Harriet A. Haas

Harriet T. Averill Haas (October 17, 1874 in Virginia City, Nevada – January 20, 1958 in Albuquerque, New Mexico) was an American attorney and member of Piedmont Board of Education in the city of Piedmont, California. She was one of the most highly regarded members of the Alameda County, California bar.

Early life Harriet Averill was born in Virginia City, Nevada, on October 17, 1874, the daughter of Wales Averill and Christina McLaughlin. Her mother was born on Prince Edward Island in 1840. Her father was born in Highgate Springs, Vermont, in 1837. He was descended from English colonists. The progenitor of the family in the United States was William Averill, who settled at Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1632. Among his descendants was John T. Averill, who served in the war of the Revolution. She attended the University of California and obtained degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Jurisprudence.

From 1915 to 1924, she served as president of the building association for Delta Delta Delta sorority. During this period, she was the legal aid adviser for both the women's section of the Berkeley Police Department She registered as Republican but sought the votes of both Republicans and Democrats. She lost by 10% and placed second of four candidates.

Later in life, she associated with Lila R. Havens and was assistant manager in the sale and development of the properties owned by the estate of Frank C. Havens, which was considered one of the largest and most beautifully located of any of the East Bay properties. Averill Haas moved to California in 1900 and lived at 218 Bonita Ave., Piedmont, California.