B. J. HARMAN, a prosperous farmer and stock-grower on section 5, Pleasant Township, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, May 15, 1828, and is a son of George and Juda (Whitmore) Harman, both of whom are natives of Pennsylvania, but who moved to Ohio at an early day. On the 30th day of September, 1842, the family arrived in Jefferson County, Iowa, and there wintered, and in May of the following yea moved to Wapello County, the elder Harman taking up a claim adjoining the farm on which his son now lives. He died on his original homestead, November 4, 1864, at the age of sixty-seven years. He was a man well known to all the early settlers of Wapello County, and enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew him. His wife survived him over six years, dying Jan. 15, 1871.
B. J. Harman came to Iowa in company with his parents and remained with them until twenty-two years of age. On the 21st day of November, 1851, he was united in marriage with Catherine A. Dickens, born in Ohio, Jan. 19, 1831, the daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Staley) Dickens. Her mother is dead, but her father yet survives, and is living in Compentine Township. One child blest this union, James A., born June 30, 1852, now living in Appanoose County, this State. Mrs. Harman died Nov. 21, 1854, and in 1858 Mr. Harman married Sarepta Cobler, a native of Indiana, who was born April 29, 1841, and the daughter of Lewis and Nancy Cobler. Her mother is deceased, but her father is living in Dahlonega Township. Of this union there were three children: Harvey, born April 26, 1860; Nancy C., Nov. 11, 1861; Clara B. Aug. 24, 1866.
Mr. Harman is the owner of 195 acres of fine farm land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation, there being on the place a good frame dwelling, barn, and every convenience that tends to make it a fine stock and grain farm. Mr. and Mrs. Harman are member o the German Baptist Church, of which he has been a minister for a period of twenty years. Politically Mr. H. is a Democrat, and has served his township as Assessor.