Michael HARNESS

                   Title: History of Iroquois County
Author: H. W. Beckwith
Publication: Chicago: H. H. Hill & Company; 1880
Page: pp 154-155

Michael Harness, Milford, farmer, was born in Ross county, OH, Sept. 12, 1813. His parents were John and Prudy Harness. The family emigrated to IN in the fall of 1829, when soon after the father died. The mother died in 1820. Mr. Harness' father and an uncle, George Clifford, served in the war of 1812, and were among the forces surrendered by Hull at Detroit. His uncle died while in the United States service. Mr. Harness came to IL, and afterward returned to Warren Co., IN, where he remained several years. Returning to IL, in 1836, he settled in Iroquois Co., town of Milford, where he was married July 22, 1836, to Miss Sally Thomas. She died in the fall of 1857. As will be seen, Mr. Harness is one of those who participated in all the privations incident to frontier life, and whose record is a part of the early history of this county. Mr. Harness did not marry again, but himself reared the eight young children left by his wife, giving them his undivided and devoted attention. Mr. Harness is still in vigorous health, and lives with his children. He is one of the men who make history. In politics he is a staunch republican.