The Other Harmon — William E. Harmon by Carl Oechsner

Source: https://www.crotonfriendsofhistory.org/the-other-harmon

William Elmer Harmon (1862-1928) was the older brother and partner of aviator Clifford B. Harmon, who created "HARMON, the New City on the Hudson." Born in Lebanon, Ohio, their father fought with the 70th Ohio volunteer infantry in the Civil War and served with African-American "Buffalo Soldiers" on the western frontier. In 1887, William, Clifford, and uncle Charles Wood pooled $3,000 to buy land in Loveland, Ohio. Their subdivision "Branch Hill" sold all 200 lots at $25 each ($2 down, 25 cents/week) in four days from one advertisement. This installment plan applied to real estate was revolutionary. By 1905, Wood, Harmon & Co. had offices in 40 cities east of the Mississippi — the largest real estate operation in the world. In Brooklyn, they spent over $4 million for building sites sold on small partial payments. Over 20,000 building lots. After retirement at 60, William devoted his life to philanthropy. Under the alias "Jedediah Tingle" (his maternal great-grandfather's name), he sent anonymous checks to those in need.