EDWIN A. HARNISH
Edwin August Harnish was born in Pekin, Ill., November 30, 1865. His father, Adolph Harnish, and his mother, whose maiden name was Caroline Schniteman, were born in Germany, the latter on July 16, 1843.
Mr. Harnish received his education in the public and high schools of Pekin. At the age of fifteen he obtained employment in a plow factory, where he remained two years, after which he worked for two years more at the tinner’s trade for Christopher & Roos, that firm now being known as the Pekin Hardware Company. On leaving there he was employed by the Heisel Grocery Company for a year, and then went to George Lucas, who was also in the grocery business, where he remained until 1892, at which time he formed a partnership with Henry Gulon.
In 1895 Mr. Harnish purchased Mr. Gulon’s interest in the business, which he has since conducted alone. He has one of the neatest stores in this line in the city. On September 18, 1902, Mr. Harnish was married to Miss Tina Zimmer. One child has blessed this union— Ruth Helen, born June 14, 1903. Mr. Harnish is a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Church, and is identified with the order of Modern Woodmen and the Masonic fraternity. In politics, he is a Republican.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 1014