HARRISON HASKIN, Ozark, Missouri Whatever may be said by demagogues about the tyranny of capital, the man who affords employment to his fellow men and maintains industries which turn out articles of utility does more real good for his generation than all the combined agitators of the country. Under existing civilization the only possible solution to the problem of the prevention of want and suffering is found in the great manufacturing plants, which have the capital necessary to pay wages to the many before pay is received for the goods. A glance at the thriving city of Ozark, Missouri, shows numbers of large factories whose busy wheels sing merrily of fair wages, comfortable homes, intelligence, contentment and peace, the result of capital’s effort to add to itself.
One name stands out prominently in this connection, Harrison Haskin, who is engaged in the manufacture of harness and saddles. He has been a resident of this city since 1888 and is now one of the foremost business men of the place. He was born near Kingston, Canada, May 13, 1862, and is a son of Squire Haskin, who was formerly a farmer, but is now residing in Wichita, Kan. Our subject was educated in Harrison County, Iowa, where he lived from his fourth to his fifteenth year, and then went to Kansas, where he learned his trade. He served a three year’s apprenticeship at Wilmington, Sumner County, Kan., and about the year 1886 he opened up a business of his own at South Haven, that county. In 1888 he came to Ozark and established his business. He manufactures all grades of harness and saddles and supplies a large scope of country. He has a large line of fine goods and thoroughly understands his trade. Mr. Haskin is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, Ozark, No. 206, and in politics is a Democrat. He was married in the Sunflower State to Miss Flora Hart, daughter of Thomas Hart, who is now residing in Memphis, Tennessee Three children have blessed this union: Leona, Margueretta and Helen. Mr. Haskin and wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are public-spirited and enterprising citizens. Mr. Haskin was the fourth in order of birth of eight children, secured a fair education in his youth, and the fine start he has made is the result of his own efforts.