For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 439
JOHN C. HARPER....Among the natives of Muscatine county, who have spent their entire lives upon the home farm and have successfully followed the business of their father is John C. Harper, of Lake township. He was born September 23, 1870, and is a son of William and Mary ( Murphy ) Harper, both of whom were born in Ireland. The father came to Muscatine in the pioneer period, arriving at a time when there were only a few log houses upon the spot now occupied by the city. He farmed in several localities of the county, finally settling in Lake township, where he continued until his death, which occurred in 1898. The mother was called away in 1902. Eleven children constituted their family : Martha and Mary, twins, both of whom are deceased ; Maggie, the widow of H. N. Ensfield, now living in Calidornia ; Nellie, the wife of George Malone, of Muscatine ; Frank, of Hills, Iowa ; William, of Lake township, Muscatine county ; Robert D., a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work ; Josie, the wife of Joseph Zybarth, of Nichols, Iowa ; John C., our subject ; James, who died in 1896 ; and C. S., a record of whom may also be found in this work.John C. Harper was reared under the kindly influences of a happy home and educated in the district schools of Muscatine county. After arriving at years of manhood, having shown a strong inclination for farming, he rented the old homestead which he cultivated for ten years and then purchased the farm, embracing one hundred and seventy-nine acres on section 15, lake township, being in one of the richest agricultural districts of the county. He is a general farmer and has applied himself with a diligence that produces good harvests and has insured for himself and family a life competence.
In 1903 Mr. Harper was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Huber, of Muscatine county, a daughter of Joseph and Emma ( Lucas ) Huber, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Ohio. They have been residents of Muscatine county for many years and are now living on the farm with which they have long been identified. They were the parents of eleven children. One daughter, Mary Margaret, born October 23, 1906, has come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrss. Harper.
Mr. Harper gives his allegiance to the democratic party, as he believes by so doing he is advancing the interests of the whole country. He has never sought political office, as his attention has been given to his family and his farm. He and his wife are worthy members of the Catholic church and assist to the extent of their ability in advancing its welfare. In his wife Mr. Harper has found a loving companion who has been to him a constant encouragement in the accomplishment of every worthy object.
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