Henry Harmon of Texas County, Missouri

Henry Harmon was born in Greene County, Tenn., August 25, 1828, his parents being Philip and Catherine (Fry) Harmon, born in Jefferson County, Tenn., and Virginia, respectively. They were married in Tennessee, and there resided until 1857, when they came to Texas County, Mo., where the father worked at the blacksmith's and wagon-maker's trades until his death, in 1865, at the age of sixty-six years. He was a successful business man, but owing to going security for others, lost considerable money. He was a Democrat, and he and wife were earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The latter's death occurred in 1861, at the age of about fifty-two years. Six of their ten children are now living. Henry Harmon is their third child, and made his home with his parents until twenty-two years of age, and then began his career as a farmer, in which calling he has been quite successful. September 19, 1850, he was married to Sarah Carter, who was born in Tennessee, and died in Greene County of that State when twenty-two years old, having borne two children, George W., and Anderson, a farmer of the county. Her oldest son was a practicing physician of Texas County. Mr. Harmon took for his second wife Eliza Matilda, a daughter of Jesse Elmore. She was born in Bradley County, Tenn., February 9, 1829, and died in Texas County, Mo., when fifty-three years of age. To them was born one daughter, Martha E., wife of John Beck, a farmer of the county. After the date of his wife, Mr. Harmon wedded Eliza Rippee, in 1870. She was born in Dickson County, Tenn., in 1831, and her union with Mr. Harmon resulted in the birth of four children, only one of whom is living, Ada. Those deceased are Robert L., Mary E., and Cordelia. Mr. and Mrs. Harmon are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Mason and a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a Democrat politically, and does all in his power to support the principles of his party.