Capt. William J. Harrod (Biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler


CAPT. WILLIAM J. HARROD, manager for G. B. Shaw & Co., was born in Morrow County, Ohio, September 30, 1839.  Followed farming as an occupation for the first twenty years, except the time occupied in obtaining an education. Educated first in common school, where he commenced teaching at about the age of eighteen.  Second at the High School Chesterville, and finishing his education at Delaware University, Delaware, Ohio.   In 1861, he enlisted in the Forty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  Served first three years as private, and non-commissioned officer. Re-enlisted as veteran in 1864.  Was promoted to First Lieutenant, and afterward to Captain, United States Army.  Was in active service during the war, serving in the Army of the Southwest, under the command of Gens. Pop, Stanly, Rosecrans, Sherman, Grant, closing his services under command of Gen. George H. Thomas.  At the end siege of Nashville, he was made prisoner of war by Gen. N. B. Foust, Athens, Ala., 1865.  Served out his prison life at Meridan and Enterprise, Miss.  Was enchanged and returned to the Army of the Tennessee.  Was mustered out April 1866, but remained in the Government service as Agent and Superintendent of the works on National cemetery, Stone River, Tennessee, and Superintendent of the National dead in the Department of the Cumberland until September 1868.  Was married to Miss Hattie A. Beigle, of Altoona City, Penn., at the Government residence of Capt. D. M. Taggart (Late U.S.A.), Nashville National Cemetery, by the Rev. William Earnshaw, now Chaplain United States Soldier's Home, Dayton, Ohio, January 1, 1867.  Returned to Ohio in 1868.  Purchased his old home farm, locating his father in easy circumstances.  Remained until March 1870, when he sold out and came to Kansas, located on a claim on the Osage Dimished Reserve, near Independence, Montgomery County.  Was immediately recognized as an active and worthy citizen.  Was made Chairman of the Central Committee, Republican Party, that organized the party and elected the first Republican ticket in its history.  Was Republican candidate for State Legislature, Forty-seventh District, 1872, and elected Clerk of the District Court in 1874.  Moved to Labette County, Kan., in 1876.  Was Republican candidate for County Commissioner in 1878.  Dismissed farming and engaged in stock in Indian Territory, in 1879, losing his health, returned again to the State, and located at Moline, where he is now engaged in lumber and grain business.  He was admitted to the bar in the District Court, while resident of Montgomery County, Kan.  Read law for a number of years, taking books into camp while in the army, reading at odd times, when circumstances would admit.  Is a member of thje Methodist Episcopal Church.  Was licensed to preach in 1874, doing both itinerant and local work.  Was charter member and Master of Liberty Lodge, No. 123, A. F. & A.M., and charter member of McPherson's Post, G. A. R., Howard City, Kan.  Is a man of clean reputation, and takes an active part in all moves of a moral and educational tendency.