HARMON H. RAINEY was born March 14, 1841, in Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn. His paternal grandparents were natives of Ireland, coming to this country at an early day, where James Rainey followed farming, and served several years as justice of the peace. James Rainey, son of James, was born September 3, 1803, on the farm now owned by heirs of James Rainey. At the age of nineteen years the former learned the tanner’s trade, but followed it only a short time. In 1836 he was united in marriage with Jane Thomas, who was born November 11, 1811, in Nottingham township. Their children were Lydia A. (Mrs. Dabout), Sarah E. (Mrs. Hyde), Mary J. (wife of William McGregor), Harmon H. and one deceased. The father owned and managed a large stock-farm containing 222 acres of land. He died in September, 1875. Mrs. Rainey passed away August 11, 1890. Harmon H. Rainey passed his youth on his father’s farm, attending the schools of Somerset township, this county. On October 10, 1872, he was married to Lucy B. Hixon, daughter of Capt. James Hixon, of North Strabane township. They have a son and daughter: James H. and Retta A. The father lives on and owns the home place, and devotes his principal attention to raising sheep. He is an advocate of the principles embodied in the Democratic party. For fifteen years he has been school director, and recently was given a new lease of this office. In religion Mr. and Mrs. Rainey are members of the United Presbyterian Church. H. H. Rainey also served as one of the managers of the Morganza Reform School for four years, under appointment by Gov. Pattison

Text taken from page 450 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by LuShelle Fletcher of Grand Island, NE as part of the Beers Project. Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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