John Dantworth Harrington was the son of John Tyler Harrington and Hannah Amanda Ellsworth Harrington. He was the grandson of James Harrington and Mary Haws Harrington.

In 1875, 2 year old John was living with his family at Center, Woodson County, Kansas. John Tyler Harrington was a farmer.

In 1880, 8 year old John was living with his family in LeRoy, Osceola County, Michigan. John Tyler Harrington was working in a saw mill. Federal census records indicate that John Tyler Harrington was born in Michigan and his parents were born in Canada. Fannie Harrington, John's mother was born in Michigan, her father in New York and her mother in Ohio.

In 1900 John was single and living in Samish, Skagit County, Washington. John was a camp cook.

He married Emmogene Hake on 10 April 1905, at Everett, Washington. Emmogene was the daughter of Levi and Margaret Olive Spaulding Hake.

In 1910 John, Emmogene, and their children, Fannie, John and Reland were living in Hellgate, Missoula County, Montana. Fannie, John and Reland were born in the State of Washington. John was a carpenter.

In 1920 John was living alone at Belfast, Skagit County, Washington. Federal census records indicate that he was married and owned his property. In 1930 John was living at Mount View, King County, Washington. Federal census records indicate that he was single and working on a farm.

In 1935 John was living at Chelan, Washington. He was employed by the United States Forest Service, near Chelan Washington. He helped construct fire look out towers for the Forest Service.

In 1940 John was living with his son, Reland and Reland's wife June and their son, Dean at Schneiders Prairie, Thurston County, Washington. John was age 67, married and a carpenter. In 1950, John was living with his daughter Doralie and her family in Forks, Washington.

John was musically inclined. He played in a band at Silverton Oregon, before his marriage. He played both a violin and clarinet. John constructed houses for each of his children.