John & Annie (Hart) Har

HAR, MARNACH, HART, TRACY, SPRING

Posted By: Barbara Timm (email)
Date: 3/15/2004 at 18:40:19

Har, John W. (page 271), a leading contractor and builder of Plainview, was born in Plainview Township, December 9, 1866, son of Felix and Katie (Marnach) Har. He acquired his education in the rural schools in the vicinity of his parents' farm and at the Wabasha public school, where he was a pupil for one year. Until reaching the age of 21 years he remained an inmate of his parents' house. Then for two years he operated a part of the home farm on his own account, leading a bachelor's life on the place. In 1889 Mr. Har went to Wheaton, Minn., where he engaged in the clothing business, and there and at Fargo he learned the builder's trade. In 1891 he sold his interests there and, returning to Plainview, launched out as a general contractor and builder. His entry into this line of industry was signalized by no flourish of trumpets, but was a modest beginning, he depending for success on honest and durable work, executed at a reasonable price. This policy brought its reward in a gradually increasing business based on the confidence of the public, and many of the substantial business blocks and fine residences of Plainview are his handiwork, as also many structures in the surrounding towns, villages and county. The comfortable residence he now occupies was erected by him in 1903. He also owns four acres of land, on which he raises produce for himself and family, selling the surplus.

On July 18, 1892, Mr. Har was married to Annie Hart, who was born in Allamakee County, Iowa, August 1, 1864, daughter of Patrick and Jane (Tracy) Hart, who were natives respectively of Ireland and the United States, and who were married at Dubuque, Iowa. In 1856 Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Hart located on a farm in Allamakee County, and for many years were successfully engaged in its operation. There Mr. Hart died in 1902, and in the following year Mrs. Hart came to Plainview, where she is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. John W. Har three children have been born: Walter Leo, August 5, 1893; Cecelia J., May 14, 1899; and William L., October 1, 1902. But two are now living, Walter Leo having died March 31, 1901. Cecelia J. is now Mrs. Lester Spring, of Rochester, and William L. is associated in business with his father. The family are members of the Catholic church, while in politics Mr. Har is a Republican.

-source: "HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY, MINNESOTA"
Compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge and Others
Published Winona, MN by H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co., 1920

-transcribed & submitted by Barbara Timm