Robert Harper
Robert Harper was born in County Down, Ireland, July 6, 1808. He was educated in select schools in Ireland, emigrating to America in 1826 or 1827. He landed in Baltimore, and then engaged with Galloway & Brown for three years. He came to Ohio in 1831 and located in Hamilton, engaging in the grocery and produce business, in the firm of Johnson & Harper. It was thus known for three years, when it became Harper, Hueston & Co., for three or four years. They also carried on distilling and ran a line of freight boats to Cincinnati. This lasted till 1840, since which he has led a retired life. Mr. Harper married Mary, daughter of Colonel Matthew Hueston, of whom a full account is given elsewhere. Mrs. Harper was born in Butler County in 1811. They are the parents of six children, three of whom are living. Hannah is now the wife of Major R. E. Lawder, of Missouri; Eliza J., the wife of William P. Washburn, of Tennessee, and Kate is now Mrs. William P. Chamberlain, of Knoxville, Tennessee. Mrs. Harper died December 15, 1879. Mr. Harper was canal collector for three years, in 1833, 1834 and 1835. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has been a Whig and Republican. He has been a successful and respected citizen.
From A History and Biographical Cyclopædia of Butler County Ohio, With Illustrations and Sketches of its Representative Men and Pioneers, Western Biographical Publishing Company, Cincinnati Ohio, 1882.