Harmen A. Christman

Regions: Oneida Co., NY; Rock Co., WI

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wis.,

Publ, 1889 - page 862, 863

HARMEN A. CHRISTMAN, is a practical farmer and representative citizen of Rock County, residing on section 8, Turtle Township. He was born in the town of Floyd, Oneida Co., N.Y., April 24, 1830, and his parents, Abram and Betsy (CARPENTER) CHRISTMAN, were also natives of the same State. The family located near the city of Utica when it contained but a few small cabins, and there resided for several years. Mr. CHRISTMAN in his earlier years engaged as a lumber dealer and also operated a mill, but subsequently purchased a large farm in Oneida County, and he engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. He continued the operation of his land in his native State until 1860, when with his family he became a resident of this county, purchasing a farm in Clinton Township. His death occurred Aug. 27, 1879, and was caused by being gored by a vicious animal. His wife still survives her husband and makes her home with her children. She is the owner of eighty acres of fine land in Clinton Township left by her husband. Both Mr. and Mrs. CHRISTMAN were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were highly respected people. Their family comprised the following children: William Henry, who is a resident of California; Harmen A., of this sketch; Abram J., deceased; Ann, wife of Harvey MILLER, a resident farmer of Bradford Township, Rock County; and David, who is engaged in farming in Turtle Township. The early life of our subject was spent in his native county, and he received a liberal education in the schools of Oirskany, N.Y. When a lad he aided his father in the cultivation of his farm and subsequently worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1849, accompanied by Mr. CHRISTMAN he made a trip to California, and engaged in mining in which he was quite successful. He followed that occupation until 1850, receiving $350 per month, but was forced to abandon that situation on account of his father's health which had failed him in the western climate. They returned to their home, reaching New York in the month of December, 1850. Our subject then wished to return to he Pacific slope, but as his father opposed this plan he engaged in farming in connection with his brother for a year. At the expiration of that time he rented the old home farm, which he cultivated for a period of two years. On the 7th day of April, 1857, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Ann MILNER, a native of Oneida County, and a daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (HOLLAND) MILNER. Her parents were natives of Branch Burtton, England, and emigrated to America in 1833, locating in the county where Mrs. CHRISTMAN was born . They remained residents of that community until 1860, when they accompanied Mr. CHRISTMAN to Rock County and purchased a farm in Bradford Township, where they resided about ten years. Mrs. MILNER's health failing they then went to live with their daughter, Mrs. CHRISTMAN, where they remained one year, after which they moved to Turtleville. In that village they lived until summoned to their final rest. Mrs. MILNER died Jan. 3, 1880, and Mr. MILNER Sept. 7, 1883. Both were lifelong members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in the hope of a resurrection. On the 6th day of May, 1889, the family residence and barn on the old MILNER homestead were burned, and four weeks later the residence of David CHRISTMAN was burned. With a view to choosing a location, Mr. CHRISTMAN in the month of September, 1858, made a visit to Wisconsin and purchased 135 acres of land on section 8, Turtle Township, Rock County. The following February, with his young bride, he again came to this county, and in a short time they were snugly established in their new home, which was a little frame building 16 x 24 feet, and under the most auspicious circumstances their life on the frontier began. A little family of three children, of whom the parents may justly feel proud, was born to them. Farmer W., the eldest, who was born Feb. 17, 1860, and wedded Miss Emily CRALL, of this county, is a leading merchant of Janesville; while Alta B. and Harrison E. are at home. After their arrival Mr. CHRISTMAN immediately began the improvement of his land, and is now the owner of a fine farm of 170 acres, which is under the highest cultivation and improvement and is stocked with the best grades of cattle, horses and hogs. He is a man of good business ability, possessing practical, yet progressive ideas, while energy and perseverance are numbered among his chief characteristics and will insure his success in life. Politically, he is one of the faithful supporters of the Democratic party, and his wife, who is a most estimable lady, is a member of the Baptist Church. They rank among the highly respected people of Rock County, and during their residence in this community have gained a large circle of friends.

Submitted by Carol