John H. Harer is numbered among the honored pioneer settlers of the northwest, having resided in this section of the country for almost six decades. He acquired a district school education and also attended the public schools of Walla Walla. On reaching manhood he became engaged in the cattle business, with which he was identified for several years, and in 1889 he purchased from the other heirs their interest in the Harer estate and thus came into possession of his present home farm, upon which he has since carried on general agricultural pursuits. The farm originally comprised one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land, but he has recently sold thirty acres of the tract. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and everything about his place indicates his careful supervision, progressive methods and indefatigable energy.
In 1882 Mr. Harer was united in marriage to Miss Eva Waterman, a native of Walla Walla county. Her father was Samuel Waterman, who crossed the plains from Iowa to California in 1860 and in the spring of 1861 arrived in Walla Walla county, taking up his abode in the vicinity of Valley Chapel. He was thus closely identified with the early development and progress of this section of the state until his death, which occurred in January, 1878. His widow survives and is now living with a daughter in Spokane, Washington. To Mr. and Mrs. Harer have been born three children, two of whom survive, namely: Inez, who is the wife of E. S. Gibson, of North Yakima, Washington; and Bertha, the wife of R. L. Ridley, who operates the farm of his father-in-law. Mrs. Harer is a member of the Christian church and is a lady of many admirable characteristics.
Mr. Harer gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has never sought or desired political office but for several years he served as school director and proved a stalwart champion of the cause of education. Both he and his wife are actuated by a spirit of progress and enterprise in all that they undertake and their interest centers deeply in those affairs which promise to upbuild and develop further the section of the country in which they live.
WILLIAM F. CLUSTER.
William F. Cluster, deceased, was one of the honored and highly esteemed citizens of Pomeroy. His birth occurred in Indiana on the 8th of February, 1831, and his parents were Daniel and Margaret (Tumlin) Cluster, natives of Kentucky and Ohio respectively. About 1861 they removed to Missouri, where both died. In their family were eleven children, all of whom have passed away with the exception of one sister, residing in Missouri.
WILLIAM F. CLUSTER