William Buchanan Harsha
William Buchanan Harsha is the eldest son of Paul Harsha and Martha Buchanan. Paul Harsha was born April 1, 1800, in Washington County, Pennsylvania. His wife was born in Chambersburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, March 22, 1810. Her parents removed to Washington County, Pa., in 1812, and there she was married to Paul Harsha on May 22, 1831, In 1841, they located near Harshaville in Adams County. The mill at Harshaville was then owned by Samuel Wright, but was soon after purchased by Paul Harsha. Our subject was born in Washington County, Pa., in 1832, and came to Adams County with his parents. The Harshaville mill was the first built in Oliver Township, in 1817, by Gen. Samuel Wright, who, in 1846, sold it to Paul Harsha. Our subject began work in this mill under his father in 1844, and has been there ever since. The mill had been refitted in 1847. Our subject operated the mill until 1859, when he reconstructed it and operated it until 1882, when it was refitted with new machinery. It was destroyed by fire in the Fall of 1891, and rebuilt the next Spring. It has continued in successful operation ever since.
Paul Harsha. his father, died on his birthday, April 1, 1876. Our subject conducted the mill alone until 1884, when his son, Paul Howard Harsha. became a partner and has continued as such ever since. The business is conducted under the name of W. B. Harsha & Son. At the age of twenty-one, our subject was married to Rachel, third daughter of Gen. William McIntire. Of this marriage there were two sons, Dr. William McIntire, of Chicago, Ills., and P. Howard Harsha, of Portsmouth, and two daugthers, Mrs. Anna McCalmont and Mrs. Minnie McQuiston, wife of Rev. J. A. C. McQuiston, of Cherry Fork, Ohio. Our subject's wife died in 1865, and he was married in 1871 to Miss Alma McIntire, daughter of Capt. William McIntire. Of this marriage there was born four children, three sons and a daughter, Carey McIntire, Oscar, John W. and Florence. Our subject has been a Republican all his life. At the age of seventeen, he joined the United Presbyterian Church and has lived In that faith ever since. Mr. Harsha is noted for his Christian character and his business integrity. He is a model citizen and business man and is useful and helpful in all his relations to society.
From "A history of Adams County, Ohio: from its earliest settlement to the present time" By Nelson Wiley Evans, Emmons B. Stivers, 1900