Samuel Harkness

Robert Henry Harkness was a member of one of Washington’s oldest families and an employee of the Riggs National Bank for twenty-one years. Mr. Harkness was born in this city January 27, 1850. He was the son of Thomas F. and Mary Roderick Harkness. His father was one of the seven original “penny posts,” who, in antebellum days, delivered letters throughout the city for so much per letter. The Harkness family came to Washington at the establishment of the seat of government here.

Dagerreotype of Robert (Harry) Harkness

Robert H. Harkness was educated in the public schools of the old first ward, and won a scholarship to Columbian University, now the George Washington University, from which institution he was later graduated with honors. Mr. Harkness was also graduated from the law school of the university, and was admitted to the district bar, although he never took up the practice of the profession.

Following his graduation, he became a teacher in the Franklin School. Later he was with the Real Estate Title Company for a number of years. For the past twenty-one years he was a bookkeeper in the Riggs National bank, and he held this position at the time of his death. Officials of the bank speak of Mr. Harkness as one of the most conscientious and careful men they ever knew. Friends throughout the city will remember him for his many deeds of kindness done for those who needed help, all of which he did with great modesty.

Member of Local Organizations: He was one of the oldest living members, at the time of his death, of the local chapeer of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was a member of the Association of the Oldest Inhabitants, of the Columbia Historical Society and of Hiram Lodge, No. 10, F. A. A. M. He also was an active worker in the Fourth Presbyterian Church.

He was married in 1884 to Miss Anna Theresa Barrett, who survives him. Two daughters, Miss Cornelia Gregory Harkness and Miss Mary Roderick Harkness, also survive him, together with two brothers, Charles A. Harkness of Keyport, N.J., and J William Harkness, and a sister, Annie S. Harkness, both of the last-named residing in this city.