Gaston, Joseph. "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912." Vol. 4. Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 511. JOHN A. HARRY Though almost four decades have passed since John A. Harry was called from this life, he is still remembered by many of the older residents of Coos county as a substantial agriculturist and esteemed citizen. His birth occurred in Indiana on the 15th of November, 1827, his parents being Elijah and Belle Harry, who were likewise natives of the Hoosier state. In 1851, when a young man of twenty-four years, John A. Harry came to Oregon, settled in Coos county and took up a donation land claim near Myrtle Point. He cleared the property and devoted his attention to its cultivation, throughout the remainder of his active business career, selling the farm at the time of his retirement. His demise, which occurred in 1874, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained an extensive circle of friends by reason of his upright and honorable life. In 1857 Mr. Harry was united in marriage to Miss Chloe Cook, a native of Cedar county, Iowa, and a daughter of S. M. Cook. In April 1851, she began the journey across the plains in company with her parents, who settled on Long Tom creek in Lane county, where Mr. Cook took up a donation land claim and continued to reside until within twenty years of his demise. He passed away in November, 1905, when ninety-three years of age, having for more than three decades survived his wife, whose demise occurred in 1874. Unto John A. and Chloe (Cook) Harry were born five children. Enevn N., whose birth occurred on the 1st of September, 1859, resides in Sitkum, Oregon, and has seven children. Grant W., whose natal day was February 2, 1864, is a resident of McCoy, Oregon, and has nine children. Nancy Belle, who was born on the 15th of November, 1865, is the wife of James D. Laird, of Sitkum, Oregon, by whom she has eight children. Eva S., born April 13, 1867, gave her hand in marriage to Thomas Krewson of Drain, Oregon, by whom she has nine children. Osmer C., who was born on the 10th of March, 1869, resides in Sitkum and has four children. In 1875 Mrs. Chloe Harry wedded James Laird, a native of New York and a son of John and Marion Laird, both of whom were born in Scotland. James Laird began providing for his own support at the early age of eight years, leaving home and going to work for others. He made his way to California in the early days and operated the pony express from Salt Lake City to Denver. In 1874 he came to Coos county and took up a homestead in the Brewster valley, near Sitkum. He also became well known as a stage contractor and his efforts were a potent element in the upbuilding and development of the Coos bay country. His demise occurred on the 8th of May, 1909, when he had attained the age of seventy-seven years and seven days. The period of his residence in Coos county covered more than a third of a century and his memory is honored by all who knew him, for his life was exemplary in all respects and his influence was ever found on the side of right, progress and improvement. The first wife of James Laird bore the maiden name of Katie Smith, who became the mother of six children, as follows: Eunice, who is the wife of John McDaniel and resides in California; Anice, the wife of Robert Anderson, of Lake county, Oregon; Mrs. Isco Fariss, who resides in California; Emma, who gave her hand in marriage to William Bettys, of Fairview, Oregon; Fannie, the wife of Albert Alford, of Coquille, Oregon; and James D., of Sitkum, Oregon, who married Miss Nancy Belle Harry, his stepsister. By his second wife, Mrs. Chloe Harry, James Laird had four children. Walter, who was born on the 20th of June, 1876, is the present postmaster of Sitkum, Oregon, and has four children. Joseph L., whose birth occurred on the 28th of January, 1878, is engaged in the livery business at Myrtle Point, Oregon. He is married and has four children. Carl E., who was born on the 9th of September, 1880, passed away in 1887. John Hailey, whose natal day was September 8, 1883 married Miss Verna M. Weekly, a daughter of Jefferson D. Weekly, of Gravel Ford, Oregon. Mrs. Verna Laird was one of a family of four children, the others being as follows: Viola E., who is deceased; Mabel G., the wife of Michael M. Minard, of Gravel Ford, Oregon; and Anna I., the wife of Binger Herman Laird, of Roseburg, Oregon. James Laird gave his political allegiance to the democracy but neither sought nor desired office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His widow, who has lived in the Sunset state for more than six decades, can relate many interesting incidents of pioneer times which show what a wonderful transformation has been effected as the work of progress and development had been carried forward in the northwest. She resides on the coos bay wagon road, three miles west of Sitkum, and has many friends throughout the community. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.