California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


JOHN S. HARP, of the firm of Harp Brothers, proprietors of the Kaweah stables, is 
named among the most enterprising and ambitious young men of Visalia, and a future of suc- 
cess is predicted for him by all his friends who best appreciate his many sterling traits of char- 
acter. He was born in Georgia, near Middleton, August 2, 1876, the youngest in a family of nine 
children, seven of whom attained maturity and five of whom are now living. His father, George 
Harp, removed to Arkansas, where he is located as a farmer. The mother of the family died 
when John S. was but two years old, the greater part of the care and training which fell to his 
lot being given by his brother, William, who is now his partner in his present business. He was 
reared on a farm in Arkansas occupied by his brother, who was extensively interested in agri- 
cultural pursuits. He attended the public schools in pursuit of an education. In 1892 he came to 
California with William Harp and located in Tulare county, his brother returning to Arkansas 
after six years' residence, while he remained here. He found employment on various ranches 
until February, 1904, when, having accumulated sufficient capital, he purchased the livery stable 
of J. B. McKinley, known as the Kaweah stables. He has successfully conducted the busi- 
ness since, having the best equipped as well as the most extensive livery and feed stable in the 
city, his building having a fifty-foot front which extends from Main to Center street, located on 
East Main street. 

In Visalia. Mr. Harp married Bertha Roberts, a native of this city, and daughter of Newton 
Roberts, a pioneer settler of this section. Fraternally Mr. Harp is identified with the Wood- 
men of the World and Fraternal Brotherhood. Politically he adheres to the principles advocated 
in the platform of the Democratic party.