William R. Harkrider

    William R. Harkrider, a native of Indiana, was born near Indianapolis, August 29, 1844, and when eight years old moved with his parents, Jacob and Minerva (McCormick) Harkrider to Warren County, Indiana. His mother was twice married, first to Mr. Cooper who died, leaving one daughter. Mrs. Cooper afterward married Mr. Harkrider, and to this marriage were born eleven children, all of whom are living, and all married excepting one. the parents are still living. William R. Harkrider is the second born of this family, and while in youth received a limited education. August 14, 1863, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and sixteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served six months, receiving his discharge in march, 1864. He was in battle at Walker's Ford and in several skirmishes.

    He worked as a carpenter about four years in Warren County, and November 10, 1867, was married to Elizabeth Mount. He became a resident of Benton County in 1869, followed farming until 1880, and then embarked in the livery business at Fowler. Mr. Harkrider has one of the best stables in the county, comprising fifteen driving horses, and eleven first-class rigs. He has succeeded in building up a profitable business. Mr. Harkrider is a Democrat, and a member of the G. A. R., and he and wife are members of the Untied Brethren Church.

Source: Counties of Warren, Benton, Jasper and Newton, Indiana. Historical and Biographical. F.A. Battey & Co., 1883.