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Interview Summary

Introduction:

Born in Butler County on Jan 12, 1902

Went to Church of Christ

Has three sons: Harvey, James, and Roy, and two daughters: Eda, and Louise

Used to sing and play the guitar, fiddle, banjo, and harp

Father Jim, mother Arloma (??)

Has a fifth-grade education, attended the Elsie School

Helped mother around the house

Started working in the fields at age ten

Father died when he was 7, stepfather named Tom

Raised corn, tobacco, sugar cane, and various garden crops

Pharris was 22 when married, which he feels was too young

Begin playing the guitar at 10, learned from a book, had a good guitar and a fiddle

Can still play the harp, and played for a few dances

Father was a banjo picker who played at home and also was paid $5 dollars at various dances

Sold drinks and food at dances, grandfather played the fiddle

Can't play banjo like his father

Grandfather Cadknee (??)

Paternal grandfather played at dances

Johnny Pharris playing his French harp

Johnny Pharris playing his banjo

Pharris stayed with his grandfather a lot when during his childhood

Has been exposed to music and dance in his early years

Did not really know Uncle Pen

His mother's uncle married one of Pen's sisters

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