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Harsh, James Birney

soldier, educator, banker, legislator, was born Sept. 8, 1845, in Clinton county, Ohio. After completing his education at the Lombard university of Galesburg, Ill., he taught school; was school principal, and became president of a business college. During the civil war he was sergeant of company K, one hundred and forty-eighth Illinois regiment volunteer infantry. He has twice served as mayor of Creston, Iowa; was the founder and editor of the Creston Daily Gazette; and has been president of several leagues and associations. He served with distinction for two terms as a member of the Iowa state senate; and since 1882 has been president of the First National bank of Creston, Iowa; in which city he has always been prominently identified with its financial and public affairs.