William Harris, the father, started the jewelry business in Rockaway in 1868, moving it to 15 South Sussex Street in Dover in 1874. In 1890, Mr. Harris, needing more space, moved the business into the Berry Hardware Store on Blackwell Street. Here he erected, in front of the store, probably Dover's first town clock. In 1913, as the business continued to grow, Mr. Harris erected a new building at 19 East Blackwell Street and moved there with his sons. He moved the Town Clock with him. The business had been incorporated as "William Harris & Sons" in 1910. Mr. Harris, the business founder, died in 1917 and his son, William C. Harris, continued the business.