Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1869-10-02
ROEERT HARPER.

THE Harper family were Of English dcs-
cent. Two brothers, Joseph and Robert liar
per came to America, and lived in PmladeI-
phIa, where they were both merchants. The
elder brother, Joseph, died in Philadelphia N
1905, at an advanced age leaving one daughter,
Sarah-preyiously married TO John Wager, Sr.
"Robert the younger brother, also lived IN
Philadelphia, where he was for some time
prosperous merchant; but finally failed III busi-
ness owing TO the misconduct OF his partner, Tor
whom he was security to large amount. He
tiled 10 recover portion of his property by
suit but failed 10 do so. He felt so deeply his
loss Of fortune and the treachery OF his friends,
that he determined 10 leave civilized life and TO
seek wealth ana forgetfuness on the frontier.
1.-THE same doy on which news of the unsuc-
ccsslnl termination of his suit reached him, he
took leave OF his relations, and started TO seek
a new home in Tie West. He soon came to
the Blue Ridge and the mouth Of the Shenan-
doah river, where he stopped TO rest during
Sunday. But he was so much pleased with the
grandeur OF the sceuery, that he determined 10
settle.
'Robcrt Harper purchased grant from the
State of Virginia, OF tract OF land Of more
than mile in extent, laying between the two
rivers. Here lac established Jerry, which has
since retained his name.
'When Robert Harper first came 20 llarpcT's
Ferry he found w inhabitants there, Penn
sllyana Dutch squattcr, nicknamed Peter IN
the hole, and Guttcrman Town, 4 half breed
Indian, who lived in huts on the Island of Viz
giniuS, whose ground he purchased OF them
without difficulty, as they were anxious, upon
his coming, to go where they would have more
room
"Robcrt Harper lived principally in a house
which he built on Shenandoah street, near L
!, III H., O., hnpF torn
down. He also built the house at the top of the
stone steps. 1t was called the Mansion House,
and is the same that is referred 10 by you, as
the one in which Judge Swaine was married.
He gave to the town the ground where the
graveyard and the Episcopal Church are .occ-
ted.
"Robert Harper, frs; proprietor Of HaTpor's
Ferry, died at his house on Shenandoah street,
il October, 1879, and was buried in the grave
yard on the hIll by the side of his wife. His
grave was formerly marked by two cherry
trees, but they have been destroyed. Robert
Harper, after Lis death, left by will, his pro-
poriy at this place TO the eldest son Of his niece
Sarah. lIe-John Wager, ST., was also heir
by the law Of prmogeniture, then still in force
in Virginia Robert Harper was man Of edu
cation, with taste for geology and chemistry,
and had gayanlc battery, which was source
OF wonder 10 the mountain people OF Loudoun,
and originated legend after his death, Of 'buri-
ed pots ofgold.' There is another tradition,
which says 'the cause of bis leaving his niece
Sarah, lIarpcr's Ferry, was in reward for hem
ming a silk pocket handkerchief very neatly,
when she was quite little girl. This place
was formerly called Shenandoah Falls"
The communication also contains some in
formation in reference 10 Jeffe Ison's Rock and
other matters, which cannot fail 10 be interest
ing.
'The top stone Of this rock, upon which JEFF
ierson carved bis name, was thrown down by
squad of soldiers under Capt. Henry. They
belonged TO Mayor Pinkney's command, and
were portion Of what was then known IS
Adams Army, who were situated here from
,9S 10 1899, and had their encampment or
Mud Fort, Oh Camp Hill. Capt. Henry, Of
Massachusetts,, ordered this stone to be thrown
down on account of political dislike Of Jeher-
son, saying that by so doing he vas beheaied
the traitor Jefferson"
In reference to "the tomb or vaul. OF Dr.
Brown" am informed by my correspondent,
that "it was built OF brick, in the corner of the
graveyard. The door was kept locked, but the
windows were lett open. HIS remains were in
n coffin with glass front. His housekeePer
dad really 20 the allotted number oftImes TO the
crave, bat being timid person, she always