John Harris Greer, the 6th of 12 children of Thomas Lacy and Catherine Ellen Camp,was born 10 Feb 1866 in Bosque County, Texas and spent his early childhood near the place of his birth. Harris became a fine horseman and roper. When coming to Arizona with many head of cattle and horses,Harris's parents purchased a ranch in 1878. The Greer ranch was located about 9 miles north of Concho,and 18 miles NW of St Johns in Apache County. Harris & Orpha Elzetta Nicol were married March 29, 1885 and spent their early married years in St Johns and in Concho where Harris and his business partner, LeRoy Gibbons, had a small general store. Harris's father died in 1884 and his mother asked Harris to move his family to the Greer Ranch and operate it for her. The family lived there and went to St Johns in the winter months for school.

Harris was recorder of Apache County, taking office Jan 1 1896. His daughter, Florence wrote: "For several years he was postmaster in our home on the Greer Ranch. A secretary-writing desk stood in one corner of the large adobe 4 room house. He used the drawers and pigeon holes for mail and post office supplies. The top of desk served as a book shelve. He also kept a forceps for pulling teeth. My father sold fruit trees for Stark Brothers, planted fruit trees and sold the fruit. He worked in the garden, raised vegetables for our large family and shared with neighbors (about a mile-and- a-half away)"

14 children of Harris and Orpha in birth order -
Myrtle Greer
John Harris Greer
Sabina Ann Greer
Lillian Oasis Greer
Nathaniel Greer
Thomas Lacy Greer
Margaret Elzetta Greer
Catherine Ellen Greer
James Alexander Greer
Florence Leona Greer
Irvin Babe Greer
Nathan Edward Greer
Leland Camp Greer
Raymond Hogue Greer