R. H. Harned Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Harned, Von Maur, Metcalf, Pursel, Reeder. A man of well balanced capacities and powers, his strong character and capabilities inspiring confidence in others, the story of the life of R. H. Harned is one of orderly progression. He is preeminently a man of business sense, easily avoiding the mistakes and disasters which come to those who, though possessing remarkable faculties in some respects, are liable to erratic movements that result in unwarranted risks and failure. His course has been one which has stood the test of time and of public approval and as senior partner of the firm of Harned and Von Maur he stands as one of the most prominent representatives of commercial interests in Davenport. H was born at Shickshinny, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1864, a son of Clark and Isabella T. (Metcalf) Harned the former a native of Shickshinny and the latter of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. After attending the public schools, in which he mastered the fundamental principles of education, R. H. Harned continued h! is studies in the Wyoming Seminary and Commercial College and made his initial step in the business world by entering the employ of Fowler, Dick & Walker, dry-goods merchants of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, under whose direction he became acquainted with the dry-goods trade. He remained with that firm until 1887, when he entered into partnership with C. J. Von Maur and E. C. Pursel under the firm style of Harned, Pursel & Von Maur, coming to Davenport in that year on the 2d of April. They located at the southwest corner of Second and Brady streets and prospered from the beginning, enjoying a constantly increasing trade. In 1889, upon the death of Mr. Pursel, the style of the firm became Harned & Von Maur, which has since been continued. The original store was modest in its beginning but the energy, ability and character of the young men told and the enterprise developed along substantial lines, the growth of the business at last necessitating the erection of a new building fo! r its accommodation. In 1898 the business was incorporated under the firm style of Harned & Von Maur. They remained in the original location until 1899, when a lot was purchased at the southeast corner of Harrison and Second streets and their present magnificent building was erected there. They have today one of the finest, best arranged and most modernly equipped stores in the state. The building has a frontage of eighty-six feet, is one hundred and fifty feet deep and has three stories with basement. It is equipped with a power and electric plant and the fittings of the store are most modern and attractive, including a pneumatic cash system and every convenience and facility for the conduct of a first-class department store. In 1906 it was necessary to lease a building to serve as an annex in which to store the reserve stock in order that their third floor might be utilized for retail purposes. Something of the growth of the business is indicated in that when it was establ! ished, on the 2d of April, 1887, they occupied a small store twenty by seventy-five feet. At the end of six months it was necessary to double their space and similar additions were made during the succeeding eighteen months. In 1892 an addition was made to the block, doubling the space which they then occupied and after seven years they removed to their present quarters. Thus from a modest beginning in a little corner shop this establishment has grown with the passing years, its magnificent success being due to the tireless energy, undaunted enterprise and reliable business methods of the partners, who enjoy the public confidence in an unusual degree. The simile of the acorn and the oak is especially applicable to this business, the tree weathering all financial storms, activity and commercial integrity constituting its roots, which have spread out and taken firm hold in the soil of public confidence and public opinion. In 1899 Mr. Harned was married to Miss Mary Reeder, a native of Bordentown, New Jersey. They have two daughters, Eleanor M. and Louise I. The family residence is a splendid home on Mississippi avenue, attractive by reason of its hospitality as well as its tasteful furnishings. Mr. Harned is a member of the Golf and Outing Clubs and also the Commercial Club of Davenport. He is also greatly interested in church and philanthropic work and is now serving as a trustee and ruling elder in the First Presbyterian church, in which he has long held membership. He is also connected with the Young Men's Christian Association and is a cooperant factor in various lines of activity expressive of the recognition of the brotherhood of man and the Fatherhood of God. He stand today in his mature years a strong man, strong in his balanced mentally and physically, he has never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has presented, and his judgment and even-paced energy have carried him for! ward to the goal of success. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES