Person Page

     John Henry Harr was born on 19 December 1761 in Shenandoah Co., Virginia.¹ He married Suzannah Snapp on 13 March 1782 in Shenandoah Co., Virginia.^1,2 John died on 19 December 1838 in Sullivan Co., Tennessee, at age 77.¹ He was interred in December 1838 in Old Snapp Cemetery in Sullivan Co., Tennessee.^1,2
     

     John's middle name is based on information found on page HPF 39-20 of the Holston Pastfinder, Vol. 10, No. 4.

     In Heads of Families in Virginia, 1785, John Harr is listed with 3 white souls in Shenandoah County.³ He lived next to his father Simon Harr. Paul Henkle lived only one door away.²

     On the 24th and 25th of July 1787, John Harr and Susannah his wife of the County of Shenandoah sold to John Buck of the same place, in consideration of 120 pounds, 413 acres granted to John Harr by deed from the Proprietors Office bearing date 29th December 1762, according to the release. The lease indicates that John received the 413 acres by deed of gift, no witnesses.⁴ The land was probably obtained by John Harr by deed of gift and was his wife's inheritence from her father Lawrence Snapp who was a large land holder. Lawrence Snapp probably was the receiver of the land by deed from the Proprietors Office in 1762 or had purchased the land originally. Lawrence had received several grants of land from Fairfax as well as had purchased many acres during his lifetime. John Harr was born in 1761 so obviously was too young in 1762 to received land by deed.

     On 16 November 1787, Peter Snapp and his wife of Shenandoah County sold to John Harr of County aforesaid, for the consideration of 160 pounds, all that part and tract of land that had been laid off by Jacob Riker, Esq. for said John Harr, corner to Lawrence Snapp and in Frederick Stoners line, containing 150 acres of land near Tumbling Run and part of a greater tract of 430 acres the same being part of a greater tract of 1,791 acres granted by deed from the Proprietors Office to Lawrence Snapp, Senior, who by his last will and testament in writing the 5th day of April 1782 divised and bequeath unto his son Philip Snapp amongst other legacees, and said Philip Snapp and Catharine his wife conveyed unto Peter Snapp the 15th and 16th of August 1783, said Peter Snapp and Catharine his wife now convey unto said John Harr as part thereof 150 acres, no witnesses.⁴

     After the death of his father Simon intestate in 1797, John and his brother Frederick, and half brother David, sold Simon's land consisting of several lots in the town of Strasburg in May of 1799.⁵ Evidently these three were the only children of Simon's either still living or living in the vicinity of Shenandoah County. John and David were still living in Shenandoah County and Frederick was living in Augusta County, south of Shenandoah County.

     On 9 May 1801, Margarett Snapp of Shenandoah County, widow of Lawrence Snapp deceased, made her will naming daughters Margaret, wife of Henry Keller, Susanna, wife of John Harr, mentioning my children's children, children of Christina and Michael Speigal, children of Peter Snapp, and children of Joseph Snapp. Son Philip Snapp, son-in-law Henry Keller, and son-in-law John Harr were named executors. Witnessed by Isaac Miller and Jacob Funk.⁶

     On 7 September 1801, John Harr and Susannah his wife of Shenandoah County sold to Martin Feazle of county aforesaid, for consideration of 100 pounds, all that lot or parcel of five acres and one quarter of land, being part of a larger tract of 150 acres conveyed by deed from Peter Snapp and Catharine his wife the 16th of November 1787 to said John Harr, no witnesses.⁵ On 10 March 1806 Martin Feasle and Mary his wife sold this five and one quarter acre lot to Jacob Funk (son of Joseph) for $400.⁷

     John Harr and Susannah his wife of Shenandoah County on 13 March 1802 sold Jacob Funk son of Joseph deceased of County aforesaid, for consideration of 510 pounds, a tract of land situate and lying and being on a branch of Funks Mill run, corner to Lawrence Snapp, containing 140 acres, surveyed 3 March 1802 by Jacob Rinker, Surveyor, it being the same land conveyed by Peter Snapp and Catherine his wife [to John Harr, witnessed by Philip Spengler, J. Gatewood, and Jonas Creabill. On 15 March, Susannah, wife of John Harr released dower right on the above land.⁵

     On 1 September 1806, John Harr and Susannah his wife of County of Shenandoah sold to Charles Meng, for consideration of 330 pounds, a tract of land lying and being near the North Mountain, containing 313 acres more or less, witnessed by John Geyeye, J. Evans, and Daniel Madeira. Mrs. Susannah Harr, wife of John Harr, released dower right to said land on 5 September, witnessed by Wm. H. Dulaney, J. Evans, and Daniel Madeira.⁷ This 313 acres was sold on 25 January 1808, by Charles Meng and Victoria of County of Shenandoah his wife to Henry Kearns, for consideration of 500 pounds.⁷ This appears to be the last record of John in Shenandoah County. It must be around this time that he went to Sullivan County, Tennessee.

     John, along with his half brother, David, moved from Shenandoah Co., VA to Sullivan Co., TN in probably 1806-1808 settling in the area northwest of Blountville, TN, in the vincinity of Immanuel Lutheran Church on the Old Reedy Creek Road, presently near the intersection of road #37 and U. S. Highway 11-W. John lived near the Drokes who lived on lands adjoining Immanuel Lutheran Church. It is believed that Paul Henkle, the reknown Lutheran minister, who made pilgrimages to Immanuel and East Tennessee churches and who lived practically next door to John Harr in Shenandoah Co., VA, was influnential in the Snapps and Harrs migration to the Immanuel Lutheran Church.²

     On 17 February 1807, Samuel McDonald deeded to John Harr for consideration of $330 a certain tract or parcel of land containing 66 acres be the same more or less said land lying and being in said county (Sullivan) and on the waters of Reedy Creek beginning at Richard Smith's Corner. Witnesses: John Punch, Martin Harkleroad, John Foust⁸

     On 11 April 1808, Phillip Snapp, Samuel Snapp, and Lawrence Snapp Jr. deeded to John Harr for consideration of $534 a certain tract or parcel of land containing 133 acres be the same more or less said land lying and being in the county aforesaid (Sullivan) and on the waters of Reedy Creek, Beginning near William Keys Orphans Land and joining George Rodehofers line. Witnesses: Samuel Blackmore, Isaac Stephen, John Stephens, N. Fein, Richard Gammon, Junr.⁹

     On 16 May 1808, James Jett deeded to John Harr for consideration of $155 a certain tract or parcel of land containing 33 acres be the same more or less lying and being the county of Sullivan and state aforesaid on fall creek, Beginning at a corner of Jacob Isley's and joining Martin Roller's line and along David Rollars line. Witnesses" Peter Pectol, John Jenings⁹

     One source lists the children of John and Susannah as Christina, John Joseph, John Simon, John William, John John, and Fanny.¹⁰ Another source lists the children of John and Susannah as Margaret, Elizabeth, John Joseph, John Simon, Susannah, Christina, Veronica, and John.¹ Both lists are combined in this report for the family of John and Suzannah.

     Droke in his manuscript gave John's death date as 1836, and states that he was buried in Old Snapp Cemetery. However, the Houston Genealogical Society's Families of Sullivan County gives his death date as 19 December 1838.

     John was listed as the head of a family on the 1830 Census in Sullivan Co., Tennessee. Enumerated were:
          1 white male 5 to 10, probably a son of John William
          1 white male 30 to 40, probably John's son John William Harr
          1 white male 60 to 70, John Henry Harr
          1 white female 10 to 15, probably John William Harr's daughter Margaret Christina
          2 white females 30 to 40, probably an unmarried daughter of John Henry Harr and the wife of John William Harr, Christina.¹¹

     Kathleen Amanda Harr was born on 3 November 1904 in Louisville, Jefferson Co., Kentucky.^1,2,3 She married Carl Greenville Lawrence Jr., son of Carl Greenville Lawrence [Sr.] and Jessie Kidder Harper, on 16 September 1924 in Marietta, Cobb Co., Georgia.⁴ Kathleen Amanda Harr was divorced from Carl on 19 November 1947 in Nashville, Davidson Co., Tennessee.⁵ Kathleen died on 16 November 1986 in Decatur, Dekalb Co., Georgia, at age 82.⁶ She was interred on 19 November 1986 in Lynnhurst Cemetery in Fountain City, Knox Co., Tennessee.⁶
     

     Among my mother's (Kathleen) effects I found a poem entitled "A Babe (in your arms)." It is in her handwriting and I have always assume she wrote it probably shortly after the birth of her first child, my sister Jessie. In 2005, on a visit to my sister's she gave me a stenographers note book⁷ that had belonged to our mother. In it appeared to be her notes on shorthand. Our mother may have been studying shorthand perhaps to work as a stenographer. The entire front side of each page will filled with shorthand exercises and notes. When you turn the note book over and read from the back, the back of those pages, after a few pages of additional shorthand notes, contained what appeared to be writings by our mother. She had written several poems of which only one was date, December 7, 1931, which would be about three years after the birth of my sister. In addition to the poems she had written a short story about Tabby the purple stuffed kitty cat. This was found in loose pages stuck inside the note book.

     I have transcribed those writings below beginning with the poem that I found among my mother's belongings that I had acquired. At first I thought it may have been the first one that she wrote and that it was written shortly after the birth of my sister. However, as I read the poem closely it could have well been the last one she wrote and was written after my birth about eight and a half years after my sister's birth. I suspect this due to two lines in the poem, "Two eyes of blue, a match for the skies above" and "A round little head, covered with soft golden down," as I was a very blond, blue-eyed child whereas my sister's hair and eyes were somewhat darker. This was probably why the poem was among the things I received and the note book found it's way to my sister.



     I'm assuming the poems were written in the sequence found in the note book. This first poem found had two versions, what I have called a first draft and a final draft. This was the only one that was dated, December 7, 1931, and was titled "Xmas in Town."


     Next was the following untitled poem:


     The final poem is entitled "Life." There were four drafts of the same poem and I have included all four drafts here so one can see the development process of the poem over time.


     Finally, the short story found on loose pages in the note pad about the adventures of Tabby. This story specifically mentions my sister Jessie Lou.


     Kathleen Amanda Harr was listed as a daughter at age 5, born in Kentucky, in the household of Robert Hunter Harr in Knoxville, Knox Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1910 enumerated 18 April 1910.³

     Kathleen Amanda Harr was listed as a daughter at age 14, born in Tennessee, in the household of Robert Hunter Harr in Second District, Knox Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1920 enumerated 20 January 1920.²

     Kathleen Amanda Lawrence was listed as wife at age 25, born in Kentucky, in the household of Carl Greenville Lawrence Jr. in Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama, in the Census of 1930 enumerated 2 April 1930.⁸

     Obiturary of Kathleen Harr Lawrence:

     Louise Idelle Harr was born on 13 August 1906 in Knoxville, Knox Co., Tennessee.^1,2,3 She married Virgil Ordra Foster on 6 September 1931 in Knox Co., Tennessee.¹ Louise died on 17 May 1976 in Munroe Memorial Hospital, Ocala, Marion Co., Florida, at age 69.⁴ She was interred in May 1976 in Lynnhurst Cemetery in Fountain City, Knox Co., Tennessee.^1,4
     

     Louise Idelle Harr was listed as a daughter at age 3, born in Tennessee, in the household of Robert Hunter Harr in Knoxville, Knox Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1910 enumerated 18 April 1910.³

     Louise Idelle Harr was listed as a daughter at age 12, born in Tennessee, in the household of Robert Hunter Harr in Second District, Knox Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1920 enumerated 20 January 1920.²

     Louise's obituary:

     Martha A. Harr was born circa 1869 in Sullivan Co., Tennessee.¹ She married G. G. Bray on 9 November 1887 in Neosho Rapids, Lyon Co., Kansas. From the Emporia News, Nov. 17, 1887 - Neosho Rapids items - Married November 9, 1887 at the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. & Mrs. David Harr, by Squire Wilson, Mr. G. G. Bray of Eureka, Ks., and Ms. Mattie Harr, of this city. They started at once for Eureka, where they will make their future home. Mrs. Bray was raised in Neosho Rapids and was a favorite among the young people, and will be missed by them..²
     

     Martha was also known as Mattie.

     Martha A. Harr was listed at age 1, born in Virginia, as a member of the household of David Harr in Sullivan Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1870, enumerated 14 June 1870.¹

     Martha A. Harr was listed as a daughter at age 11, born in Tennessee, in the household of David Harr in Jackson, Lyon Co., Kansas, in the Census of 1880 enumerated 11 June 1880.³

     Mathias Harr was born circa 1767 in Shenandoah Co., Virginia.¹ He married Mary Hoke on 28 October 1786 in Shenandoah Co., Virginia.^2,3
     

     It is believed that Mathias moved to Marion County, Virginia/West Virginia.¹

     Raleigh W. Harr was born circa 1859 in Sullivan Co., Tennessee.^1,2,3 Raleigh died on 5 August 1871 in Lyon Co., Kansas.⁴
     

     Raleigh was also known as Rolla.

     Raleigh W. Harr was listed at age 1, born in Tennessee, as a member of the household of David Harr in Sullivan Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1860, enumerated 13 July 1860.³

     Raleigh (Rolla) and his step-brother, Abel Leonard, drowned in Neosho Rapids in 1871. The following is from the Emporia News, dated Aug. 11, 1871. A distressing accident took place at the Rapids on Saturday last, at 6 p. m. by which a Rolla Harr, aged 12 years, a son of David Harr, and Abel Leonard, aged 10 years, a step-son of the same, lost their lives by drowning. Two men and three boys undertook to cross the Neosho when the stream was very high, just above Seamans and Roberts mill dam, in a small flat boat. The boat was carried rapidly over the dam. The two men and one of the boys jumped out and made their way to the shore. The other two above named were washed over and drowned. About five hundred people turned out on Sunday to make search for the bodies. The river was dragged, but the bodies were not found up to Monday night. Mr. Harr is a newcomer, having been in the county only a few months. This bereavement falls hard upon him, and the community deeply sympathizes.

     Raleigh W. Harr was listed at age 10, born in Virginia, as a member of the household of David Harr in Sullivan Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1870, enumerated 14 June 1870.²

     Robert D. Harr was born circa 1842 in Washington Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 Robert died in 1862 in Clinton, Mississippi.⁴
     

     This is believed to be the Robert D. Harr that is listed in Civil War records as having died in a hospital in Clinton, Mississippi in 1862.

     Robert D. Harr was listed at age 8, born in Virginia, as a member of the household of David Harr in Washington Co., Virginia, in the Census of 1850, enumerated 30 September 1850.² Robert was a farmer in 1860 in Sullivan Co., Tennessee.³

     Robert D. Harr was listed at age 17, born in Tennessee, as a member of the household of David Harr in Sullivan Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1860, enumerated 13 July 1860.³

     Robert Hunter Harr was born on 4 September 1878 in Washington Co., Tennessee.^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7} He married first Nora Ellen Wilhoite, daughter of James M. N. Wilhite and Lucinda Jane Burnett, on 17 June 1902 in Knox Co., Tennessee.⁸ He married second Emma Busbee on 7 June 1917 in Knoxville, Knox Co., Tennessee.⁹ Robert died of a coronary throbysis on 8 March 1957 in his home on Grove Avenue, Fountain City, Knox Co., Tennessee, at age 78.^1,10 He was interred on 10 March 1957 in Greenwood Cemetery in Fountain City, Knox Co., Tennessee.^1,10
     

     Robert owned Harr Printing in Knoxville, Knox Co., Tennessee.

     Robert Hunter Harr was listed as a son at age 1, born in Tennessee, in the household of Edward Hunter Harr in Washington Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1880 enumerated 1 June 1880.³

     Robert Hunter Harr was listed as a son at age 21, born in Tennessee, in the household of Lummie Harr in Knoxville, Knox Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1900 enumerated 8 June 1900.⁶

     Robert Hunter Harr was listed as the head of a family on the 1910 Census enumerated 18 April 1910, in Knoxville, Knox Co., Tennessee. He was listed at age 31, occupation as a printer, linotype, born in Tennessee. Also enumerated in the household: Nora Ellen Harr, Kathleen Amanda Harr and Louise Idelle Harr.⁷

     Robert Hunter Harr was listed as the head of a family on the 1920 Census enumerated 20 January 1920, in Second District, Knox Co., Tennessee. He was listed at age 41, occupation as a printer, born in Tennessee. Also enumerated in the household: Emma Harr, Kathleen Amanda Harr and Louise Idelle Harr.⁵

     In the Census of 1930, enumerated 4 April 1930, Robert Hunter Harr was listed as head of household in Fountain City, Knox Co., Tennessee. He was listed at age 50, occupation as a printer, born in Tennessee. Also enumerated in the household: Emma Harr.⁴

     Robert made a will on 20 January 1950 in Fountain City, Knox Co., Tennessee.

     Last Will and Testament of Robert H. Harr:


     Obituary of Robert Hunter Harr:



     A second article concering his death appearred in the Knoxville Journal on the same page as the obituary.



     The Knoxville Sentinel published the following article concering his death:¹¹

     Sarah Harr was born circa 1806 in Virginia.^1,2 Conflicting evidence states that Sarah Harr was born in 1815 in Virginia.³ She married George Washington Willing circa 1829 in Sullivan Co., Tennessee.^3,4 Sarah died after 1860 in Morristown, Hamblen Co., Tennessee.^1,3
     

     Sarah was also known as Sally.

     Lovell Morris had a birth date of ca. 1806 for Sarah on the family group sheet he provided based on the 1850 and 1860 census. He indicated that The Willing Family Tree provided to him by Bettie Higgins Carow stated that George Washington Willing married a Miss Harr, born about 1815, of Sullivan Co., Tennessee. This 1815 date may be more accurate and corresponds to the ages of children in the 1830 Sullivan Co. Census for David Harr where there is one female in the age group of 15 to 20.

     Sarah Willing was listed at age 44, born in Virginia, as a member of the household of George Washington Willing in Sullivan Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1850, enumerated 17 September 1850.²

     Sarah Willing was listed at age 54, born in Virginia, as a member of the household of George Washington Willing in Jefferson Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1860, enumerated 9 June 1860.¹

     Simon Harr was born on 3 July 1734 in Prussia, Germany.^1,2 He married first Elizabeth Schmitten on 1 July 1759 in Pennsylvania.^1,2 Simon married second Eve Printzler, daughter of Zacharias Bard, on 2 July 1774 in Shenandoah Co., Virginia.^3,4 Simon married third Margaret ?, widow, on 30 October 1790 in Shenandoah Co., Virginia.^3,4 Simon died in 1796 in Strasburg, Shenandoah Co., Virginia.⁵
     

     Reliable family tradition indicates that Simon was born in Prussia, which is a coastal region on the southeast of the Baltic Sea on the Elbe River in northern Germany. Hans Jacob Haar (Hans is the diminutive for Johannes which in English is John) is among those listed as arriving on the ship Chesterfield, Thomas Coatam, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes, on Sept. 2, 1749.⁶

     Germans most commonly gave their male children the first name of the given names of their grandfather as their first names and it was common for all male children children in a family to have the same first name. Generally then they went by their second give name to differentiat their identities.¹ This practice can be seen the naming of the male children of Simon's son, John, all who have the first given name of John. This would indicate that the first name of their grandfather, Simon or Hans Jacob, was John (Hans). This, plus other evidence, leads to the belief that Hans Jacob Haar and Simon Harr are one and the same.

     It is believed that Simon Harr and Henry M. Muhlenburg and his son, Peter knew each other in Pennsylvania before 1757 through work in the Lutheran Church, and that, at the direction of Henry Muhlenburg, Simon came to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in 1757 as an emmissary of the Lutheran Church. He arrived in the area of Winchester-Strasburg between 1755 and 1757.

     On Nov. 1, 1757, at Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia, Jacob Harr, bought from Phillip Rameath essential items for living and furnishing a dwelling including a large Dutch Bible, spinning wheel, carpenter tools, wagon, horses, cows, and farm equipment. No other record of a Jacob Harr has been found in records searched.⁷ In 1797, similar items are included in the appraisal of the estate of Simon Harr who died intestate.⁸ This further supports the belief that Hans Jacob and Simon Harr are the same person. He may have taken the name Simon or was given it by his wife and/or others. Simon was the name of an apostle of Christ. "Simony" means the buying and selling of spiritual things such as sacraments. Also, the English, who ruled the colonies until 1776, wanted first names for records purposes and Hans Jacob may have changed his name to Simon to distinguish between him and his son John.¹ It is not unusal for an individual deeply involved in religious work to adopt an bibical name.

     Records indicate that he was in constant touch, by letters, with Henry M. Muhlenburg, and that, when Peter Muhlenburg, son of Henry came to the area in 1772 to minister to the church in Woodstock, Winchester, and other churches, Peter and Simon were close friends.⁵

     H. M. Muhlenburg came to Pennsylvania in 1742 and formed the Lutheran ministerium which shortly embraced the territory of what is now all of the states between Maine and Georgia. Many of those Lutherans who settled Frederick and Shenandoah Counties, Virginia from 1742 forward were from his congregations at New Hanover and Trappe, Pennsylvania, and he was particulary concerned about the churches in Virginia as evidenced by the fact that he sent his son, Peter, to serve in the churches in Frederick and Shenandoah Counties, Virginia. As documented in Mueller history, Peter Muhlenburg left the ministry during the Revolutionary War to become the General of the Eighth Virginia Regiment of the Continental Army.¹

     For years Simon was a worthy schoolmaster in Strasburg, Virginia, in a school maintained by St. Paul's Lutheran Church. During that time Moravian and other sectarians chiselled away at the congregation and Simon Harr was lured from his Lutheran moorings. However, the excess of emotion that characterized uninhabited wilderness Christianity soon caused him to return to the faith from which he had strayed. In 1793 he began a correspondance with H. M. Muhlenberg which lasted more than twenty years from whom he sought guidance and help in ministering to his fellow church members. When Peter Muhlenberg came to Woodstock, he and Simon Harr became good friends. There is no evidence that Simon was ever license or ordained by the Ministerium. He was content to serve and his standing was recognized in the community by his appointment by the county court to perform marriages. Records indicated he performed 369 marriages from 1781 to 1796, and referred to him as "Reverend" Simon Harr.⁵

     Beginning with the arrival of Simon Harr ca. 1755, and the establishment of the Town of Strasburg in 1761, services at St. Paul's Lutheran Church were held on a more regular basis. Simon, an intimate friend of Peter Muhlenberg during his Shenandoah ministry, served as the first school master. Harr's presence in the community until his death in 1796 is unquetionably responsible for preserving solely Lutheran traditions and restraining the encroachments of ministerial vagabonds.⁵

     Simon Harr began teaching at Strasburg in 1763 and ended his career in 1796. His services was not continuous throughout those years. Heinrich Simund took his place in 1778 althought his length of stay is not known. Herr Hachmann succeeded Harr in 1796. The Strasburg German School continued in operation utnil about 1832. The property was sold in 1842.⁵ There is a bronze plaque at the front of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Strasburg, Shenendoah County, Virginia which states that "this church was established in 1747 by German settlers, that the congregation's first school was conducted by Simon Harr beginning in 1778 until 1815."⁹ However, the 1815 date has to be incorrect as Simon Harr died in 1796.

     The parish of the Lutheran Church covered Winchester, Newtown (Stephens City), Steinkirche (Stone Chapel, Clarke County), and Stovertown (Strasburg). Winchester had four services a month, Steinkirche and Newtown two services, and Stovertown one service. Stovertown had the services of Simon Harr, schoolmaster and catechist, who likewise conducted worship.¹⁰

     The Journal of H. M. Muhlenburg contains the following concerning Simon Harr: Wednesday, December 3, 1783; "I received a letter from a schoolmaster who lives two hundred and fifty miles away in Virginia. Many years ago he was awaken through devotional writings and led upon the way to life through God's Word and Spirit. But when a fanatical sect arose in that locality he permitted himself in good faith to be snatched away with the chaff. By God's mercy, however, he recovered. His letter as follows." The contents of the letter from Simon Harr, dated Strasburg, Virginia, November 14, 1783, was omitted from the journal.¹¹

     According to tradition, Simon Harr joined the forces commanded by General Peter Muhlenburg, and served as a clerk which was the equivalent of chaplain. This likely explains Simon's presence in Winchester in 1778 and 1779. Additionally, he may have been in Winchester performing church restoral work. The Lutheran church in Winchester was severly damaged by military actions during the Revolutionary War. However, the record shows that Simon Harr returned to his church duties in Strasburg after his military stint.¹ Brumbaugh's Revolutionary War Records shows Simon Harr as a clerk in Alexander Machir's company of Strasburg, Virginia.¹² His military service is of record in the archives department of the Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia, national number 282828.

     St. Paul's Lutheran Church was destroyed by federal troops during the Civil War and was partially restored in 1867, with complete restoration by 1897 through redesigning and additions.

     Simon's name can be found in the following records in Frederick and Shenandoah Countys, Virginia.

     Simon Harr along with Jonas Lortz/Lotz witnessed a lease between Christian Bumgartner and Jacob Taylor in Frederick County, Virginia on 1 June 1767.¹³

     On 11 August 1769, Simon along with Henry Piper and Barbara Dellinger witnessed a deed transaction between Mathias Funk and George Keller in Frederick County.¹⁴

     The records of St. Paul's Lutheran Church show that in March 1770 Simon Harr and his wife Elizabeth were named God Parents of Catherine Schmitt, daughter of Valentine and Maria Schmitt, when Catherine was baptized. All of the church records were written in German script until 1830 and Strasburg, where the church was established and continues today, was first named Staufferstadt.^1,15

     On 7 May 1771, Simon Harr along with Jacob Stover witnessed a mortgage between John Funk and Peter Stover in Frederick County.¹⁴ On 22 July of that same year, also in Frederick County, Simon along with Leonard Batlhias witnessed a lease between John Yoho and Alexander Machir.¹⁶

     A deed between Jacob Bowman and Martin Roler was witnessed by a Simon Karr [sic] on 1 September 1772, in Shenandoah County.¹⁷

     In 1774 there are two entries for the marriage of Simon Harr; one on 5 July to Eve Brouzler and one on 2 July to Eve Printzler. These are obviously the same individual with the latter being the correct name. Other records prove that Eve was the widow of Frederick Printzler and that her maiden name was Beard (Bare). The recording of Brouzler is probably a transciption error in trying to read the name Printzler.⁴

     On 15 November 1777, there is a lease, along with a release on 17 November, between John Lemly and Catherine, his wife, of Frederick County to Simon Harr of the same place for total consideration of 50 pounds, five shillings, a lot of land in the addition to the town of Winchester laid off by James Wood, Gent., deceased, and joining a lot belonging to John Greenfield, Gent., deceased, and opposite Patrick Kirk, known as lot no. (unreadable, later transaction indicates that it was lot no. 7), containing nineteen thousand seven hundred and forty square feet or there abouts, the said lot having been conveyed by Mrs. Mary Wood, Executrix of the aforesaid James Wood, Gent., deceased, to John Lemly by deeds of lease and release the 16th and 17th of June 1769. It was signed by John Lemly and witnessed by two individuals who signed in German and by Thomas Wood.¹⁸

     On 22 and 23 September 1778, there is a lease and release between Mathias Hite and his wife Sarah, County of Shenandoah, to Simon Harr, County of Frederick, for total consideration of 260 pounds, five shillings, certain lots or parcels of land in the town of Strasburg known as lots no. 17, 18, 19, and 20.¹⁷

     Simon Harr along with Thomas Wood and Michael Aldred witnessed a lease and release between Mary Wood, Executix of James Wood, Gent., deceased, and James Gamul Dowdall on 16 July 1778.¹⁸ Also on 16 July and 17 July there is a lease and release between Mary Wood and Simon Harr of Frederick County for total consideration of 100 pounds five shillings, lots 8 and 9 in the addition to the town of Winchester, each lot containing 19,740 square feet, being the same laid of by said James Wood, deceased, in 1758, and being part of the land granted to said James Wood by deed from the Proprietor of Northern Neck and by him devised by his last will and testament to said Mary Wood. It was signed by Mary Wood and witnessed by Thomas Wood, Michael Alred, and Robert Wood.¹⁸

     On 3 August 1779, there is a transaction between Simon Harr and wife Eve of Shenandoah County and Adolph Stroval of the town of Winchester in Frederick County, in consideration of 300 pounds, for a certain lot of land in the addition made to the town of Winchester by James Wood, Gent., deceased, known by No. 7 and joining the lot of John Greenfield, deceased, and opposite Patrick Kirk. This is the lot purchased from John Lemly on the 16th and 17th of November 1777. It was signed by Simon Harr and Ever Harr, with no witnesses given.¹⁸

     On 8 June 1780, there is a deed transaction recorded between Frederick Segchrist and Simon Harr; whereas Frederick Printzler, deceased of the County of Shenandoah deceased intestate leaving no will and no other issues but one female child who also died intestate being about three years old ... whereas by the death of said Frederick Printzler the said estate descended to his next heir ... whereas said Frederick Segchrist of the age of twenty one years now personally receive and claimed my said estate so descended to me and in trust of Simon Harr who since intermarried with Eve Harr widow and relick of the said Frederick Printzler deceased ... that I have received from said Simon Harr several lots of land ... three in lots and two out lots. Signed by Frederick Segchrist, and witnessed by Alexander Hite and Jacob Yost.¹⁷ The sister of Frederick Printzler, Maria Elizabeth, married Henry Sechrist. Frederick is probably their son and since there were no other heirs to Frederick Printzler, he inherited Frederick's estate when he came of age, the estate being held in trust by Simon Harr who married Frederick Printzler's widow, Eve. The will of Zacharias Beard (Bare) names daughter Eve, wife of Simon Harr and mentions her son David Harr establishing that Eve's maiden name was Beard (Bare).¹⁹

     On the 8th and 9th of June 1780, there is a lease and release between Frederick Sigchrist of County of Frederick and Simon Harr of County of Shenandoah, in total consideration of 50 pounds, five shillings two out lots of five acres each in the the town of Strasburg, the said lots having been granted from Peter Stover to Jacob Faggott by deeds recorded in Frederick County and said Jacob Faggott to Frederick Princelar deceased by deeds of lease and release, and by the death of said Frederick Princelar said lots descended to said Frederick Sigchrist being heir. Signed by Frederick Sigchrist and witnessed by Alexander Hite and Jacob Yost.¹⁷ In August 1780, the deeds of lease and release from Frederick Seechrist to Simon Harr was proved by two of the witnesses and ordered to be certified.²⁰

     On 31 May 1781, Simon Harr was granted a license in pursuance of the Act of Assembly to join in holy matrimony any person or persons that may apply for that purpose.²¹ Simon preformed as many as 368 wedding cermonies.¹⁹

     On 18 January 1782, there is a deed from Mary Wolf of town of Strasburg and County of Shenandoah to Simon Harr of said town and County, in consideration of 100 pounds current money, all and every of them four lots and two parts of lots adjoining them and Christopher Lamparts out lots ... in said town of Stasburg ... four lots of half acre each. Signed by Mary Wolf, witnessed by Alex. Hite, Phillip Smith, and Martin Zea.¹⁷ On that same day there is a deed from Simon Harr and Eve his wife of the County of Shenandoah to Mary Wolf of town of Strasburg in the County, for consideration of 100 pounds ... all them four half acre of lots adjoining the same half acre lots (?) ... said lots convyed by deed from Anthony Hullenthal to said Simon. Signed Simon Harr and witnessed by Alexander Hite, Phillip Smith, and Martin Zea.¹⁷ On 27 June 1782, Eve Harr is examined by Alexander Hite and John Snap ... she released her right of dower.¹⁷ On this same day an indenture of bargain and sale from Simon Harr and Eve his wife to Mary Woolf was proved by the oaths of Alex. Hite, Philip Smith, and Martin Zea and ordered to be recorded. Certification of the examination of Eve Harr for coveyances Harr to Woolf was returned and ordered to be recorded.²¹

     It would appear by the above that Simon Harr and Mary Wolf were exchanging ownership of certain lots on an equal cost basis. About a year later, 28 October 1783, Mary Wolf sold her lots to Jeremiah Eberly, Junior.¹⁷

     In the Heads of Families in Virginia, 1783, Simon is listed with 7 white and 0 black.²²

     Overseers of the Poor bind William Ruse, age seven, a base born child to Simon Harr on 25 December 1783.²¹

     On 25 August 1785, Simon Harr, Jacob Keller, and Christian Coop witnessed the will of David Huddle.²³

     In the Heads of Families in Virginia, 1785, Simon is listed with 5 white souls, 1 dwelling, 1other building. John Harr is listed with 3 white souls.²² Simon and John lived next door to each other and the renown Lutheran Minister, Paul Henkle, lived only one door away. Paul Henkle was from Pennslyvania and carried Lutheranism to the people of the valley of Virginia, east Tennessee, and western North Carolina, and, on occasions, between 1785 and 1790, he preached at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sullivan County, Tennessee. John subsequently moved to the area of Immanual Church and became a member of the Church.¹ John's half brother, David, also moved to the Sullivan County area.

     On 26 January 1786, Simon Harr along with George Miller witnessed the will of Jeremiah Eberly.²³ Later that year, 28 September, Simon Harr, John Harr, and Martin Zek witnessed the release and quit claim of dower rights and title of dower of lots of land belonging to said Christopher Lambert, deceased, by Barbara Lamber, widow and relick of Christopher Lamber of the town of Strasburg, Shenandoah County, to Alexander and Jacob Lambert, executors of the last will and testament of Christopher Lambert.²⁴

     On 8 December 1789, Simon Harr, John Harr, Martin Bearth, and Lawrence Snapp witnessed the will of Peter Snapp.²³ John Harr's wife, Susannah, was the sister of Peter Snapp and Lawrence Snapp.

     Simon Harr, Lewis Miller, and another (unreadable) witnessed the will of Henry Miller on 5 September 1791.²³

     On 11 April 1797, John Harr was appointed administrator by the Shenandoah Co. Court for the estate of Simon Harr who died intestate.²⁵

     On April 27, 1797, by order of the court of Shenandoah County, Virginia, the estate of Simon Harr, deceased, was appraised. The estate, as inventoried and appraised showed household furnishings, etc. and books, including a large Dutch Bible, and other items like those purchased by Jacob Harr in Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia, in 1757. The inventory included several smoking pipes and accessories. His personal property was appraised at a total value of 147 pounds in Virginia currency, which was considerable at the time, and this did not include the value of land, dwelling, and other building structures. He appears to have been financially sound even when he arrived in Virginia. The sale of personal property in settlement of his estate was held Apr. 28, 1797. His widow and sons, and Lawrence Snapp, were among those purchasing items. His widow and sons took most of the books in his library written both in German and English.⁸

     Three of Simon's sons, Frederick, John, and David became the heirs of Simon's property. They disposed of some if not all of the lots owned by Simon on the 13th and 21st of May 1799, as indicated by the following entries in the Shenandoah County deed books.

     On 13 May 1799, Frederick Harr and Frainey his wife, John Harr and Susannah his wife, and David Harr of Shenandoah County sold to Christian Stover son of Jacob Stover, deceased, for consideration of 75 pounds, a five acre lot of land which was conveyed by Frederick Segchrist by deed of lease and release the 8th and 9th of June 1780 to Simon Harr father of said Frederick, John Harr, and David Harr now deceased who died intestate. Signed by above sellers and witnessed by Abraham Hite, Philip Spengler, and Jacob Funk.²⁰ On 13 April 1804, Christian Stover sold this five acre lot to Lenhard Balthis Sen. for the consideration of $200.²⁶

     Also on this date Frederick, John, their wifes, and David Harr sold to Joseph Conrad and Jacob Sonner both of the town of Strasburg, for consideration of 48 pounds, a five acre lot of land which was conveyed by Frederick Segchrist by deed of lease and release to Simon Harr on the 8th and 9th of June 1780, the lot being in the commons of the town of Strasburg and known by the number 31, witnessed by Alexander Hite, Philip Spengler, and Jacob Funk.²⁰

     Frederick, John, and David on this date (13 May 1799) also sold to John Cooper, saddler, son of George Cooper of the town of Strasburg, for consideration of 40 pounds, lots nos. 119 and 152 along with a piece adjoining lot no. 152 and John Lamberts out lot, witnessed by Alexander Hite, Philip Spengler, and Jacob Funk.²⁰

     On 21 May 1799, Frederick Harr and Frainey his wife of Augusta County, John Harr and Susannah his wife, and David Harr of Shenandoah County sold to Christian Stover for the consideration of 120 pounds two half acre lots together with the land lying between lot number 153 and Jacob Lambert five acre lot being the same house and two lots which Simon Harr died possessed of intestate leaving no will, the said lots descending to Frederick Harr, John Harr, and David Harr his lawful heirs, the lots being in the town of Strasburg and known by lots nos. 1 and 153. Signed by the above and witnessed by Alexander Hite, Philip Spengler, and Jacob Funk.²⁰

     On 16 December 1800, Jacob Yost and Christina his wife of Strasburg sold to Benjamin Cleavinger for $60 a half acre lot known by no. 26 and being one of two lots conveyed to Jacob Yost by Simon Harr and his wife Eve.²⁶

     In the museum at Strasburg, Virginia, are two historical bibles. The large Bible survived an Indian atrocity in 1764. While attacking the Miller family, the Indians placed hot coals on the open book burning several pages. As a further act of derision, they killed the family cat and threw its body on top, smothering the fire. (Published 1738). The smaller Bible belonged to Peter Stover who founded Strasburg in 1761. (Published 1740). Both bibles are written in German with handsome formats and illustrations.

     Included in the smaller bible is a separate paper by Simon Harr, written in English, who was Strasburg's first schoolmaster, teaching from 1778 to 1815 [sic]. This last date of 1815, same date that is inscribed on the plaque in front of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Strasburg, is incorrect as Simon died in 1796.

     Unknown Harr was born circa 1883 in Lyon Co., Kansas.¹ Unknown died on 8 February 1884 in Lyon Co., Kansas.¹
     

     From the Emporia Weekly Republican, Feb. 14, 1884 - Neosha Rapids, Feb. 11. The infant dau. of David Harr died on the 8th inst., and was buried on the 9th. This is the third death here in the last two weeks, and a number of others are lying sick at the present.

     Virginia E. Harr was born on 8 October 1866 in Sullivan Co., Tennessee.^1,2,3 She married Calvin R. Childers on 24 June 1884 in Emporia, Lyon Co., Kansas.¹ Virginia died on 26 October 1905 in Neosho Rapids, Lyon Co., Kansas, at age 39.¹ She was interred on 29 October 1905 in Neosho Rapids Cemetery in Neosho Rapids, Lyon Co., Kansas.¹
     

     Virginia was also known as Jennie.

     Virginia E. Harr was listed at age 2, born in Virginia, as a member of the household of David Harr in Sullivan Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1870, enumerated 14 June 1870.²

     Virginia E. Harr was listed as a daughter at age 13, born in Tennessee, in the household of David Harr in Jackson, Lyon Co., Kansas, in the Census of 1880 enumerated 11 June 1880.⁴

     Jennie Childers was listed as wife at age 35, born in Tennessee, in the household of Calvin R. Childers in Jackson Township, Lyon Co., Kansas, in the Census of 1900 enumerated 7 June 1900.³

     Obituray from the Neosho Valley Times, Nov. 3, 1905:

     William Harr was born circa 1844 in Washington Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,4,5
     

     William Harr was listed at age 6, born in Virginia, as a member of the household of David Harr in Washington Co., Virginia, in the Census of 1850, enumerated 30 September 1850.²

     William Harr was listed at age 15, born in Tennessee, as a member of the household of David Harr in Sullivan Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1860, enumerated 13 July 1860.⁵

     William Harr was listed at age 25, born in Virginia, occupation as a clerk, as a member of the household of David Harr in Sullivan Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1870, enumerated 14 June 1870.⁴

     William Harr was listed as a brother at age 35, occupation as working as a merchant, born in Tennessee, in the household of Edward Hunter Harr in Washington Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1880 enumerated 1 June 1880.³

     William James Harr was born on 22 June 1829 in Virginia.¹ Conflicting evidence states that William James Harr was born in December 1831 in Tennessee.^2,3,4 He married first Susan A. Clayman circa 1853.⁵ He married second Amanda Rector on 17 August 1899.⁵
     

     William was also known as James.

     William James Harr was listed at age 19, born in Virginia, as a member of the household of Adam P. Harr in Sullivan Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1850, enumerated 30 August 1850.⁶

     In the Census of 1860, enumerated 7 July 1860, William James Harr was listed as a head of household in Blountville, Sullivan Co., Tennessee. He was listed at age 28, occupation as a farmer, with property value of $400 and personal property value of $200, born in Tennessee.. Also enumerated in the household: Susanah Harr.³

     In the Census of 1880, enumerated 16 June 1880, William James Harr was listed as head of household in Sullivan Co., Tennessee. He was listed at age 48, occupation as a farmer, born in Virginia. Also enumerated in the household: Susanah Harr.²

     William James Harr was listed as the head of a family on the 1900 Census enumerated 25 June 1900, in Sullivan Co., Tennessee. He was listed at age 68, occupation as a farmer, born in Tennessee. Also enumerated in the household: Amanda Harr.⁴

     Isabel Harrington was born circa 1388.¹ She married John Stanley, son of John de Stanley and Isabel Lathom, circa 1408.¹

     Ann Harris married Bridgeman Joyner [Sr.], son of Thomas Joyner and Sarah Edwards.¹

     Elizabeth Harris married William Bumpass, son of John Bumpas, circa 9 March 1796 in Hanover Co., Virginia.^1,2 Elizabeth died on 22 October 1848 in Hanover Co., Virginia.²

     Julian Wayne Harris married Jean Ann Lawrence, daughter of Paul Haywood Lawrence and Ruth Jeannette King, on 10 November 1972 in Alabama.¹

     Maria Nenan Harris was born on 8 November 1974.¹

     William Harris married Elizabeth Burnett, daughter of John Burnett [II] and Amy Gatewood.

     Barbara Catherine Harrison was born on 13 August 1823 in Rockingham Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,4 She married Andrew Sellars Henton, son of Peter Henton Jr. and Mary Sellers, on 24 November 1845 in Rockingham Co., Virginia.¹ Barbara died on 28 January 1877 at age 53.¹
     

     Barbara Catherine Henton was listed at age 26, born in Virginia, as a member of the household of Andrew Sellars Henton in 56th District, Rockingham Co., Virginia, in the Census of 1850, enumerated 4 November 1850.²

     Barbara Catherine Henton was listed at age 38, born in Virginia, as a member of the household of Andrew Sellars Henton in District No. 1, Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Virginia, in the Census of 1860, enumerated 30 July 1860.³

     Barbara Catherine Henton was listed at age 45, born in Virginia, as a member of the household of Andrew Sellars Henton in Linville Township, Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Virginia, in the Census of 1870, enumerated 2 September 1870.⁴

     Thomas Harrison was born between 1619 and 1633 in St. Peter's in Chester, Cheshire, England.¹ He married Dorothy Symonds, daughter of Samuel Symonds and Dorothy Harlakenden, in 1648/49 in Massachusetts.¹ Thomas died in 1682 in Dublin, Ireland.¹

     Mary Harrod married Samuel Stansbury, son of Samuel A. Stansbury and Mary Porter, on 1 April 1761 in St. Johns Parish, Baltimore Co., Maryland.^1,2

     Ann Hart married James Stanley, son of George Stanley and Joan le Strange.¹

     She married first George Secford.¹ She married second Henry Wingfield, son of Robert Wingfield II and Elizabeth Goushill, before 1470.¹