San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 685
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 1/31/2010
GEORGE HARPER
Now the pioneer custom tailor in Stockton, having been in business longer than any man in his line in the city, George Harper can look back on an interesting career in the world of sport, having a national reputation in the baseball arena for many years, both on the Pacific Coast and in the big leagues. Mr. Harper was born near Milwaukee, Wis., August 17, 1865, where he was reared and educated, learning the painter's trade when quite young. The life of outdoor sport made a strong appeal to him, however, and he entered the great American game in 1886 as a pitcher for the Milwaukee team of the Northwestern League. In 1887 he was pitcher for Omaha in the Western League, coming to California in 1888 with the Oakland team in the old California State League, but on August 19 of that year was acquired by the Stockton team as pitcher to take the place of Eddie Lorigan, winning the championship that season.
Mr. Harper, after the ball season was over that year, was engaged by H.J. Cochran, the manager of the steamboat line and a well-known river man of the early days, to take charge of the painting of the steamer J.D. Peters, just being built, and he completed the job that winter. He pitched for Stockton again in 1889, then for Sacramento in 1890, San Jose in 1891-92, Stockton again in 1893, and then for six years pitched ball for the big leagues, playing with the Philadelphia, Brooklyn and Rochester, New York teams. Returning to Stockton in 1900, Mr. Harper became president and manager and part owner of the Stockton team, and during that year he also opened up his tailor shop, which he has conducted ever since. He still retained his interest in baseball affairs, however, and in 1914, the year four teams of the Pacific Coast League maintained a farm to develop young players, Mr. Harper was the manager of the Stockton Club, owned and financed by Eddie Maier, who also owned the Vernon team of the Coast League.
In February, 1889, Mr. Harper was married to Miss Clara May Campbell, daughter of C.A. Campbell, former city clerk of Stockton. One daughter, Leslie, was born of this marriage. She is now Mrs. Clyde Jenkins and the mother of one son, Clyde Jenkins. Mrs. Harper died in 1893. Mr. Harper's second marriage, in 1898, united him with Miss Rosalie Stuppacher, the daughter of one of Stockton's old-time tailors, who for years was cutter for Lewis & Johnson; they reside in the home purchased some years ago by Mr. Harper at 734 West Poplar Street. Capable and progressive, he has built up a splendid business and stands high in Stockton's commercial circles and in the Odd Fellows, having joined Stockton Lodge, October 25, 1889; he is also a member of the Eagles.
History of
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
With A
Biographical Review
of
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY BY
George H. Tinkham
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
San Joaquin County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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