James W. Harsh
James W. Harsh, a prominent agriculturist oi Delaware County, Ohio, who owns and operates a magnificent tract of 600 acres in Radnor Township, was born December 22, 1851, in Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Caleb and Catherine (Gracley) Harsh, and a grandson of Jacob Harsh, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany.
Caleb Harsh was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and in 1830. as a boy, came to America with bis parents, and settled in the woods of Marion County. Ohio. Here he followed the trade of tanner until 1852. in which year he removed to Delaware County, settling on a farm on the Scioto River in Radnor Township, where the remainder of his life was spent. He was an industrious farmer and able business man, and in his death Delaware County lost one of its progressive, public-spirited citizens. During the latter part of his life he was a Republican in politics, and his religious belief was that of the Presbyterian Church. Of the children of Caleb and Catherine (Gracley) Harsh, seven grew to maturity, namely: James W.; Martha, who is the wife of Titus Jones of Radnor Township; Mary E., who is the widow of Finley Tyler, late of Scioto Township, where Mrs. Tyler now resides; Sarah S., wife of Bertrand Smith, of near Stratford, Delaware County; Emma L., who married Dr. T. K. Jones, of Radnor, Ohio; Ella V., who is the wife of Foster Evans of Scioto Township; and Charles F., who lives in Radnor Township.
James W. Harsh was brought by his parents from Marion County to Delaware County as a boy, and since that time he has always resided in Radnor Township. He received his education in the public schools, after leaving which he engaged in farming and stock-raising, and his well-cultivated tract of 600 acres is one of the finest farms in Radnor Township. Mr. Harsh is a Democrat in politics, and he has always taken an active interest in public matters, serving a number of years as a member of the Board of Education of Radnor Township.
In March, 1880, Mr. Harsh was married to Mary Criglar, who was born in Delaware Township, Delaware County, Ohio, and daughter of the late James Criglar, who was a well-known citizen of Delaware Township. There were six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Harsh, two of whom died in infancy, the survivors being: James W. Jr., Charles C, Margie and Nellie, all residents of Radnor Township.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908