, a New York native born in 1797, ran a steamboat line with Robert Wilson before moving to Texas in 1830. At Harrisburg, founded by his brother John Richardson Harris, for whom Harris County was named, he and Wilson took over a mill operation. He later started a plantation at Red Bluff, where he lived with his wife Caroline Morgan and their two children. Harris was active in early efforts to reform the Mexican government's control of Texas, serving as a representative from this area to the Conventions of 1832 and 1835. As a member of the Consultation of 1835, he was selected chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs. He also served on the General Council until becoming collector of customs for the Port of Galveston in 1836. During the Texas Revolution, Harris operated his steamboat Cayuga, providing passage to settlers fleeing the advancing Mexican army. At Galveston, from April 15 to April 26, 1836, his boat served as the temporary capitol for the interim Texas government. After the Revolution he served in local government and helped pioneer planning for the area's rail industry. He died in 1843 and was buried near his homesite.