Biographical Sketches
ROBERT A. HARRA
One of the enterprising and well-to-do farmers of Fort Osage township, although a native of this state, is of purely German origin, and in his mental constitution are found many of the sterling characteristics which distinguished his forefathers and their countrymen.
George H. Harra, the father of Robert A., was born in Hanover, Germany, July 4, 1817, and was married there to Miss Louisa Miller. By trade he was a cabinet-maker, which he followed in the old country. In 1848 he emigrated to America, crossing the Atlantic in a sail vessel, and being 8 weeks in making the ocean voyage to New Orleans, and thence up to Missouri, stopping first in St. Louis, and then Wellington, Lafayette county. Soon afterward he purchased a farm in Fort Osage township, this county, and from that time forward gave his attention chiefly to farming, now and then working some at the carpenter's trade, for himself and sons. He maintained his residence on the farm above referred to until August, 1890, when he sold out, and his closing years were spent with his children. He died September 16, 1894; his widow survives. They had 10 children, namely: Augustus, a resident of Fort Osage township; George, who died January 9, 1880; Christian, a farmer in this township; Margaret, wife of Joseph Campbell, Sniabar township, this county: Robert A., whose name heads this sketch: Frank L., a farmer of Fort Osage township; Amos E., a farmer of Fort Osage township; William, also engaged in farming in this township; Julia, wife of M. L. Cox, Sniabar township; and Elizabeth, wife of C. H. Latimer, of Kansas City, who maintains a farm near Blue Springs.
Robert A. Harra was born in Fort Osage township, March 5, 1852. He was reared on his father's farm and remained a member of the home circle until he attained his 23rd year. Then he rented a farm and subsequently purchased land, at first only 50 acres, and from time to time as he was able added to it until now his farm comprises 316 acres, nearly all of which is improved and much of it under cultivation, the rest being utilized for stock purposes. The buildings and other improvements upon this place are the result of his well directed efforts.
Mr. Harra was married in Sniabar township, near Blue Springs, February 26, 1880, to Miss Sallie Dillingham, daughter of Vachel and Nancy J. (Gibson) Dillingham, early settlers of Sniabar township. Her father was a soldier in the Confederate army and perished during the war. Her mother died in Sniabar township, October 4, 1881. Mrs. Harra is the youngest of their family of 7 children, and was born September 15, 1862. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Harra are 3 in number and as follows: Thruston L., born March 20, 1881; Pearl E., July 3, 1884; and Louisa L., March 24, 1887.
In his political views Mr. Harra is independent, voting for the man rather than the party, and in all local affairs takes an active interest. In matters of a religious nature he is especially interested. He united with the Methodist Church, South, in 1876, has been a steward in the church since 1877, and has all these years been an active worker in and a liberal supporter of the same. Mrs. Harra also is a member of the Methodist church South.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.