Born in Maury County, Tennessee, in 1843, James Harmon was the eldest of three children whose family's roots traced back to their grandfather's service in the War of 1812. After moving to Florence, Alabama, Harmon helped in his family's furniture business until leaving for school at LaGrange Military Academy.Things changed abruptly for Harmon in the years 1860-61, as political divisions tore the nation apart. Though yearning for an education, Harmon found his school closed and did ...