As a mother, Amelia was caring, honest, and shrewd. Between 1817-1836, Amelia and John had 12 children, eight girls and four boys. Tragically, Amelia’s first two children passed away in infancy from accidents and illness respectively. The rest of their children were raised primarily in London with the last two born at Eldon House. Amelia strived to ensure that her children had the best education possible. Her sons were sent to school and became lawyers and landowners, her daughters were also educated in the fashion of the day including lessons in music, dance, and etiquette. It was noted by various Londoners that the Harris children were well brought up, and the daughters specifically were well educated and beautiful.
Amelia did her best to secure good futures for her children, using connections in the community to make beneficial associations for the family. In particular her efforts to secure husbands for her daughters transformed Eldon House into a social center for the community. Amelia and her husband would host parties for elite Londoners, and members of the military to matchmake her children. Amelia was quite successful with all her surviving children eventually marrying, some to prominent local families.
While Eldon House was a happy residence, it was not immune to tragedies, and in 1850, the patriarch of Eldon House passed away at the age of 68. John’s death brought impactful changes to Eldon House and to Amelia.