- THOMAS T. HARPER, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising
on section 34, Magnolia
- Township, is a native of Shetland Island, where his birth
occurred Oct. 8, 1836. He is a son of Robert and Susan (THOMPSON)
HARPER, who were also born on Shetland Island, and had a family
of nine children. The father was a seaman, and for many years
engaged in whale fishing. In 1838, accompanied by his family,
he crossed the ocean to America, locating first in Genesee County,
N.Y., where he resided until 1842. On landing he had but a small
amount of money and a certificate from the pastor of his church,
recommending him to the people of America. He soon secured work,
however, and while residing in Genesee County was enabled to
save some money, which, on reaching Rock County, he expended
for a small farm. Entering, as he supposed, eighty acres of land,
he forwarded the money for the same to Washington, but when the
land was surveyed it was found that he had but sixty-six acres,
and the surplus money was returned to him. Mr. HARPER at once
began the development of a farm, and he became one of the large
land owners of the county.
- The education of our subject was received in the district
school, and, until his marriage, he
- remained under the parental roof. In the month of November,
1864, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Ann ACHESON, a
native of Orange County, N.Y., and a daughter of William B. and
Margaret (ELLIOTT) ACHESON, who were also born in the Empire
State. The young couple began their domestic life upon the farm
which they have now made their home for a fourth of a century.
The family circle was completed by the birth of nine children,
six daughters and three sons - William A., Robert T., Susan E.,
Margaret J., Mary E., Thomas M., Christina, Nellie D. and Ella.
- When Mr. HARPER located on his farm it comprised, as he thought,
but eighty acres, but the
- original boundaries have been extended until now 190 acres
pay tribute to his care and cultivation. At the time of his purchase
the land was in its primitive condition, but the labor and improvements
which he has bestowed upon it have transformed the wild prairie
into a farm of great fertility and beauty. The shade trees which
now protect the home from the burning heat of the summer sun
were planted and nurtured by Mr. HARPER, and the entire surroundings
indicate to the passer-by that the life of the owner has not
been an idle one. During the early days of the settlement of
the county he shared in the trials and privations of pioneer
life, but has lived to see his adopted county become the banner
county in this great common- wealth. Starting in life with only
a young man's bright hope of the future and a strong determination
to succeed, he has made his way in the world unaided, overcoming
all obstacles and surmounting all difficulties, until he at last
became one of the well-to-do citizens of the community. In his
declining years he can look back over a well spent life with
no regret for the past or fear for the future. In political sentiment
Mr. HARPER is a faithful adherent to the Republican party, and
at the last election, 1888, the HARPER family polled fourteen
votes for Harrison and Morton. In religious connection both he
and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church of Brodhead,
in which for many years he has filled the office of elder. None
are more actively interested in church work or do more to advance
the cause of the Master than our subject. But not alone in this
direction is his life worthy of emulation. Charitable and benevolent,
the poor have always found in him a true friend, whose aid is
never sought in vain. Honored by all, loved by many, he is a
man without enemies, and his life has been well spent.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 602-603.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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