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Below is a family biography included in The History of Perry County, Indiana published by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co. in 1885.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JOHN E. HARP, a successful and enterprising farmer, now owning 295 acres of good land, was born in Perry County, Ind., November 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. November 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; Abner, May 10, 1853; John, May 11, 1855; Lyda, September 1, 1863; 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 accumulated 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.

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This family biography is one of 257 biographies included in The History of Perry County, Indiana portion of the book: History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties Indiana published in 1885 by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Perry County, Indiana History and Genealogy

View additional Perry County, Indiana family biographies here: Perry County, Indiana Biographies

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