John E. Harp, a successful and enterprising farmer, now owing 295 acres of good land, was born in Perry County, Ind., Nov. 25 1828, and is one of four children of John and Tracy (Capp) Harp, the former being a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. His parents were married in the latter State, and were among the old pioneers of this locality. The father was four times married, and was the father of sixteen children. He died in 1858, preceded by our subject's mother about 1830. John E. Harp, at eleven years of age, began making his home with Jesse Martin, remaining five years. Since that age he has been battling with the realities of life entirely on his own responsibility. Novemeber 27, 1848 he wedded Maria Masterson, whose parents were William and Celia Masterson, and to them were born twelve children, these now living: Aaron, born January 9, 1851; Edward, February 7, 1867, and Samuel, December 7, 1872. After marriage, Mr. Harp rented land in this township, buying his first forty acres in 1852. Since then, by frugality and industry, he has accummulated property, until he now owns his present valuable property. In politics he is a Democrat, and from 1870 to 1882 was the efficient justice of the peace for Union Township.
