Paul Harsha
Paul Harsha was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, April 1, 1800. He was the second of a family of nine children of James Harsha and Jane White, his wife. James Harsha was a farmer and resided two miles west of Cannonsburg, from the time of his marriage. When his family became large, he removed to Westmoreland County, where he resided until his father's old homestead came to be divided among his heirs, when he purchased it and occupied it until his death. He was out in the War of 1812. Paul, his son, learned the trade of briklaying, followed it some time, and while so doing built eighteen houses in Allegheny City for one person, Squire Wright.
On May 22, 1831. he was married to Martha, a daughter of William Buchanan and his wife, Hannah Houston. Her father William and his brother John were the only children of a ship owner and Captain, whose wife was a Lady Campbell, of Glasgow, Scotland. These two boys were sent to school in Philadelphia, while their fathers, with a ship, carried on merchandising between that city and points in the Mediterranean. He sailed on one voyage to the Mediterranean from which he never returned. It is believed his vessel and crew were captured by Algerian pirates. William Buchanan carried on paper making and book binding, in or near Philadelphia, and manufactured paper on which was printed the currency used by the United States, which was made from bolts of silk bandanna handkerchiefs.
He removed to Chambersburg, Pa., where his daughter, Martha, was born, March 22. 1810. In 1812, he moved to Washington County, Pa., and engaged in farming, wool and silk raising. It is related that his daughter, Martha, at one time, chiefly tended the flock of three hundred sheep. Paul Harsha, soon after his marriage, settled on a part of the Harsha homestead, and gave his whole attention to farming.
In 1846, he came to Adams County, and purchased lands at Harshaville of Gen. Samuel Wright and son-in-law, John McCullough. There was a water grist-mill on the land and Paul Harsha added a saw-mill, both of which were kept busy while the water supply lasted. A few years after steam power was placed in the mill. In 1860, the mill was torn down and rebuilt with the best machinery obtainable at the time. Paul Harsha carried on farming, milling, and stock raising successfully up to his death. April 1, 1876.
His wife died March 22. 1884. Paul Harsha had eight children, two of whom died in infancy. They were William Buchanna, Jane, Daniel Houston. James White, Nathan Patterson and Lizzie H. James W. died at the age of seventeen. Nathan Patterson enlisted at the age of eighteen. September 15, 1862. in Capt. John T. Wilson's Company E of the 70th Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died October 9, 1863. at Memphis. Tenn. Lizzie H. is the wife of Carey Patton, of Denver. Colorado and has a son Paul and two daughters, Mabel and Myrtle. Paul Harsha was noted for his honesty and plain dealing. He aimed to keep and control his business entirely, and in this way was very successful.
He was possessed of a practical mind and had a wonderful sagacity to predetermine the results from any business venture. He was not a member of any church, but was a Presbyterian in his views.
From "A history of Adams County, Ohio: from its earliest settlement to the present time" By Nelson Wiley Evans, Emmons B. Stivers, 1900