Garret G Harsin

HARSIN

Posted By: Mary E Boyer (email)
Date: 11/28/2006 at 22:12:52

BIOGRAPHY OF GARRET G HARSIN
Pioneers of Marion County - Page 131
Clay Township - Marion County - Iowa

Mr. Garret G. Harsin, who is still a resident of this township, and now quite advanced in years, was born in Kentucky, in 1790. He first moved to Illinois at an early day, from thence to Henry county, Iowa, in 1839, and to his present place of residence, in the spring of 1844. On leaving the settlement the family carefully laid in provisions enough to last them till the middle of the summer. But, on reaching their destination, they were so beset by other immigrants, who were not so provident, and who were compelled to borrow or suffer, that their supply soon ran short. Indeed it was twice exhausted, and the family lived for some time on wheat boiled in milk. At this time Mr. H. was improving his claim, and once, when making rails his noonday lunch consisted of only one green cucumber, without salt. On such diet he toiled on day after day, with failing strength, till he was finally able to make only sixteen rails per day. This was during the absence of his team, and one or two of his sons for another supply of provisions. Of Mr. Harsin’s five sons, Geo. W. lives in Clay, James and Martin V. in Union township, John the oldest, near Sioux City, and Garret in Oregon.

Transcribed by Mary E. Boyer for Iowa Gen Project - Marion County