Harry M. (Micajah) Daugherty was born in Fayette County, Ohio, on January 26, 1860. He graduated from Michigan Law College in 1881 and practiced law in Ohio.

Daugherty served two terms in the Ohio state legislature (1890-1894) and managed Warren Harding's presidential campaign in 1920. Harding appointed him attorney general in 1921, but Daugherty became embroiled in scandal, refusing to turn over records to the Senate committee investigating alien property transfers. President Coolidge demanded his resignation in 1924.

Tried twice for defrauding the government, Daugherty was never convicted and returned to Ohio to practice law. He died on October 12, 1941.