From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Harris, Henry "H. C."
(born: 1850) H. C. Harris was enslaved when born in Kentucky, he was owned by Alexander Moore, a bookbinder in Lexington, KY. Harris was stolen by Tatin Sites Harper and became one of the best jockeys in the state.Harris later rode for J. T. Moore, Williams and Owens, and T. F. Tracey, for whom he was also a stable foreman. In 1875, Harris went to New York to work for Frank Bennece until he was able to develop his own stable.
Harris retired from the horse industry and moved to Washington, D. C. in 1881. Two years later, he became a stableman at the White House, and became a coachman in 1897. He was a member of the Quartermasters Department. By 1898, Harris was an attaché caring for the horses at the White House.
For more see Leading the Race, by J. M. Moore; "Mrs. Harris surprised," Colored American, 6/25/1898, p. 5; "The President's coachman here," The Morning Herald, 09/07/1901, p.7; "Colored: A Responsible position," Lexington Leader, 03/26/1905, p.2.