Born March 10, 1911 in Hibbert Township. Passed away August 15, 1997 at age 86. He was a son of Frank Harburn and Eliza Riley. On June 2, 1933, he was married to Evelyn Pearl McNichol who predeceased him on Jan. 5, 1993. They had 3 sons: Ted (dec. 1993), Don (dec. 1985) and Scott (dec. 1963), a daughter Ila (dec. 1954). Brothers: Ernest (wife Gwen), Norman, Bill and Alonzo (Slim). Sisters: Sarah Dick, Frido Boa of Hensall, Laurene Burns of Fenelon Falls.
Started pitching horseshoes in the mid 20's (ca 1926) and was encouraged to continue playing by Father Hogan, a member of the 1930 Dominion of Canada Horseshoe Pitching Association Executive, and Paul Boa, a close friend.
Pitched for about 50 years. Problems with his eyes (cataracts) shadowed the last part of his career. Canadian men's singles champion in 1936 (61%) and 1940 (77.9) set a new National record in 1940 (first year they used shoes with hooks) was runner-up in 1931, 1934 and 1937; was 3rd in 1938, 1958 and 1959. Canadian men's doubles champion in 1931 (with partner George (P.) Boa) Won the first Ontario singles championships held in 1930 (Stratford). First Canadian (with John Simon and John Riley) to pitch at the World Tournament. Qualified with 72% and 231 points in 1935 and finished 9th in the B Class with 15-8 record and 644 ringers out of 1066 shoes for 60%. Played the 1 and 1/4 turn and 1 and 3/4 turn (could switch often during a game). He also pitched in the 1933 World Tournament, and played games with C.C. Davis
Fred and Henry Harburn organized and ran tournaments in Western Ontario for 40 years.
