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From the Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, publ. 1901- page 664-666
DEDRICK HARMS (deceased) was numbered among the early pioneers of Wisconsin, who, braving the dangers from savages and wild beats, pushed on into the wilderness, breaking the virgin soil, felling the mighty trees of the forest, and bringing well cultivated farms and populous cities from a seeming chaos. Those who enjoy the advantages now offered by the civilization of the mighty Commonwealth of Wisconsin should never forget to whom all this luxury is due, nor fail to render just tribute to the memory of those who went before to "prepare a way" for following generations.
Dedrick HARMS was born in Ottimania, Hanover, Germany, March 5, 1805, a son of Cord and Catharine HARMS, who lived and died in their native land, Germany. Our subject received a fair education in Germany, in 1834 crossed the ocean, and landing at New Orleans, was engaged in a sugar factory for two or three years. Later he removed to Dubuque, Iowa, worked there for a short season, and then went to Platteville, Wis., following mining. In 1843 Mr. HARMS purchased forty acres of land in Smelser township, near Platteville, to which he added, from time to time, until he finally owned an entire section, and improved all of it. The first home was a tiny log house, built by himself in which he and his wife began their married life, but as time progressed, and he prospered, Mr. HARMS erected a comfortable, substantial brick residence, in which he lived until his death, Sept. 4, 1882. The loving helpmate of his life survived until March 10, 1898. Both of these worthy people were consistent members of the Lutheran Church, and were instrumental in founding the first church of that denomination in Platteville. In political matters Mr. HARMS was a Democrat, but never aspired to office, and in this, as in all things, he was conscientious, always voting as he deemed right. The marriage of Dedrick HARMS occurred Aug. 6, 1843, to Miss Mariah M. MELVIN, daughter of James A. and Sarah S. (ROBERTS) MELVIN, natives of Maryland and Virginia, respectively. Mrs. HARMS was born in Bloomington, Ind., Jan. 25, 1823, and was brought to Wisconsin in 1841, by her parents. The mother of Mrs. HARMS was very highly educated in Virginia, and taught school for a number of years after locating in Wisconsin. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dedrick HARMS: John C., Mary E., Henry H., Dedrick W., James W., Louis L., Martha J., Sarah E., Emily M., George L., and one that died in infancy. (1) John C. HARMS, the eldest, was born in Grant county, in June, 1844, and grew to manhood on the farm, receiving his education in the district school and in the Platteville high school. In October, 1866, he was married to Elizabeth SPETH, and took up his home on a portion of the old homestead, but died in Platteville, leaving a wife and three children, Emma M., Mary C. and Johanna, all now deceased; the mother is living, and resides in Platteville. (2) Mary E. HARMS was born in October 1845, received her education in the district schools and the Platteville Academy, and in January 1868, married Christopher F. SCHROEDER of Platteville, who died March 17, 1894, leaving three children, George; James, now residing on the old homestead; and Annie, now Mrs. BRUGGER, of Platteville, for sketches of whom see elsewhere; Mrs. SCHROEDER now resides in Platteville, and is a very agreeable lady. (3) Henry H. HARMS was born Feb. 16, 1848, grew to manhood on the old homestead, and on March 16, 1880, married Miss Dora L. WALFERMAN, of Elmo, Wis., formerly of Germany; they resided on one of the farms of Dedrick HARMS, in Lafayette county, where Henry H. died Nov. 11, 1898, leaving a wife and three children, John, Mamie and Emma, all of whom are still living on the farm. (4) Dedrick William HARMS, born Jan. 30, 1850, died April 23, 1856. (5) James W. HARMS born Feb. 20, 1952, married in March, 1883, Sophia LOGEMANN, of Germany, and they reside in Platteville; they have no family. James W. HARMS was educated at the Platteville Normal, and is one of the prominent men of that city. (6) Louis L. HARMS, born in October 1853, married Annie M. RIEGE in September, 1880; they reside in Platteville, on Pine street, and have two children, Benjamin D. (who is the proprietor of one of the leading hotels of Dubuque) and Pearl L. (7) Martha J. HARMS, born in April 1855, died while a young lady, mourned by all, in June 1886. (8) Sarah E. HARMS, born in May 1859, educated in the Platteville Normal, was married to Dr. A. R. LAW, of Belmont, now a resident of Madison, Wis., and one of its leading physicians. Three children have been born to them, Blossom C., Robert A. and John. (9) Emily M. HARMS, the youngest daughter, was born in April 1860, educated at the State Normal and at St. Clair Academy of Wisconsin, and is a lady of refinement and culture; at present she manages the old homestead, and also owns a fine farm in the vicinity, which was bequeathed to her by her father. (10) George L. HARMS, born April 25, 1862, received his education at the State Normal, and now resides at the old homestead, managing the large property left by his father in addition to a well-cultivated farm of his own, adjacent; at the present writing he occupies the office of school treasurer, and is very popular in the community, being well-known for his honesty, integrity and uprightness of principles. (11) The youngest, born Nov. 3, 1864, died in infancy. All the members of this old pioneer family have adhered steadfastly to the principals of the Democratic party, and in religious matters to the Lutheran Church.
John HARMS, or "Uncle John HARMS," as he is affectionately called by his neighbors, as well as family, the brother of Dedrick HARMS is a venerable old gentleman of some eighty-nine years, and is as hale and hearty as many who have scarcely passed the fourscore milestone. The birth of this good old man occurred at Ottimania, Hanover, Germany, Feb. 26, 1812. In 1838 after he had given the compulsory military service, John HARMS decided to join his brother Dedrick, in America, and upon arrival in this country proceeded direct to Dubuque, Iowa; his first work was fencing the lot on which the "Kansas City House" now stands. Later he removed to Platteville, and followed mining with his brother on what was then known as "Dutch Range." In time he purchased land, added to it, and became the owner of one of the finest farms in Grant county.
When the gold fever broke out John HARMS, with a party of others, crossed the Plains to the gold fields of California, remaining two years. The trip across the Plains consumed three months, and while journeying Mr. HARMS learned to read English. After returning from California he resumed farming, continuing this occupation until 1872, when he visited his native land. As a citizen, John HARMS is distinguished as a type of the Christian gentleman, honest, upright in his dealings, and considerate of the unfortunate. Having amassed a large property, by his own unaided labors, he is deserving of much respect and esteem. Taking a deep interest in political matters, Mr. HARMS soon made himself felt as a factor in the workings of the Democratic party, and was finally chosen, in 1863, to represent his district in the State Assembly, where he made a record of which he may well be proud. In addition to this office Mr. HARMS has also acceptably filled many local positions, and has always discharged the trusts reposed in him honorably and satisfactorily. In religious convictions, like the other members of the family, he has always been a steadfast Lutheran, and an active worker in that church. Too much respect cannot be paid this true, loyal, upright old man, who, after a lifetime of hard labor, is still a recognized factor in the life of his family and neighborhood, and a living example of all that is best and noblest in human nature.
When the two brothers, Dedrick and John HARMS came to Platteville, it was a small village, and Wisconsin was but a territory. Year by year they saw civilization advance, the inhabitants increase, until now Wisconsin stands among the largest and most important States of the Union, and Platteville is a flourishing city. The part borne by these brothers in the development of Grant county was an important one, and their names will always be remembered among the sturdy and successful pioneers of the locality.
This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck