Henrich Adam Harman

Biography

From Find a Grave: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=60291486

m. 10/8/1723 to Louisa Katrina Mathias, at Mannheim, Germany

Children:

• Adam Harmon (1724- )
• Heinrich Harmon (1726-1822)
• George Harmon (1727-1749)
• Daniel Harmon (1729-1820)
• Mathias Harmon (1736-1832) 17120003
• Christina Harmon (1738-1815)
• Catherine Harmon (1740- )
• Philipina Harmon (1742-1751)
• Valentine Harmon (1744-1756)
• Child Harmon (1746- )
• Jacob Harmon (1748- )

Family links:

Parents:

• Johan Michael Harmon (1670 - ____)
• Kundigunda Regis Harmon (1675 - ____)

Spouse:

• Louisa Katrina Mathias Harmon (1704 - 1749)

Children:

1. Adam Harmon (1724 - ____)*
2. Henry Harman (1726 - 1822)*
3. Heinrich Harman (1726 - 1822)*
4. George Harmon (1727 - 1749)*
5. Daniel Harmon (1729 - 1820)*
6. Mathias Tice Harman (1736 - 1832)*
7. Christina Harmon Pate (1738 - 1815)*

Siblings:

• Christena Harman (1694 - ____)*
• Catherine Herrman (1696 - ____)*
• Philipina Herrman (1698 - ____)*
• Heinrich Adam Harmon (1700 - 1767)
• Valentine Harmon (1703 - 1757)*
• Jacob Harmon (1705 - 1757)*
• Mathias Harmon (1707 - 1735)*
• George Adam Harmon (1710 - 1789)*
• Daniel Harmon (1712 - 1758)*
• John Harmon (1714 - 1793)*
• Calculated relationship

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1725 Resided on the Rhine. Emigrated to Philadelphia with family abt 1724/1726 [6 bro.] HH 175 [Also see Harman Genealogy by J.N. Harman, Sr.

e Subj: Re:HARMAN,GARRARD Date: 94-11-17 17:56:46 EST From: JME TF Posted on: America Online

Adam Harman Sr. bought land in Philadelphia Co. Penn in 1734 and family info says when his son Henry was eleven years old they came to the New River. Adam and family were among the first white settlers on the New River. Drapers Meadow was located at the present day Blacksburg, VA and the VPI campus. Adam was established there by March 1745, because the "Indian Road" ended at his ford on New River according to an Orange County road order. This is the first documentary evidence of white men settling in that Territory.

Adam was a farmer and a trapper and after about the time he had a fur cache wrecked, his wife died in childbirth March 18, 1749.

History: "History of Bland County (Virginia)", by Bland County Centennial Corporation, 1992: p.139-144 (NOTE: FHL Microfilm # 6048187)

"THE HARMAN HISTORY Heinrich Adam HARMAN, HERMANN, was among the early HARMAN's who emigrated from Germany early in the eighteenth century. He was born in Germany in about 1700, married Louisa Katrina October 8, 1723 and came with his family to Pennsylvania about 1726. To them were born eleven children: Adam, who resided in North Carolina and was a member of the party which aided in founding HARMAN Station in Kentucky; Henry, Sr.; George, who died in 1749; Daniel, who settled in Tazewell County in 1773; Mathias; Christina, who married Jeremiah PATE of Giles County; Catherine, who married Ulrich RICHARDS of North Carolina; Philipina, who died in 1751; Valentine, who settled in Tazewell County in 1771 and moved to Kentucky; a daughter who married a LOONEY, and Jacob who settled in Tazewell County and later moved away.

Heinrich Adam HARMAN, as shown by report of surveyors, PATTON and BUCHANAN, lived on the New River three years before the INGLES, DRAPERS and others came to that territory, thus the honor and distinction of having erected the first dwelling and making the first permanent settlement of English speaking people in the Mississippi Valley goes to him.

History: The early HARMANs were, presumably, Lutheran and associated themselves with the Moravian Settlement in North Carolina and many of their records can be found there. The great majority of the HARMANs of Southwest Virginia became Methodist and have remained Methodists to the present. Heinrich Adam figured prominently in the rescue of Mrs. Mary DRAPER INGLES, was qualified as 'Captain Troops of Horse' in 1752, was constable of New River and overseer of the road. As a pioneer he was the first among those who sought a home in this wilderness for himself and his family, and with his distinguished sons blazed a way for his descendants and others to enjoy the comforts and embellishments of civilized life in this country. He died on New River in 1767.

Henry, Sr., second son of Heinrich Adam, was born in 1726, probably on the Isle of Man, when his father and family were en route to America. In about 1758 he married Anna (Nancy) Wilburn of North Carolina. He owned lands in Tazewell and other counties in Southwest Virginia as early as 1754, and moved to one of these tracts, probably the large estate near High Rock, now Bland County, in 1775, moving to Holly Brook in 1790. He and other HARMANs, able to bear arms, served on the frontiers of Virginia until the close of the Revolutionary War, and they continued for several years thereafter in defending the Virginia frontiers from Indian depredations. He was appointed Captain of the 'King's Militia' around 1756 by King George, and took a prominent part in the Indian Battles of Little River, Tug River, capture of Jennie WILEY, Indian Raids on Burkes Garden and was known by the Indians as "Old Skygusta." His children were: Daniel, who settled in Tazewell County, married Pheby DAVIDSON and was killed by the Indians in 1791; Henry, Jr. settled in Tazewell County and married Christena HARMAN; Adam; George; Mathias, who lived in Smyth County and married Mary DUNN; Hezekiah, who lived in Tazewell County and married Polly BROWN; Elias; Rhoda, who married William NEEL in 1794, and Louisa who married James DAVIS in 1799.

History: After a busy life of about forty years in Tazewell, Giles, and Bland Counties, he died at Holly Brook at about 95 years and is buried there.

Mathias, fifth son of Heinrich Adam, led a party in 1755 which located and constructed a log cabin on Louisa River, which later became known as "HARMAN Station." This was the foundation of the first permanent English speaking settlement made in Eastern Kentucky. "

Another entry was found on Rootsweb.com from Gwen Shepherd-Horne whose email ghorne@swfla.rr.com :

Timeline: Note:

Also known as Adam Harman. Came to America with wife Louisa Katrina from the left side bank of the Rhine River in 1726. A river flowing from S.E. Switzerland through WestGermany and the Netherlands into the North Sea. 2 miles long. Heinrich and his wife Louisa and sons arrived in Philadelphia, PA. in January 1726 on the ship "Charlotte." He was said to had six brothers , some of whom had come with him to America, and others followed later. It is believed his brothers George, Peter, John, and perhaps another, who came direct from Germany to North Carolina, were also his brothers. It is believed that Adam Harman came to New River in the present Giles County, Virginia and established his permanent residence at Eggleston Springs, then called Gunpowder Spring, owing to its odor resembling that of gunpowder. Adam Harman was the first pioneer to settle in the wilderness and blazed a way for others to follow. He and his sons were the founders of the first permanent English speaking settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains, and in the whole Mississippi Valley. They were Germans(Prussians) and spoke the German Language, but they also spoke the English language and were loyal subjects to the English crown in the Colony of Virginia. All histories have fixed the first settlement at Drapers Meadows, at the present Blacksburg, in Montgomery County, Virginia, but in 1745 a county court road order entered in Orange County, Virginia, May 20,1745 , recites a road survey to "Adam Harmon's on New River".

Records also show that he was a road over seer there in 1746 and 1747; that he was also constable there all prior to 1748, the date of the Draper's Meadows Settlement. A dam qualified as 'Captain Troops Horse' in 1752. He, and resumably his two sons, Adam Jr., and Henry Sr., rescued Mrs Ingles, after her captivity by the indians, in 1755, at Eggleston Springs. The Harmans had tracts of land on Pine River, Walker's Creek ,Bluestone, Sinking Creek, Tom's Creek,and the Horseshoe. Their selections were more than they could settle and improve. As a result, most of their claims were forfeited. Records from Augusta County in 1750 show 15,000 acres on Bluestone River belonging to Adam, Jacob, and Valentine. In 1742, Adam Harman received a land patent, but failed to cultivate the track or pay quitrents in Giles County near Tom's Creek. In 1752, William Thompson and John Buchan an petioned for that tract of land, claiming that the Harmans failed to make improvements. A judge ordered the land transferred to them for 50 shillings. Adam also originally owned the land where Virginia Tech and Radford Munitions Depot are located. The Harmans were associated with the Morovian Church settlement in North Carolina and most of the Harmans in Southwest Virginia became Methodists. An entry in one of the diares of the Morovian Church mentioned that Adam Harman was visiting and had his young son baptized. He said they would soon have to leave the Virginia settlements because the King had given the lands back to the Cherokees. Adam Harman's German Lutheran family bible was presented years ago to the Virginia State Library and Archives. The following was translated from German: "I, Heinrich Adam Hermann, Married Louisa Katrina, October 8,1723, and have together eleven children, and have lived in matrimony as true married folks should up to the year 1749, when my dear wife died March 18th and was buried the 21st,which fell on a Monday." "The Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us of all our sins. Amen." " And my wife, Louisa Katrina, her last meditation (thought) was this: 'I know that my savior lives, and he will support me when leaving the earth, here after will surrond me with his_______ and in my flesh will see God the same evening and my eyes will perceive him.' Died 9 o'clock, 25 minutes. Her last song: 'My earthly travels are over. I fought a good fight. All must die, and I must leave. Good night all my loved ones." " My son George died July___, 1749 at the age of 22 years

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Heinrich (aka Adam Sr.) was the first Harmon(Harman) to come to America. His father had previously left Moravia for Germany due to religous persecution.

Heinrich's second son, Henry, was born on the Isle of Man during the family's voyage from Europe to America in 1726.

Heinrich first settled in Pennsylvania, but around 1738 moved to the area in Virginia known as Draper's Meadow. This is where present day Blacksburg, VA and the Virginia Tech campus is located.

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The Harman Surname The surname Harman is the Frankish (French) analog of the ancient German name Hermann (Herman), composed of the root words "hari," meaning "army" and "mann," meaning "man." The English analog of the name today is Harmon. It is a name of ancient lineage and was mentioned by the Roman Historian Tacitus c. 56-117 A.D., who, in his "Histories" written nearly 2,000 years ago, told of the victory of Arminius (Hermann), Chief of the German tribe Cherusci, over the Roman legions of Publius Quinctilius Varus in the Teutoburgiensis Saltus -- the Teutoburg Forest. The Battle of the Teutoberger Wald in 9 A.D. was one of the pivotal battles of world history and Arminius' victory is credited with halting the expansion of the Roman Empire under Augustus Caesar at the Rhine frontier. It forever prevented the complete subjugation of the Germans by the Romans. And, although Roman legions later won stunning victories over one or another German, Gaulic or Celtic army, the Romans never succeeded in subduing the German culture, or retaining hegemony over the German tribes. Augustus Caesar's plan to move the German frontier to the Elbe was never realized. The battle was a master stroke of military strategy. Arminius, a military commander, was leader of the German tribe of the Cherusci who were allied to the Romans. But Varus' harsh, despotic and arbitrary rule led Arminius to plan a rebellion against Roman rule. He persuaded Varus to lead his three legions and auxiliary troops into the Teutoburg Forest in the late summer of 9 A.D. Arminius was at the head of the rear guard with his Cherusci troops. There, in the forest near modern Detmold, Roman supply wagons mired down and Roman troops broke formation at Arminius had forseen. At a signal, German guerrillas stationed in advance by Arminius attacked, the German recuits deserted, and Arminius and his rear guard fell upon the unsuspecting Romans. The Romans, their formations in disaray, were surrounded and cut down by the Germans. Varus vainly tried to march west to safety, but by the second day, the Germans had annihilated all the Roman cavalry. By the third day, some 20,000 Roman infantry had perished and Varus, humiliated, committed suicide. It is said that Augustus agonized over the defeat by Arminius for the remainder of his life and was heard often to cry in anguish from his quarters at night: "Varus! Give me back my legions!" Hans Bahlow's "Dictionary of German Names," published in English translation by the Max Kade Institute for German-American studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, indicates that Herrmann is the preferred spelling today in Bavaria, while Hoermann is the Austrian spelling and Hiermann the Low German spelling. Harmen is a famous and ancient German personal name. Notable German Harmans (Hermanns) have included Hermann Billung, duke of the Saxons about 950 and Landgrave Hermann of Thuringia, patron of Middle High German poets around 1200. It is mentioned in Goethe's long poem "Hermann and Dorothea" and was revived in popularity as a family name by Klopstock and the Romantics around 1800.

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m. 1698 to Kundigunda Regis at Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

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GEDCOM Note

Emigrated in 1726, settled in Pennsylvania.
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Henry Harman’s Fight With the Indians By Emory L. Hamilton From the unpublished manuscript, Indian Atrocities Along the Clinch, Powell and Holston Rivers, pages 164-172.

Walter Crockett, County Lieutenant of Militia for Montgomery Co., VA, wrote to Governor Edmund Randolph, on February 16, 1789, (1), saying:

I take this opportunity to write to you by Captain Sayers, who is going to Richmond on business of his own, to inform you of the state of our frontiers in this county. There has been several of our hunters from the frontier down the Sandy River forty or fifty miles below the settlement on Bluestone on the Clinch, and discovered fresh signs of several parties of Indians, one of the hunters is a brother (2) to Henry Harman, that had the skirmish with them late in the fall, (November 12, 1788) when he and his two sons behaved like heroes, they came immediately in, and warned the frontier settlements, and has applied to me to send out spys. They say that if there was four Scouts that they could confide in, they would endeavor to plant corn this spring, and stay the summer. Otherwise Bluestone settlement will break up, and of course the settlement on the head of Clinch will not stand long. I expect as soon as the winter breaks up, that the Indians will commit hostilities on some part of the frontiers of this county the ensuing spring, but God only knows the event. Whatever orders your Excellency and shall be punctually obeyed.

This family of Harmans were of German origin, Adam Heinrich Hermann emigrating to America in 1726, with a brief stop over the Isle of Man, where Henry Harman of this sketch was born. (3) Seven Harman brothers emigrated from Germany together, Jacob, Valentine, Mathias, George, Daniel, John, and Heinrich Adam. They first stopped off in Pennsylvania, then emigrated to the Shenandoah Valley and some on into North Carolina. At least three of these brothers settled in Southwest Virginia, namely, Heinrich Adam, Valentin and Jacob. They were living in the New River German settlement, the first settlement ever made west of the Alleghenies on the "Western Waters", and were living there prior to 1745. In 1749 Moravian Missionaries conducted the first recorded religious services in Southwest Virginia in the home of Jacob Harman, and Dr. Thomas Walker mentions stopping at the home of Harman on his memorable exploration trip in 1750. Of these three brothers, Valentine and Jacob were both killed by Indians on New River. Valentine was killed on Sinking Creek in what is now Giles Co., VA. In a land suit filed in the High Court of Chancery in Augusta Co., on the 23rd of July, 1807, Taylor vs Harman, (4) Mathias Harman, nephew of the slain Valentine, says: Valentine was killed by the Indians on New River and at the same time his (Mathias’) brother, Daniel Harman and Andrew Moser were taken prisoner. Daniel made his escape, but Andrew was held prisoner.

On the 30th of June, 1808, Daniel Harman, deposes, in the same land suit, saying: In 1757, Valentine was killed in my presence less than a foot away from me, and I was taken prisoner. Valentine Harman, who was slain left a widow Mary Harman, but no children.

Jacob Harman lived on Neck Creek in what is now Pulaski Co., VA, on what is known as Spring Dale Farm. In 1757, he, his wife, and one of his sons were murdered by the Indians.

The Harmans of this sketch are the descendants of Heinrich Adam Hermann who emigrated from Germany, who married Louisa Katrina, October 8, 1723. Louisa Katrina died March 18, 1749. The children of this marriage were: [1] Adam Harman, the eldest, born in Germany in 1724; [2] Henry Harman born on the Isle of Man in 1726; [3] George Harman, 1727 - 1749; [4] Daniel Harman, born Pennsylvania, 1729; [5] Mathias Harman, born near Strausburg, VA, in 1736; [6] Christina Harman, who married Jeremiah Pate, and lived on Little River in Montgomery Co., VA; [7] Catherine Harman who married Ulrich Richards in Rowan Co., NC; [8] Phillipina Harman, who died in 1751; [9] Valentine Harman who settled on the upper Clinch River in 1771, and moved to Lincoln Co., KY, about 1775, and was a member of the Henderson Legislature at Boonesboro in May, 1775; [10] A daughter, name unknown, married a Mr. Looney; [11] Jacob Harman, perhaps the Jacob who settled in Tazewell Co., VA in 1771.

The sons of old Heinrich Adam Hermann, the German emigrant, became great hunters and Indian fighters. While most of them were great hunters, one in particular became one of the noted Long Hunters. It is hard to determine just which son this was, but evidence points to the youngest who was Jacob.

Henry, the second son of Heinrich Adam, owned land in North Carolina, Giles and Tazewell counties in Virginia. Sometime in the 1750s, he was married to Anna Wilborn of the Moravian settlement in North Carolina, and died at his home at "Holly Brook" on Kimberlin Creek in present day Bland Co., VA, in 1822. In 1789, he and his son, Mathias, founded Harman’s Station in Kentucky. There is much evidence in the records to prove the great prowess of the Harmans as hunters and Indian fighters. In another land suit in the High Court of Chancery of Augusta Co., Wynn vs Inglish heirs, (5) it is stated: that Henry Harman was in the habit of collecting the men and fighting the Indians. In a land dispute case filed in Augusta (6), Samuel Walker states on May 30, 1805, that he came to the head of Clinch in 1771 and met Valentine Harman. In the same suit Mathias and Daniel Harman, brothers of Henry, state that they were on the land in dispute on a hunting trip in 1760. This statement proves that the Harmans were familiar with the country at the head of Clinch and Bluestone Rivers long before they made actual settlement in the area. In the Minutes of the Court of Montgomery County for May 26, 1790, is found this entry:

Inhabitants of Bluestone ordered to show cause why they should not work on that part of the road between Rocky Gap and the head of Clinch. The following were appointed overseers of the road, among whom was Captain Henry Harman.

Details of the fight between Henry Harman and the Indians are taken from Bickley’s History of Tazewell County, with the correct date added.

On the 12th of November, 1788, Henry Harman, and his two sons, George and Mathias, and George Draper left the settlement, to engage in a Bear hunt on Tug River. They were provided with pack horses, independent of those used for riding, and on which were to be brought in the game. The country in which their hunt was to take place, was penetrated by the "war-path" leading to and from the Ohio river; but as it was late in the season they did not expect to meet with Indians.

Arriving at the hunting grounds in the early part of the evening, they stopped and built their camp; a work executed generally by the old man, who might be said to be particular in having it constructed to his own taste. George and Mathias loaded, and put their guns in order, and started to the woods, to look for sign, and perchance kill a buck for the evening repast, while Draper busied himself in hobbling and caring for the horses.

In a short time, George returned with the startling intelligence of Indians! He had found a camp but a short distance from their own, in which partly consumed sticks were still burning. They could not, of course, be at any considerable distance, and might now be concealed near them, watching their every movement. George, while at the camp, had made a rapid search for sign, and found a pair of leggins, which he showed the old man. Now old Mr. Harman, was a type of frontiersman, in some things, and particularly that remarkable self-possession, which is so often to be met with in new countries, where dangers are ever in the path of the settler. So taking a seat on the ground, he began to interrogate his son on the dimensions, appearance, etc., of the camp. When he had fully satisfied himself, he remarked, that, "there must be from five to seven Indians", and that they must pack up and hurry back to the settlements, to prevent, if possible, the Indians from doing mischief; and, said he, "if we fall in with them, we must fight them."

Mathias was immediately called in, and the horses repacked. Mr. Harman and Draper, now began to load their guns, when the old man observing Draper, laboring under what is known to hunters as the "Buck Ague", being that state of excitement, which causes excessive trembling, remarked to him, "My son, I fear you cannot fight."

The plan was now agreed upon, which was, that Mr. Harman and Draper should lead the way, the pack horses follow them, and Mathias and George bring up the rear. After they had started, Draper remarked to Mr. Harman that he would go ahead, as he could see better than Mr. Harman, and that he would keep a sharp lookout. It is highly probable that he was cogitating a plan of escape, as he had not gone far before he declared he saw the Indians, which proved not to be true. Proceeding a short distance further, he suddenly wheeled his horse about, at the same time crying out, "Yonder they are - behind that log." As a liar is not to be believed when he speaks the truth, so Mr. Draper was not believed this time. Mr. Harman rode on, while a large dog, he had with him, ran up to the log and reared himself upon it, showing no sign of the presence of Indians. At this second, a sheet of fire and smoke from the Indians’ rifles, completely concealed the log from view, for Draper had really spoken the truth.

Before the smoke had cleared away, Mr. Harman and his sons were dismounted, while Draper had fled with all the speed of a swift horse. There were seven of the Indians, only four of whom had guns; the rest being armed with bows and arrows, tomahawks and scalping knives. As soon as they fired, they rushed on Mr. Harman, who fell back to where his two sons stood ready to meet the Indians.

They immediately surrounded the three white men, who had formed a triangle, each man looking out, or, what would have been, with men enough a hollow square. The old gentlemen bid Mathias to reserve his fire, while himself and George fired, wounding, as it would seem, two of the Indians. George was a lame man, from having had white-swelling in his childhood, and after firing a few rounds, the Indians noticed his limping, and one who had fired at him, rushed upon him thinking him wounded. George saw the fatal tomahawk raised, and drawing back his gun, prepared to meet it. When the Indian had got within striking distance, George let down upon his head with the gun, which brought him to the ground; he soon recovered, and made at him again, half-bent and head foremost, George sprang up and jumped across him, which brought the Indian to his knees. Feeling for his own knife, and not getting hold of it, he seized the Indians’ and plunged it deep into his side. Mathias struck him on the head with a tomahawk, and finished the work with him.

Two Indians had attacked the old man with bows, and were maneuvering around him, to get clear fire at his left breast. The Harmans, to a man, wore their bullet pouches on the left side, and with this and his arm he so completely shielded his breast, that the Indians did not fire till they saw the old gentleman’s gun nearly loaded again, when one fired on him, and struck his elbow near the joint, cutting one of the principal arteries. In a second more, the fearful string was heard to vibrate, and an arrow entered Mr. Harman’s breast and lodged against a rib. He had by this time loaded his gun, and was raising it to his face to shoot one of the Indians, when the stream of blood from the wounded artery flew into the pan, and so soiled his gun that it was impossible to make it fire. Raising his gun, however, had the effect to drive back the Indians, who retreated to where the others stood with their guns empty.

Mathias, who had remained an almost inactive spectator, now asked permission to fire, which the old man granted. The Indian at whom he fired appeared to be the chief, and was standing under a large beech tree. At the report of the rifle, the Indian fell, throwing his tomahawk high among the limbs of the tree under which he stood.

Seeing two of their number lying dead upon the ground, and two more badly wounded, they immediately made off; passing by Draper, who had left his horse, and concealed himself behind a log.

As soon as the Indians retreated, the old man fell back on the ground exhausted and fainting from the loss of blood. The wounded arm being tied up and his face washed in cold water, soon restored him. The first words he uttered were, "We’ve whipped them, give me my pipe." This was furnished him, and he took a whiff, while the boys scalped one of the Indians.

When Draper saw the Indians pass him, he stealthily crept from his hiding place, and pushed on for the settlement, where he reported the whole party murdered. The people assembled and started soon the following morning to bury them; but they had not gone far before they met Mr. Harman, and his sons, in too good condition to need burying.

Upon the tree, under which the chief was killed, is roughly carved an Indian, a bow and a gun, commemorative of the fight. The arrows which were shot into Mr. Harman, are in possession of some of his descendants. David E. Johnston in his History of the Middle New River Settlements, page 96, gives a ballad which he says was composed by Captain Henry Harman, herein inserted to show the correct date and add interest to the details of this story

HARMAN’S BATTLE SONG

Come all ye bold heroes whose hearts flow with courage, With respect pay attention to a bloody fray. Fought by Captain Harman and valiant sons, With the murdering Shawnees they met on the way.

The battle was fought on the twelfth of November, Seventeen hundred and eighty-eight. Where God of his mercy stood by those brave heroes, Or they must have yielded to a dismal fate.

Oh! Nothing would do this bold Henry Harman, But down to the Tug River without more delay, With valiant sons and their noble rifles, Intending a number of bears to slay.

They camped on Tug River with pleasing contentment, Till the sign of blood thirsty Shawnees appears, Then with brave resolution they quickly embark, To cross the high mountains and warn the frontiers.

Brave Harman rode foremost with undaunted courage, Nor left his old trail these heathen to shun; His firm resolution was to save Bluestone, Though he knew by their sign they were near three to one.

The first salutation the Shawnees did give them, They saw the smoke rise from behind some old logs; Brave Harman to fight them then quickly dismounted, Saying, "Do you lie there, you save, murdering dogs?" He says, "My dear sons stand by me with courage, And like heroes fight on till you die on the ground." Without hesitation they swiftly rushed forward, They’d have the honor of taking their hair.

At first by the host of red skins surrounded, His well pointed gun made them jump behind trees, At last all slain, but two, and they wounded, Cherokee in the shoulder, and Wolf in the knees.

Great thanks to the Almighty for the strength and the courage, By which the brave Harmans triumphed ‘oer the foe; Not the women and children then intended to slaughter, But the bloody invaders themselves are laid low.

May their generation on the frontiers he stationed, To confound and defeat all their murdering schemes, And put a frustration to every invasion, And drive the Shawnees from Montgomery’s fair streams.

(1) Calender Virginia State Papers, Vol. IV, page 564. (2) Probably Mathias Harman, brother of Henry. (3) Harman Genealogy by John Newton Harman (4) Augusta Court Causes Ended, Taylor vs Harman. (5) Augusta Court Causes Ended, Wynn vs Inglish heirs. (6) Ibid, Maxwell vs Pickens.

source: http://www.rootsweb.com/~varussel/indian/76.html

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Adam Harman Sr. bought land in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania in 1734 and family tradition says when Henry was eleven years old they came to the New River. Adam Harman and family were among the first white settlers on the New River. Drapers Meadow was located at the present day Blacksburg VA and the VPI campus. Adam Harman's colonial ford was the earliest known ford on the New River. Adam Harman was established there by March 1745 because the "Indian Road" ended at his ford on New River according to an orange County road order. This is the first documentary evidences of white men settling on New River. Adam Harman took a place called Tom's place and a place on Thorn Spring. Jeremiah Pate who became Adam Harman's son-in-law found land on "Sink Creek" Jacob Harman's place was on the west side of the New and present Neck Creek at the Big Spring north of Morgan's Glade in modern times known as Spring Dale Farm off U.S. route 11 at Dublin. The ruins of the old log house still lie here.

It was Adam Harman acting as land agent who nogotiated the land deal when the Drapers bought their property on Tom's and Strouble's Creek, from Col. Patton.

In November 1746 a road was ordered from Adam Harman's place to the river and to the north branch of Roanoke River. Adam Harman and Israel Lorton were agents for the Wood's River Company. They were to oversee workers and among them were Adam's sons George, Jacob, and Valentine.

Adam Harman's fur cache was wrecked about the same time he lost his wife who died in childbirth March 18, 1749. The next summer the Harman's obtained 7,000 acres on the New River near the mouth of Bluestore in the names of Adam and Valentine and Valentine Sevier.

The Harmans were of Moravian ancestry and the Moravians in Pennsylvania knew of them. It was written "Toward noon we arrived safely at the New River. We were taken across the river to Jacob Herrman, who together with his wife, received us with great joy and love. Jacob Herrman told them that his grandfather was by birth a Moravian who had been driven from his country because of his religion."

source: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/8524/harman.html

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"History of Bland County (Virginia)", by Bland County Centennial Corporation, 1992: p.139-144 "THE HARMAN HISTORY

Heinrich Adam HARMAN, HERMANN, was among the early HARMAN's who emigrated from Germany early in the eighteenth century. He was born in Germany in about 1700, married Louisa Katrina October 8, 1723 and came with his family to Pennsylvania about 1726. To them was born eleven children: Adam, who resided in North Carolina and was a member of the party which aided in founding HARMAN Station in Kentucky; Henry, Sr.; George, who died in 1749; Daniel, who settled in Tazewell County in 1773; Mathias; Christina, who married Jeremiah PATE of Giles County; Catherine, who married Ulrich RICHARDS of North Carolina; Philipina, who died in 1751; Valentine, who settled in Tazewell County in 1771 and moved to Kentucky; a daughter who married a LOONEY, and Jacob who settled in Tazewell County and later moved away.

Heinrich Adam HARMAN, as shown by report of surveyors, PATTON and BUCHANAN, lived on the New River three years before the INGLES, DRAPERS and others came to that territory, thus the honor and distinction of having erected the first dwelling and making the first permanent settlement of English speaking people in the Mississippi Valley goes to him. The early HARMANs were, presumably, Lutheran and associated themselves with the Moravian Settlement in North Carolina and many of their records can be found there. The great majority of the HARMANs of Southwest Virginia became Methodist and have remained Methodists to the present. Heinrich Adam figured prominently in the rescue of Mrs. Mary DRAPER INGLES, was qualified as 'Captain Troops of Horse' in 1752, was constable of New River and overseer of the road. As a pioneer he was the first among those who sought a home in this wilderness for himself and his family, and with his distinguished sons blazed a way for his descendants and others to enjoy the comforts and embellishments of civilized life in this country. He died on New River in 1767.

Henry, Sr., second son of Heinrich Adam, was born in 1726, probably on the Isle of Man, when his father and family were en route to America. In about 1758 he married Anna (Nancy) Wilburn of North Carolina. He owned lands in Tazewell and other counties in Southwest Virginia as early as 1754, and moved to one of these tracts, probably the large estate near High Rock, now Bland County, in 1775, moving to Holly Brook in 1790. He and other HARMANs, able to bear arms, served on the frontiers of Virginia until the close of the Revolutionary War, and they continued for several years thereafter in defending the Virginia frontiers from Indian depredations. He was appointed Captain of the 'King's Militia' around 1756 by King George, and took a prominent part in the Indian Battles of Little River, Tug River, capture of Jennie WILEY, Indian Raids on Burkes Garden and was known by the Indians as "Old Skygusta." His children were: Daniel, who settled in Tazewell County, married Pheby DAVIDSON and was killed by the Indians in 1791; Henry, Jr. settled in Tazewell County and married Christena HARMAN; Adam; George; Mathias, who lived in Smyth County and married Mary DUNN; Hezekiah, who lived in Tazewell County and married Polly BROWN; Elias; Rhoda, who married William NEEL in 1794, and Louisa who married James DAVIS in 1799. After a busy life of about forty years in Tazewell, Giles, and Bland Counties, he died at Holly Brook at about 95 years and is buried there.

Mathias, fifth son of Heinrich Adam, led a party in 1755 which located and constructed a log cabin on Louisa River, which later became known as "HARMAN Station." This was the foundation of the first permanent English speaking settlement made in Eastern Kentucky. In 1774 he was called "Captain Mathias HARMAN of Ingles Ferry." In 1787, Mathias HARMAN and Thomas WILEY owned and resided upon adjoining farms on Walker's Creek, in present Bland County. Upon the capture of Jennie WILEY, Mathias led a party of ten who pursued the Indians. The Indians believed him in league with the devil because of their number he killed, his miraculous escapes and the bitterness and relentless daring of his warfare against them. He was one of the "Long Hunters" as were others of the HARMANs. He married Lydia SKAGGS and thier children were: Katie, Mathias, Pheby, Adam, Henry, Louisa, and Rebecca. He died on Dry Fork of Tazewell County on April 2, 1832.

Adam HARMAN, third son of Henry, Sr., was born in 1765, married Anna GARDNER in 1787 and moved from North Carolina to Virginia about 1776, settling on Walker's Creek in present Bland County, where he lived until his death in 1831. He served as sheriff of Wythe County, Commissioner of Peace of Wythe County and in 1796 was appointed as "viewer of the Bridle Way from James FISHER's across Walker's Mountain to Evansham (Wytheville)." His children were: William, who married Parmelia REEDER; Sydna, who married William CUBINE; Henry, who married Mary PAULEY (their four sons were Methodists preachers); Rhoda, who married "Big" Daniel HARMAN; Susanna, who married Joshua MCGUIER; Daniel, who married Mandenor REEDOR; Samuel, who married Mary ROBINETT; Elias, who married a WORKMAN and then Rebecca RHINER; Wilburn, who married Rachel WORKMAN; Nancy Mariah, who married William MCGUIRE; Elizabeth, who married John CUBINE, and Anna who married a MURDOCK.

George, fourth son of Henry, Sr., was born in 1767 and married Barbara LOPP of North Carolina and came soon afterwards to Walker's Creek. Their children were: "Big" Daniel, who married Rhoda HARMAN, and Elizabeth who married first Ephraim DUNBAR and upon his death Lewis NEEL. George took a conspicious part in the famous battle with his father and brothers at the Tug River. He made his home in later years with his daughter, Elizabeth, on Kimberling and is buried at the family cemetery at Holly Brook. "Big" Daniel HARMAN's son, Robert Wilson, married Mrs. Cynthia J. OXLEY (BIRD) as his second wife and they were the parents of John Newton HARMAN, whose book of HARMAN Genealogy have furnished the information for this family history.

Elias, youngest son of Henry, Sr., was born in 1780 and resided on his father's farm, Holly Brook. He married Polly DAVIS, who was noted for her piety and their home was used as a place of worship for the Methodist church members. He was a Captain of Militia in Tazewell County. He freed his slaves in 1828, Will Book "A", page 417 of Giles County. His children were: Robert W., who married Rhosa HARMAN; John W., who married Hester Anne BYRNES; Polly Neal and last Ann Mustard; Colonel William Neel HARMAN; Dr. James W. HARMAN; Nancy, who married Mehemiah HENDERSON; Betsy, who married John HENDERSON; Louisa, who married Mathias NICHOLS; and Rhoda who married Edwin F. SHEPPARD. He died July 23, 1856 and is buried at Holly Brook.

William Neal HARMAN

One of the most influential men in the formation of Bland County was William Neal HARMAN, seventh son of Elias HARMAN, and the grandson of Henry HARMAN, Sr. William Neal HARMAN was born at Hollybrook, later which became part of Bland County, on December 11, 1822. The first schooling that he received was under the tutoring of his cousin Lewis NEAL, who could not teach him his ABC's and turned him over to his father who by proper attention enabled him to get started in school. He soon made such rapid progress that he stood at the head of his spelling class consisting of some twenty-five students, a number of whom were grown men and women. Having learned to read so well, he was called on to read the chapter in the Bible at family worship regularly and became so interested in the Bible that he read it through many times. At the camp meeting at Hoge's camp ground, where Rev. David BURNS was conducting the services, he accepted Christ. This occurred on the 13th of April, 1834, between 12 and 1 o'clock at night. Not long after this, his Uncle Hezekiah visited his brother, Elias, and told him of a new college that was being established at Emory, Virginia and named Emory and Henry College. William was immediately enrolled in the new college and after one session in the preparatory department and diligent study while he was at home, he was able to enter college proper and enrolled in Latin, Greek, French and mathematics. Money running short, he taught one session in Tazewell County and returned to school and was graduated in 1843, and a member of the first graduating class of Emory and Henry College. In the fall of 1843, he started west to seek a location. He accepted a teaching position at Mt. Steling, Kentucky, and agreed to teach ten months for $500.00 at the Lulbegrand Academy. After returning to Virginia during vacation, he went back to Kentucky and was employed as principal of Versales High School were he remained for two sessions. From here he went to San Augutine, Texas, served as private secretary to Gen. Sam HOUSTON and was professor of mathematics in Wesleyan College. After serving the cllege for two years, he was elected president and served for a period of two years resigning because of the failure of his health, and returned to Virginia.

After his return to Virginia, he resolved to read law and was admitted to the bar on the 12th day of May, 1856 and followed his profession until within a year of the close of his life. He, by speeches in parts of Wythe, Giles and Tazewell Counties, had carried a majority of the voters in favor of a new County which was cut off from these three counties and named Bland. HARMAN was elected the firt Commonwealth's Attorney for the new County. The Civil War broke out and at the first term of the County Court in Bland an effort was made to organize a Company of infantry. HARMAN, being called upon to make a speech, considered the most telling speech was to volunteer, which he did. He was elected Orderly Sergeant of Company F-45th Virginia Infantry and later became general drillmaster for this and other companies. He served throughout the war being promoted to the rank of Colonel. He also served as commander of Company F "Bland Rangers." William Neal HARMAN died at Bonanza, Arkansas, July 30, 1905."

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Note From Harmon Family Bible Translated from German

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References

• “Henry Harman’s Fight With the Indians.” By Emory L. Hamilton. From the unpublished manuscript, Indian Atrocities Along the Clinch, Powell and Holston Rivers, pages 164-172. < link >
• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: May 5 2018, 13:50:44 UTC
• https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Harmon-6042 cites

1. Harman, John Newton Sr. Harman Genealogy (Southern Branch) with Biographical Sketches, 1700 - 1924. (Richmond, Virginia: W.C. Hill Printer Co., 1925). Accessed on Internet Archive See ChapterII, p. 49 and ff].
2. Yates Publishing. U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. "U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900". Source number: 52.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: EOP
3. View Ancestry Record 7836 #531289 (requires subscription Name: Heinrich Adam Harmon; Gender: Male; Birth Place: Ge; Birth Year: 1700; Spouse Name: Katrina; Number Pages: 1.
4. Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/60291020/heinrich-adam-harman: accessed 20 September 2022), memorial page for Heinrich Adam “Henry” Hermann Harman Sr. (Aug 1700–24 Jan 1767), Find A Grave: Memorial #60291020; Maintained by Daryl & Barbara (Biggs) Mallett (contributor 46984947) Burial Details Unknown.
5. History: "History of Bland County (Virginia)" by Bland County Centennial Corporation, 1992: p.139-144 (NOTE: FHL Microfilm # 6048187)
6. Harman, John William, ed. Harman-Harmon Genealogy and Biography, with Historical Notes, 19 B.C. to 1928 A.D. (Parson, West Virginia: 1928). See the family group for Heinrich Harman at pp. 176-179. See also p. 219.
7. Pratt, Floyd Thomas, ed. Stanley M. Harmon Research Compendium (Literary History Series, 2015), p. 270. Published at Archive.org under a 3.0 Creative Commons License)

• https://www.werelate.org/wiki/Person:Heinrich_Harman_%281%29 Cites
  • 5. Hamilton, Emory L. Indian Atrocities Along the Clinch, Powell and Holston Rivers of Southwest Virginia, 1773-1794. (Unpublished). Seven Harman brothers emigrated from Germany together, Jacob, Valentine, Mathias, George, Daniel, John, and Heinrich Adam. They first stopped off in Pennsylvania, then emigrated to the Shenandoah Valley and some on into North Carolina. At least three of these brothers settled in Southwest Virginia, namely, Heinrich Adam, Valentin and Jacob. They were living in the New River German settlement, the first settlement ever made west of the Alleghenies on the "Western Waters", and were living there prior to 1745. In 1749 Moravian Missionaries conducted the first recorded religious services in Southwest Virginia in the home of Jacob Harman, and Dr. Thomas Walker mentions stopping at the home of Harman on his memorable exploration trip in 1750.