Harney - James F.
Source: H. W. Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Chicago:
HH Hill, 1881) p 466
James F. HARNEY, was born March 1, 1824 in Shelby Co Ky. The
family were of Scots-Irish extraction and came to this country
just before the revolutionary war. He removed to Indiana with his
father, GT Harney in 1835. He was the eldest of the children and
while the father devoted a good share of his time in preaching to
the people in the thinly scattered settlements, it devolved upon
the son to look after the interests of the family and clear the
farm. Of course his opportunity for an education was limited, but
by dint of close application he managed to acquire a fair English
education and added to that by several terms attendance at Wabash
College. At the outbreak of the Mexican War, in June 1846, he
enlisted in HS JONES ' company, made up almost entirely from this
County and was appointed on the staff of Col. IP DRAKE of 1st Reg
Ind Vols. The vessel in which he crossed the gulf was wrecked on
the breakers of Padre Island, 40 miles W. of the Brazos, on the
morning of July 23. They were finally rescued, and the last reg.
took post at Camp Belknap on the RIo Grande. In the latter par6t
of Aug Mr. h. received news of the sudden and terrible death of
his father and only brother, leaving his mother and sisters
without anyone to care for or protect them. This caused his
immediate return home, extinguishing all desire for military
life. At the Aug election, in 1849, he was elected on the Dem.
ticket, a member of the lower house of the legislature. He was
again elected in 1858 and 62, and in 72 he was elected to the
state senate. In 1864, he was a candidate for congress in the 8th
congressional district but was defeated by his opponent, Hon. G.
A. ORTH. Mr. H. was marr. Oct 1851 to Miss America HARRISON
youngest daughter of Capt. Joshua Harrison. They have 5 children:
Sallie C; Mollie L; Carrie T; George and John H. died Jan 9,
1880.