John Harper, Sr.

Biography

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/44228557/john-harper

John Harper was christened on 30 Oct 1720 at the Trinity Church, Oxford Twp., Philadelphia County, Penn. He was the son of Joseph Harper and Sarah Jackson (Moore) Harper. His brother Robert was Christened there 27th Nov Anno dom 1718 by Rev. Talbot. Their sister Sarah was also Christened there in 1717.

Some say he died: 13 Jan 1794.

Married: Margery Robinson, who signed the estate papers, when he died, along with Hugh Cunningham. Probate Date: 17 Jun 1794.

Tradition and DAR say John married Margery Robinson, daughter of Israel Robinson, and some people feel he may have had another wife as well, but it hasn't been proven as yet, to my knowledge.

John and his family attended the Back Creek Presbyterian Church (now called the Tomahawk Presbyterian Church, originally located in Frederick County, VA in what is now Berkeley County, WVA).

No one has found the exact location of John's gravesite, but some of his descendants are buried at the Tomahawk Presbyterian Church; he may be buried here as well in an unmarked grave.

John's will was proven in Berkeley County, VA-now Berkeley County, WVA- on 18 Sep 1793.

Children of John Harper and Margery Robinson:

1. 1) Jennette Harper b: 1758 in Frederick County, VA, or Maryland, married Robert Brown on 24 Jun 1806 in Berkeley County, VA, by Rev. Hugh Vance.
2. 2) William Harper b: 10 JAN 1761 in Frederick County, VA or Maryland. (See memorial #: 40454879) Married: Nancy Faris on 9 May 1786 in Berkeley Co., VA, by Rev. Hugh Vance in the Back Creek Presbyterian Church.
3. 3) John Harper, Jr. b: 18 MAY 1762 in Frederick (now Berkeley) County, VA ( now WV) or Maryland m. Rachel Beller on 30 Dec 1795 in Berkeley County, VA. by Rev. Moses Hoge. Note: Rachel's father mentions John in his Will in 1801, so the couple were, apparently, still married in 1801. There are some people, who believe John Jr. went to North Carolina and some who believe he went to Ohio with most of his brothers. (A Family Historian is currently working on this issue.)
4. 4) Samuel Harper b: 26 DEC 1766 in Frederick (now Berkeley) County, VA (WV) married Sarah Cunningham on 17 Apr 1793 by Rev. Moses Hoge. ****
5. 5) Alexander "Alex" Harper b: 26 DEC 1766 in Frederick (now Berkeley) County, VA (WV) m. Mary Slater on 30 Oct 1794 in Berkeley County, Virginia, John Boyd officiating. Alexander died 23 Jul 1842 in Berkeley County, Va. Some of his descendants are buried here in Tomahawk Cemetery. ***
6. 6) Sarah Harper b: born abt 1764 d. 8 July 1826 in OH (?)
7. 7) James Harper b: 1771 in Berkeley County, VA. It is believed that he had three wives. The second wife is believed to have been Sarah Murray and the third wife was Margaret (Peggy) Free. James married Margaret on on 4 May 1806 in berkeley County, Va., David Young officiating.
8. 8) Mary Rachel Harper b: abt 1768 in Frederick County, VA Married: Samuel Burcham 28 Feb 1791 in Berkeley County, Va. Mary was named in her father's Will. Her father wrote his Will on the very day she got married, if my records are accurate. Mary is named in her father's Will.

It should be noted that, before coming to Frederick County, Virginia, it is reported that John and his family may have lived across the river in Maryland, possibly in Montgomery County, Maryland, but other counties have been suggested.

The exact year that John and his family moved to Frederick County, Virginia, is not known to me. Perhaps it is known to someone else.

This brings up another matter...the question of where the first children were born. Although reports have noted births in Virginia, some of the first children might have been born in Maryland, instead.

One book on the Harpers has been a reference for people for years, but some of the data there just doesn't play out as accurate. Thus, many family members and others continue in their research looking for further data to document the facts. They say we never find the whole truth for sure, we just slowly converge upon it.

Z.A. Tom, Harper descendant

References

1. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/44228557/john-harper