Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Clarissa Jones about 1861; children: 3, Mary Eleanor (Kimball) and Clara H. (Murray) and one other
Number of Children: 3
Background
Education:
Biographical Sketch:
Son of James and Elizabeth Harshaw. He emigrated In 1849, with his widowed mother. They came to Michigan and settled in Oakland county. At 17, he began an apprenticeship as a tinsmith. He worked at the bench for many years in Pontiac. Late, he engaged in business for himself in company with the Hon. S. H. Norton. He served as alderman of the city of Pontiac for 2 terms. In 1872, he went to Alpena and opened a hardware business, in which he has been continuously engaged ( with exception of 2 years) to the present time (1889). In 1877, he built the brick block on 2d street , where his storewas. He served as a member of the Alpena city Board of Education in 1874, 1875, 1877, and 1879, and supervisor of the 3rd ward in 1876. He also held the position of alderman during the years 1872 and 1873, and again in 1881. In 1884, he was elected mayor of Alpena and was re-elected in 1885. In June, 1886, on the death of Mayor Richardson, Mr. Harshaw was unanimously chosen by the Common Council to fill the vacancy. In 1884, he was one of the Butler presidential electors on the Fusion ticket. He is a member of the Odd Fellows.
Notable Facts: