Coal agent, 88 High Street

James is a businessman and a longstanding member of the town council. He purchased his coal agency together with a fire clay and a dairy business in 1892 and established himself in the High Street, focussing on coal activities. He has just retired, with his business being taken over by James Little & Sons.

Prior to this he was a carter in Langholm (1871), a farmer in Hoddom (1881) and a farm servant in Hoddom (1891).

He rents his High Street premises from Francis Scoone who was originally from Canonbie but is now based in London as editorial secretary for Dr Barnardo’s Homes.

His elder son Edward is a clerk in Langholm and his younger son David is a draper in Kilwinning, north Ayrshire.

James is supportive of provost Easton’s opposition to the Common Riding taking place this year. At a town council meeting in July, the provost proposed that the town standard (flag) should not be handed over to the cornet for the ceremonies. James seconded this, but they were outvoted.

Born	Kirkpatrick Fleming, Dumfriesshire, 1841
Parents	Edward Harkness (1802-1850), Jane Bryson (1806-1871)
Siblings	Eldest of five siblings
Marriage	Margaret Johnstone (1839-)
Children	Edward (1871-1937), David (1873-1917), Jane (1874-)
Died	2 Charlotte Street, Langholm, 1918, aged 77