Emil Harris: Los Angeles Jewish Police Chief

Abstract

Emil Harris was not typical policeman if you can stereotype the police. But then, in the eighth decade of the nineteenth century, Los Angeles was not typical American town. Long forgotten lawman Emil Harris served the city and county of Los Angeles in matters routine and adventurous. His career ranged from patrolman to chief of police and his responsibilities from quieting drunken Indians to deep involvement in the famous case of the infamous bandit, Tiburcio Vasquez, as well as his efforts to head-off the tragic events of the Los Angeles Chinese massacre of 1871. Who was Emil Harris? He was German-born, pioneer in youth work in Los Angeles as gymnastics instructor, champion marksman, devoted Odd Fellow, Turnvereiner, and Jew. Emil Harris was born in Prussia on December 29, 1839. ^n I^53, in the company of an aunt, he came to the United States where some members of his family had previously settled. After living in New York for some time he set out for California where he also had relatives. In 1857 he took passage on the North Star to the Isthmus of Panama and made the land journey to the Pacific side where he boarded the ship John L. Stevens for San Francisco, arriving there in March. In San Francisco he had intended to learn the printing trade and actually began to work in this field, but the work did not prove congenial and he soon left. Subsequently Harris was employed as waiter in Kearny Street restaurant. Later he went to work in his uncle's Stockton billiard hall. He and his uncle returned to San Francisco and founded cigar business as partnership. Two years afterwards, Harris* uncle acquired a billiard hall of eight tables at Visalia, California. Harris managed the establishment until the business was sold. He then returned to San Francisco where he was naturalized on March 18, 1867.1 On April 9, 1869, Emil Harris arrived in Los Angeles.2 There he was employed as barkeeper at the Wine Rooms on Main Street.3 He quickly became involved in civic life. In June 1869, he registered as voter. Working in the commercial center of the city, he was aware of the need