Harmer was born in Germantown section of Philadelphia.
 Began work as a shoe manufacturer.
He became a member of the Philadelphia City Council, serving from 1856–1860 and then a recorder of deeds for Philadelphia 1860–1863.
He was a delegate to the 1868 Republican National Convention.

He was elected as a Republican in 1870 for and served two terms.
 He was defeated in 1874, but he was elected again in 1876.
He served until his death in 1900 and was interred in West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
Harmer was born in Germantown section of Philadelphia.  Began work as a shoe manufacturer. He became a member of the Philadelphia City Council, serving from 1856–1860 and then a recorder of deeds for Philadelphia 1860–1863. He was a delegate to the 1868 Republican National Convention.
He was elected as a Republican in 1870 for and served two terms.  He was defeated in 1874, but he was elected again in 1876. He served until his death in 1900 and was interred in West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
Alfred C. Harmer