TAYLOR COUNTY, GA - BIOS Harmon, James T. ***************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm *********************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Michelle Taunton Virginia Crilley varcsix@hot.rr.com James T. Harmon Sept 10, 1810 - April 24, 1899 James T. Harmon was born in Newberry District of South Carolina Sept 10, 1810, the son of Jacob Harmon (1876- 1834)and Anna Turner (1788-1851). They married in 1808. Anna was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Turner. Jacob Harmon was the son of John S. Harmon. The Harmon family moved to Covinton GA in 1821. Oct 1, 1840 James T. married Sarah J. Gardner (born in Twiggs County on March 28, 1820 daughter of John Gardner and sister of Julius.) Family Bible: Births James T. Harmon was born September the 10th, 1810. Sarah J. Gardner was born March the 28th 1820. Anna M. Gardner was born July the 15th 1841. Thomas T. Gardner was born November the 26th 1842. Clarrrissa [sic] J.D. Harmon born December the 15th 1843. James K.P. Harmon was born April the 11th 1845. John J. Harmon was born October the 16th, 1846. Josephine J. Harmon was born February the 29th, 1848. Mary L. Harmon was born November the 13th 1849. Nancy C. S.[L.?] Harmon was born February the 26th 1851. Lewis M. Harmon was born November the 5th 1852. Julius L.[S.?] Harmon was born May the 17th 1854. William J. Harmon was born November the 21st 1855. Henry H. Harmon was born May the 28th 1857. Sarah E. Harmon was born November the 29, 1858. Joseph R. Harmon was born November the 15th 1860. Marriages James T. Harmon and Sarah J. Gardner were married October the 1st 1840. John J. Reinhard and Anna M. Harmon were married November the 13th 1859. Deaths Thomas T. Harmon died January the 20th, 1843. John H. Harmon died August the 28th 1864. Their children include (listed in 1860 Census): Anne M. 20 (m. John Joe Reinhart) Clarice D 17 (m. 1865 John Wm. P. Whatley grandson of Daniel Whatley) James K.P. 15 (M. Clenia S. Owens) John J. 15 Josephine M 13 (m. Stephen Hilliard Cox. Josephine died Dec 26, 1905) Mary L. 10 m. George Locke Nancy C. 8 (m. Winfield Worth) Lewis M. 6 (m. Ellen Locke) Julius L. 4 (m. Sarah Joiner) William J. 3 Henry H. w (m. Susie R. Harris) Ella 1 (m. Jesse Amerson) Joe Riley (born after 1860 m. Mattie Ham) He was very influential in the early days of Taylor County serving as: 1st Inferior Court Clerk (1852-1854) Superior Court Clerk 1856-1864; 66-68 He and his family are listed in the 1860, 1870, 1880 Census for Taylor County. 1850 Census the family was probably in Macon County. The Butler Herald Tuesday, April 25, 1899 (Reprinted The Taylor Tracer Sept 2004) Death of Mr. James Harmon Mr. James Harmon, after a long but patient illness breathed his last at his home a few miles southeast of Butler at 8 o'clock on Monday morning. Mr. Harmon was in the 89th year of his age and one of the oldest settlers of the county. He served many years as clerk of the superior court of Taylor County and made a faithful officer. He was a consistent member of the Missionary Baptist church, a good neighbor and a kind husband and father. He leaves a devoted wife, ten children-six sons and four daughters, besides many friend to mourn their loss. The remains fo Mr. Harmon will be laid to rest at Mount Pisgah Church this afternoon. To the bereaved famly we offer our sympathy. In Memoriam The subject of this memoir, Hon James T. Harmon, was born in Newberry District, S.C. September 10th, 1810. Moved with his parents to Covington, GA in 1821. Married Sarah J. Gardner, Oct 1st, 1840. In early manhood he joined the Methodist church and departed this life at his home in Taylor County, April 24th, 1899. Thus we have chronicled some of the most important events of a life, the battles of which were well fought and many victories won. Bro. Harmon's walk upon the mosaic pavement of life was not exempt from some of the vicissitudes which often mark an epoch in life's history. He had the misfortune while serving his country in the Indian war of 1836, of having his horse shot from under him, and the horse falling on him dislocating his hip. And then in 1858, while preparing for a deer hunt with some of his neighbors, his gun was accidentally discharged, which resulted in the loss of his right arm, and it was only by the best medical skill and untiring nursing that his life was spared. Brother Harmon filled several offices of trust and honor in this county that of Judge of the Inferior Court and Clerk of the Superior Court for many years. He also rendered valuable aid to this section in 1867 and 1868 as agent for the Federal bureau established in Butler for the military authorities. The last few years of Brother Harmon's life was spent on his farm four miles southeast of Butler, and while residing there not being convenient to any Methodist church, he joined the Missionary Baptist Church at Mt. Pisgah, of which he remained an acceptable and faithful member until death. We do not know when Brother Harmon was fist brought to Masonic light, but of this we are satisfied that he was made a Mason prior to the Seminole War of 1836, and from the time the gavel was placed in his hands as one of the working tools of the craft until he was called by the Grand Master of men and of Masons from labor to refreshment, he endeavored by its constant use to shape the rough ashes into the perfect stone made ready for that building not made with hand eternal in the heavens.