Harlan Wearstler worked as a farm laborer. When the United States got involved in World War I Wearstler enlisted in the U.S. Army at Alliance, Ohio on October 3rd, 1917. He was 24 years old. According to his army registration he was of medium build and had dark blue eyes and dark brown hair. He was assigned serial number 2109549. He was first assigned to the 332nd ambulance company until November 10th, 1917. He was then assigned to Company F, 348th Infantry. He served with this unit until June 11th, 1918. He then served with Company L, 23rd Infantry and was discharged as a corporal on May 12, 1919. He served in the campaigns of St. Mihiel; Meuse-Argonne; Defensive Sector. He was part of the American Expeditionary forces from June 22nd, 1918 until August 3rd, 1919. Wearstler was honorably discharged on August 14th, 1919. On March 3rd, 1919 he wrote his aunt and told her a little about his war time experiences. According to Wearstler,
"I have had some experience since I am over her. I was in three big drives and was in the front when the Armistic was signed. The boys sure felt good when the shooting stoped at 11 a.m. It is with in a few days of being eight months that I am on this side. I just had my over coat and blanket rolled up and on my back all shot to pieces on the last drive. That was as close as I care to have them come..."
After the war he married Ila Stonemetz. To this union was born one daughter, Ms. Betty J. Wearstler, born around 1922. He was a life resident of North Canton, Ohio and worked as a farmer until he retired. He formerly owned a farm in Malrboro Township. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Community Church of New Baltimore. He died at age 73 at the Molly Stark Hospital where he had been a patient for 10 weeks following an illness of 3 months. Services were held at 1:30 at the Lewis-Karlo & Sons funeral home. It was officiated by Reverand Terry Verner.