Alexander Harper Genealogy

HON. ALEXANDER HARPER² (William¹)

Alexander Harper (1786-1860) came as a child with his parents to Penn. from Ireland. His political career began with an appointment as deputy sheriff in Athens County. He studied law and served as prosecuting attorney in the aforesaid county 1812 to 1813. In 1815 he removed to Muskingum County where he was elected representative to the Ohio state legislature 1820 and 1821. He resigned to become president-judge of Muskingum County common pleas court 1822 to 1836. He ran for Congress and was elected, serving 1837 to 1839 defeated in 1838 but was elected again in 1842, and served for two terms. He retired to private practice after defeat in the 1846 election but was reelected in 1850 and served' another term, 1851 to 1853. After his fourth term he again retired to private practice in Zanesville. He married Apr. 27, 1816 Rachel Reed. His death occurred Dec. 1, 1860 with interment in Greenwood Cemetery. Of his children only the names of two are available:

1. Elizabeth Harper, b. 1820.

2. James R. Harper b. 1823 - attorney at law