Born in Ohio on July 28, 1828. In 1849 he came to Washington county, Iowa, and from Iowa went across the plains to California, where he spent four years, returning to Iowa by way of the Isthmus of Panama in 1853. After four years residence in Washington county he came to this county, settling on a farm one mile north of Hedrick. He resided there until Hedrick was laid out, when he moved to town and entered into the mercantile business. In January, 1859, he was married to Miss Louisa Wortman. Mr. Harper at different times held positions of trust in the township, and also represented this county in the 15th general assembly. His sterling honesty, integrity and intelligence gave him the respect of all who knew him, and his word was as good as his bond. He was a member of the Masonic order.