Biography - M. H. Best
M. H. BEST & O. D. HARRIS. This firm was organized March 5, 1885, as
manufacturers of and dealers in harness, saddles, and horse-finishing goods.
Five men are employed in their establishment as mechanics, and they handle
everything in their line. They carry an average stock of $1,000 and have a
large custom. The business was started in 1861, by Mr. William Best, who
conducted in successfully till March 1885, when he sold out to the present
firm.
M. H. Best, of this firm, was born in Knox County, and has been a resident
of Abingdon since 1861. He was married June 23, 1885, Detroit, Michigan, to
Miss Orpha Florentine, daughter of James Florentine. She was born in Grand
Haven, Michigan.
Mr. O. D. Harris was born in Hancock County, and came to this county in
1863, having made a permanent residence here since that time. Their
establishment is the only one the kind in the city, and is conducted with
such fairness and enterprise proprietors are among the most public-spirited
citizens of the town, and deserve credit no less than patronage for
conducting a business which not only assists others to employment, but is a
benefit to the entire community.
Contributed by Pat Thomas, extracted from the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, page 463.
