JOHN H. HARMON was born in Portage County. Ohio. June 21, 1819. His father, John Harmon, a native of Connecticut, emigrated to Ohio in 1800. and was for many years the publisher of a newspaper at Ravenna. The son entered his father's office and became an accurate and skillful printer. In 1838 he came to Detroit and was employed on the Detroit Free Press. Four years later he became one of the publishers, and continued as such until 1850. In his career as a publisher and journalist Mr. Harmon was very prosperous, and he personally exerted a wide influence in political matters. He served as an Alderman in 1847 and in 1852 was elected Mayor of Detroit, serving two years. In 1853 he was appointed by President Pierce, Collector of the Tort of Detroit, and served for four years. From 1857 he spent most of his time in Washington City, and was an influential factor in connection with much of the national legislation. He was always prominent as a Democrat, and his personal acquaintance with the prominent and public men of the nation was probably unequaled. He was married in 1841 to Miss Sarah S. Rood. He died on August 6, 1888, leaving three children, namely, John Harmon. Mrs. S. H. Bell and Miss Emma Harmon. Source: History of Detroit and Wayne County and Early Michigan By Silas Farmer 1890