A native of
Columbus, Mississippi, Harper was the son of a wealthy businessman. He was bank teller that had a predilection for drinking, gambling, and frequenting brothels before becoming Mayor. The Herald exposed the corruption after they uncovered a $25 million payout to Harper for the building of the
Los Angeles Aqueduct. The Herald called his corruption "his dishonor" in a series of articles entitled "Is Vice Protected in Los Angeles?" The public turned on Harper and started the first recall movement in American history, collecting 25,000 signatures in support. He decided to resign instead of facing a recall election. Harper died in
Palmdale, California, on December 25, 1948. He was buried at
Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery in
Central Los Angeles. ==References==