Harry Stephen Harkness (1880-1919)

Harry Harkness, Racing Driver & Aviation Pioneer, of New York City

Associated Houses

Walnut Hall Farm

3725 Newtown Pike, Lexington

He was born in Cleveland, the grandson and principal heir of one of Rockefeller's original partners in Standard Oil. He was President of the Harkness Estates, Inc., owner of the Sheepshead Bay Speedway, and President of the National Speedway Association. He was best remembered as a racing driver and aviation pioneer. He won the first "Race to the Clouds" (Mount Washington Hillclimb Auto Race) and among others raced against Henry Ford. He financed the construction of many early aeroplanes, including the "Silver Dart". He married his first wife, Marie Marbeck in 1906, and they divorced in 1916. He then married his second wife, Florence Steuber, but died the following year a victim of Spanish Influenza. He lived at 270 Park Avenue, New York City
Contributed by Mark Meredith on 23/05/2020 and last updated on 24/05/2020.