HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
HON. GEORGE HARSH. One of the most popular, strong and flourishing financial institutions of Massillon, Ohio, is the First National Bank, of which Hon. George Harsh is Vice-president. He was born in Washington County, Pa., on the 15th of March, 1810, a son of George and Catherine (Stricker) Harsh, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, a farmer of German descent. In 1813, he came overland to Ohio with his wife and six children, and two and a half miles northwest of Massillon he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, and purchased one hundred acres more. Part of this land was successfully tilled until his death, August 16, 1833, at the age of seventy-three years. Although he and his family were compelled to endure many hardships and privations during their early residence in this section, Mr. Harsh was a man of sound judgment, and realized the fact that the land in Stark County was very fertile and that his early labors and hardships would be well rewarded in after years. he was a member of the German Lutheran Church, as was also his wife, who was born in Washington County, Pa. Her demise occurred January 21, 1813, at the age of seventy-six years. The country was in a primitive condition at the time of their settlement, and the town of Massillon was unknown until about 1826, when a few houses began to be erected,
Hon. George Harsh received his initiatory education in the log schoolhouse of his boyhood days, but this he supplemented by an academical course in Canton, during which time he improved every opportunity and became a well-informed young man. He devoted the summer masons to assisting his father in tilling the home farm until, at the age of twenty-two years, he came to Massillon and engaged in partnership with his brother Jacob, who commenced business in 1828 in a mercantile establishment, the firm being changed and known as J. & G. Harsh. Two years later, Jacob died, in March, 1831, aged thirty-three years. George then became the sole proprietor, and although he was sometimes associated in business with others, because of his small capital, he was principally alone for the succeeding twenty-three years. He was pushing, energetic and honest, consequently successful, and the magnitude of his business necessitated a visit to the East about once a year to look up the prevailing modes, and to purchase goods, the trip being made by stage. About 1866, he disposed of all interests in the mercantile business, and has since dealt in real estate, principally farming land, and is now the owner of three farms in Stark County near Massillon, each comprising one hundred and sixty acres, and all improved with fair buildings, beside which he has forty acres of unimproved wood land. He is also the owner of a business block in Massillon, and two residences. His own residence was erected in 1840, and makes him a substantial, commodious and pleasant home. He has ever been a warm patron of education, and has for, years been connected with the Charity School of this place, in the capacity of President and Trustee, but resigned these positions recently, on account of ill-health. He has also been Director in the Massillon Union School for eighteen years. For many years he was a member of the City Council of Massillon, and altogether his name has been closely connected with the interests of this place for nearly sixty years. His friends are legion, for he has been a resident of Stark City for about eighty years. Although he has passed the eighty-second milestone of his life, his intellect is clear and sound, and does not show in the slightest degree the "ravages of time." He has always thrown his influence on the side of justice and right, and been one of the foremost and most liberal supporters of worthy public enterprises, churches especially being the recipients of his bounty. In his political views, he has always been in sympathy with the Republican party, in the tenets and doctrines of which he is a firm believer and supporter, and this party showed its appreciation of the influence he exerted in its behalf, by electing him to the House in the State Legislature in 1846, which position he ably filled one term. In 1860, he was honored by a second election to the Senate of Ohio, and served four years, beginning in 1860, and was an able, faithful and incorruptible Legislator. This was the most exciting time in the history of the State, but, as usual, Mr. Harsh acquitted himself with credit, and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was Chairman of the Committee on Claims and Public Works in the Senate, and a member on other important committees, and was one of the men to elect John T. Sherman to the United States Senate for his first term. he was also a Director of the Ohio Penitentiary for the years 1867 to 1873, inclusive.
Mr. Harsh was first married to Miss Susanna Stoakley, a native of Stark County, and has one grandchild, Fannie H., wife of I. E. Pierce, of Dayton, Ohio. His second marriage was to Miss Jane E. Smith, and his third to Miss Sarah E. McCarthy, who is now deceased. He has no children living. His only heir was his granddaughter, Mary Frances "Fanny" Harsh Peirce. His estate was worth about $500,000. Throughout Stark County his name is a synonym for integrity, generosity and kindness.
HON. GEORGE HARSH. One of the most popular, strong and flourishing financial institutions of Massillon, Ohio, is the First National Bank, of which Hon. George Harsh is Vice-president. He was born in Washington County, Pa., on the 15th of March, 1810, a son of George and Catherine (Stricker) Harsh, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, a farmer of German descent. In 1813, he came overland to Ohio with his wife and six children, and two and a half miles northwest of Massillon he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, and purchased one hundred acres more. Part of this land was successfully tilled until his death, August 16, 1833, at the age of seventy-three years. Although he and his family were compelled to endure many hardships and privations during their early residence in this section, Mr. Harsh was a man of sound judgment, and realized the fact that the land in Stark County was very fertile and that his early labors and hardships would be well rewarded in after years. he was a member of the German Lutheran Church, as was also his wife, who was born in Washington County, Pa. Her demise occurred January 21, 1813, at the age of seventy-six years. The country was in a primitive condition at the time of their settlement, and the town of Massillon was unknown until about 1826, when a few houses began to be erected,
Hon. George Harsh received his initiatory education in the log schoolhouse of his boyhood days, but this he supplemented by an academical course in Canton, during which time he improved every opportunity and became a well-informed young man. He devoted the summer masons to assisting his father in tilling the home farm until, at the age of twenty-two years, he came to Massillon and engaged in partnership with his brother Jacob, who commenced business in 1828 in a mercantile establishment, the firm being changed and known as J. & G. Harsh. Two years later, Jacob died, in March, 1831, aged thirty-three years. George then became the sole proprietor, and although he was sometimes associated in business with others, because of his small capital, he was principally alone for the succeeding twenty-three years. He was pushing, energetic and honest, consequently successful, and the magnitude of his business necessitated a visit to the East about once a year to look up the prevailing modes, and to purchase goods, the trip being made by stage. About 1866, he disposed of all interests in the mercantile business, and has since dealt in real estate, principally farming land, and is now the owner of three farms in Stark County near Massillon, each comprising one hundred and sixty acres, and all improved with fair buildings, beside which he has forty acres of unimproved wood land. He is also the owner of a business block in Massillon, and two residences. His own residence was erected in 1840, and makes him a substantial, commodious and pleasant home. He has ever been a warm patron of education, and has for, years been connected with the Charity School of this place, in the capacity of President and Trustee, but resigned these positions recently, on account of ill-health. He has also been Director in the Massillon Union School for eighteen years. For many years he was a member of the City Council of Massillon, and altogether his name has been closely connected with the interests of this place for nearly sixty years. His friends are legion, for he has been a resident of Stark City for about eighty years. Although he has passed the eighty-second milestone of his life, his intellect is clear and sound, and does not show in the slightest degree the "ravages of time." He has always thrown his influence on the side of justice and right, and been one of the foremost and most liberal supporters of worthy public enterprises, churches especially being the recipients of his bounty. In his political views, he has always been in sympathy with the Republican party, in the tenets and doctrines of which he is a firm believer and supporter, and this party showed its appreciation of the influence he exerted in its behalf, by electing him to the House in the State Legislature in 1846, which position he ably filled one term. In 1860, he was honored by a second election to the Senate of Ohio, and served four years, beginning in 1860, and was an able, faithful and incorruptible Legislator. This was the most exciting time in the history of the State, but, as usual, Mr. Harsh acquitted himself with credit, and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was Chairman of the Committee on Claims and Public Works in the Senate, and a member on other important committees, and was one of the men to elect John T. Sherman to the United States Senate for his first term. he was also a Director of the Ohio Penitentiary for the years 1867 to 1873, inclusive.
Mr. Harsh was first married to Miss Susanna Stoakley, a native of Stark County, and has one grandchild, Fannie H., wife of I. E. Pierce, of Dayton, Ohio. His second marriage was to Miss Jane E. Smith, and his third to Miss Sarah E. McCarthy, who is now deceased. He has no children living. His only heir was his granddaughter, Mary Frances "Fanny" Harsh Peirce. His estate was worth about $500,000. Throughout Stark County his name is a synonym for integrity, generosity and kindness.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
HON. GEORGE HARSH. One of the most popular, strong and flourishing financial institutions of Massillon, Ohio, is the First National Bank, of which Hon. George Harsh is Vice-president. He was born in Washington County, Pa., on the 15th of March, 1810, a son of George and Catherine (Stricker) Harsh, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, a farmer of German descent. In 1813, he came overland to Ohio with his wife and six children, and two and a half miles northwest of Massillon he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, and purchased one hundred acres more. Part of this land was successfully tilled until his death, August 16, 1833, at the age of seventy-three years. Although he and his family were compelled to endure many hardships and privations during their early residence in this section, Mr. Harsh was a man of sound judgment, and realized the fact that the land in Stark County was very fertile and that his early labors and hardships would be well rewarded in after years. he was a member of the German Lutheran Church, as was also his wife, who was born in Washington County, Pa. Her demise occurred January 21, 1813, at the age of seventy-six years. The country was in a primitive condition at the time of their settlement, and the town of Massillon was unknown until about 1826, when a few houses began to be erected,
Hon. George Harsh received his initiatory education in the log schoolhouse of his boyhood days, but this he supplemented by an academical course in Canton, during which time he improved every opportunity and became a well-informed young man. He devoted the summer masons to assisting his father in tilling the home farm until, at the age of twenty-two years, he came to Massillon and engaged in partnership with his brother Jacob, who commenced business in 1828 in a mercantile establishment, the firm being changed and known as J. & G. Harsh. Two years later, Jacob died, in March, 1831, aged thirty-three years. George then became the sole proprietor, and although he was sometimes associated in business with others, because of his small capital, he was principally alone for the succeeding twenty-three years. He was pushing, energetic and honest, consequently successful, and the magnitude of his business necessitated a visit to the East about once a year to look up the prevailing modes, and to purchase goods, the trip being made by stage. About 1866, he disposed of all interests in the mercantile business, and has since dealt in real estate, principally farming land, and is now the owner of three farms in Stark County near Massillon, each comprising one hundred and sixty acres, and all improved with fair buildings, beside which he has forty acres of unimproved wood land. He is also the owner of a business block in Massillon, and two residences. His own residence was erected in 1840, and makes him a substantial, commodious and pleasant home. He has ever been a warm patron of education, and has for, years been connected with the Charity School of this place, in the capacity of President and Trustee, but resigned these positions recently, on account of ill-health. He has also been Director in the Massillon Union School for eighteen years. For many years he was a member of the City Council of Massillon, and altogether his name has been closely connected with the interests of this place for nearly sixty years. His friends are legion, for he has been a resident of Stark City for about eighty years. Although he has passed the eighty-second milestone of his life, his intellect is clear and sound, and does not show in the slightest degree the "ravages of time." He has always thrown his influence on the side of justice and right, and been one of the foremost and most liberal supporters of worthy public enterprises, churches especially being the recipients of his bounty. In his political views, he has always been in sympathy with the Republican party, in the tenets and doctrines of which he is a firm believer and supporter, and this party showed its appreciation of the influence he exerted in its behalf, by electing him to the House in the State Legislature in 1846, which position he ably filled one term. In 1860, he was honored by a second election to the Senate of Ohio, and served four years, beginning in 1860, and was an able, faithful and incorruptible Legislator. This was the most exciting time in the history of the State, but, as usual, Mr. Harsh acquitted himself with credit, and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was Chairman of the Committee on Claims and Public Works in the Senate, and a member on other important committees, and was one of the men to elect John T. Sherman to the United States Senate for his first term. he was also a Director of the Ohio Penitentiary for the years 1867 to 1873, inclusive.
Mr. Harsh was first married to Miss Susanna Stoakley, a native of Stark County, and has one grandchild, Fannie H., wife of I. E. Pierce, of Dayton, Ohio. His second marriage was to Miss Jane E. Smith, and his third to Miss Sarah E. McCarthy, who is now deceased. He has no children living. His only heir was his granddaughter, Mary Frances "Fanny" Harsh Peirce. His estate was worth about $500,000. Throughout Stark County his name is a synonym for integrity, generosity and kindness.
HON. GEORGE HARSH. One of the most popular, strong and flourishing financial institutions of Massillon, Ohio, is the First National Bank, of which Hon. George Harsh is Vice-president. He was born in Washington County, Pa., on the 15th of March, 1810, a son of George and Catherine (Stricker) Harsh, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, a farmer of German descent. In 1813, he came overland to Ohio with his wife and six children, and two and a half miles northwest of Massillon he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, and purchased one hundred acres more. Part of this land was successfully tilled until his death, August 16, 1833, at the age of seventy-three years. Although he and his family were compelled to endure many hardships and privations during their early residence in this section, Mr. Harsh was a man of sound judgment, and realized the fact that the land in Stark County was very fertile and that his early labors and hardships would be well rewarded in after years. he was a member of the German Lutheran Church, as was also his wife, who was born in Washington County, Pa. Her demise occurred January 21, 1813, at the age of seventy-six years. The country was in a primitive condition at the time of their settlement, and the town of Massillon was unknown until about 1826, when a few houses began to be erected,
Hon. George Harsh received his initiatory education in the log schoolhouse of his boyhood days, but this he supplemented by an academical course in Canton, during which time he improved every opportunity and became a well-informed young man. He devoted the summer masons to assisting his father in tilling the home farm until, at the age of twenty-two years, he came to Massillon and engaged in partnership with his brother Jacob, who commenced business in 1828 in a mercantile establishment, the firm being changed and known as J. & G. Harsh. Two years later, Jacob died, in March, 1831, aged thirty-three years. George then became the sole proprietor, and although he was sometimes associated in business with others, because of his small capital, he was principally alone for the succeeding twenty-three years. He was pushing, energetic and honest, consequently successful, and the magnitude of his business necessitated a visit to the East about once a year to look up the prevailing modes, and to purchase goods, the trip being made by stage. About 1866, he disposed of all interests in the mercantile business, and has since dealt in real estate, principally farming land, and is now the owner of three farms in Stark County near Massillon, each comprising one hundred and sixty acres, and all improved with fair buildings, beside which he has forty acres of unimproved wood land. He is also the owner of a business block in Massillon, and two residences. His own residence was erected in 1840, and makes him a substantial, commodious and pleasant home. He has ever been a warm patron of education, and has for, years been connected with the Charity School of this place, in the capacity of President and Trustee, but resigned these positions recently, on account of ill-health. He has also been Director in the Massillon Union School for eighteen years. For many years he was a member of the City Council of Massillon, and altogether his name has been closely connected with the interests of this place for nearly sixty years. His friends are legion, for he has been a resident of Stark City for about eighty years. Although he has passed the eighty-second milestone of his life, his intellect is clear and sound, and does not show in the slightest degree the "ravages of time." He has always thrown his influence on the side of justice and right, and been one of the foremost and most liberal supporters of worthy public enterprises, churches especially being the recipients of his bounty. In his political views, he has always been in sympathy with the Republican party, in the tenets and doctrines of which he is a firm believer and supporter, and this party showed its appreciation of the influence he exerted in its behalf, by electing him to the House in the State Legislature in 1846, which position he ably filled one term. In 1860, he was honored by a second election to the Senate of Ohio, and served four years, beginning in 1860, and was an able, faithful and incorruptible Legislator. This was the most exciting time in the history of the State, but, as usual, Mr. Harsh acquitted himself with credit, and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was Chairman of the Committee on Claims and Public Works in the Senate, and a member on other important committees, and was one of the men to elect John T. Sherman to the United States Senate for his first term. he was also a Director of the Ohio Penitentiary for the years 1867 to 1873, inclusive.
Mr. Harsh was first married to Miss Susanna Stoakley, a native of Stark County, and has one grandchild, Fannie H., wife of I. E. Pierce, of Dayton, Ohio. His second marriage was to Miss Jane E. Smith, and his third to Miss Sarah E. McCarthy, who is now deceased. He has no children living. His only heir was his granddaughter, Mary Frances "Fanny" Harsh Peirce. His estate was worth about $500,000. Throughout Stark County his name is a synonym for integrity, generosity and kindness.
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