Harney County has a land area of 10,141 square miles was formed in 1889 and was named for William Shelby Harney who was appointed to the command of the Department of Oregon of the United States Army in 1858 and was recalled in 1859, for his summary seizure of San Juan Island, from the British. It was formed from the southern part of Grant County so the area's history is much older. You may even find that some of the records you need will still be in Grant County.  More information on General W.S. Harney may be found at: http://www.aztecclub.com/bios/harney.htm