Hunt, Herbert and Floyd C. Kaylor. Washington: West of the Cascades. Vol. II. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1917. p. 626-627. FRANK D. HARM: The life record of Frank D. Harm indicates that persistency of purpose and indefatigable energy prove a safe foundation upon which to build success. He came to western Washington in 1888 and in the intervening period, covering almost thirty years, has made steady progress. While there is nothing spectacular in his career, it is none the less interesting and none the less essential, for his efforts have been a contributing factor in the growth and development of his section of the state. Mr. Harm was born in Germany in 1860 and came to the United States after having served for three years in the German army, seeking the broader liberties of the republic and its opportunities for business advancement. He lived for some time at Tower City, North Dakota, before making his way to the Pacific coast and to Centralia in 1888. In 1890 he established a hardware store in Hoquiam, which was the first store of that city outside of the one conducted by the lumber company. The undertaking proved very successful and he conducted it for two years. Going back to Centralia he and his brother Charles then purchased the sash and door factory and for sixteen years Frank D. Harm operated this plant, which was near the present site of the plant of the Eastern Railway and Lumber Company. His brother remained with him in the undertaking until 1896 and following his death Frank D. Harms purchased his interest in the business, which he successfully and continuously conducted until 1906. In 1905 he built the Centralia Fir Door Factory, now owned by Mr. Harmon, and for a number of years he was associated with W. E. Brown in the ownership and conduct of lumber mills at Coal Creek and at Tenino, being president of the company. At the latter place he operated a mill with a capacity of forty thousand feet and employed about seventy-five men. The company did its own logging as well as operated the mill and Mr. Harm there remained for three years, when he sold out and in connection with Mr. Brown bought the business of the Coal Creek Lumber Company. Eventually, however, he disposed of his interests to his partner, and became in 1911 one of the organizers of the Pacific Lumber Company of Centralia. He is president of the company, with F. E. Campbell as its secretary. Mr. Harm and C. L. Brown began operations at Chehalis in November, 1915, as proprietors of the mill of the Chehalis Shingle Company which was moved from the Creek to Chehalis and located on the main road to Centralia. It has a capacity of eighty thousand shingles daily and employs ten men. The logs are obtained from the Coal Creek Lumber Company. Mr. Harm has charge at Centralia and he is recognized as one of the expert lumber men of this section, his long experience having gained him comprehensive knowledge of the business in every phase. The shingle mill is operated by steam power and there are dry kilns to take care of the output. He erected a brick building on Tower avenue in 1907, a one story structure twenty-five by one hundred and twenty feet, for store purposes. Mr. Harm was also one of the organizers of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Centralia, in which he still holds stock. In 1896 occurred the marriage of Mr. Harm to Miss Myrtle Blanchard, a native of Illinois and a daughter of the Rev. W. S. Blanchard, who is a Baptist minister now living in Portland, Oregon. He removed with his family to the west in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Harm now have one child, Frank D., Jr. The family occupies a very attractive and beautiful residence which was erected by Mr. Harm and they are prominently known socially in this section of the state. In politics Mr. Harm is a democrat and for four years has served on the city council. He has been a member of the Commercial Club of Centralia since its organization and he is an active and effective worker for all those interests which contribute to the upbuilding and progress of this section. He early realized that there is no success in life without effort and he also realized that in America opportunities are afforded in turn to every one who is willing to embrace them. Humble birth and poverty are no handicap to American youth. It was this that led him to try his fortune in the new world and he eagerly grasped the opportunities which offered and by reason of his undaunted courage, indefatigable determination and high purpose he has made for himself a most credible name and position in connection with the business development of his county. Submitted by: Jenny Tenlen * * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Lewis Co., WA GenWeb Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.