Harper - Richard C.
Source: History of Montgomery County, Indiana. Indianapolis: AW Bowen, 1913
p 966
Few men of a past generation in Sugar Creek Township
Montgomery County sought any harder to advance the general good
of his locality than the late Richard C. Harper, a man whom to
know was to admire and respect for he was the possessor of that
peculiar combination of attributes which results in the
attainment of much that is worth while in this world. He aimed to
be progressive in what he did, was always in sympathy with
enterprises having for their object the common good and his
influence was invariably exerted on the right side of every moral
issue. Like all men of positive character and independence of
mind, he was outspoken in what he considered right and his
convictions were such that his neighbors and fellow citizens knew
well his position on all questions of a political, moral and
religious nature. His private life was exemplary and his amiable
character and many virtues made him popular with all who knew
him, and his passing away was regretted by all. Mr. Harper was
born on June 19, 1849 in Hamilton County, Ohio but most of his
life was spent in Montgomery County, Indiana whither he was
brought from the old Buckeye state, when 6 months old, by his
parents, Silas and Mary Jane (Allen) Harper. They were both
natives of Ohio, the father born in Hamilton County and there
grew to manhood and when the CIvil War came on was a soldier for
the union, and died while in the service. He had devoted his life
to farming. The subject's parents had 4 children: only one of
whom is now living, they were Elizabeth and Mary both deceased;
Angeline, living and Richard C, subject of this memoir.
Richard C. Harper grew to manhood on the home place in this
county and there he made himself generally useful during his
boyhood days. He received a common school education. On Oct 21,
1875, he married Mahala Holloway. She was born in Clinton County,
Indiana August 8, 1857. She is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah
(Treuett) Holloway. The father was born in this county, and he
died in 1896. The mother was born in Clinton County and her death
occurred in Clinton County in 1855. Mrs. Harper grew to womanhood
in her native community and received a common school education.
Seven children, five of whom are living, were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Harper, namely: Charles, born September 10, 1876, died Feb
7, 1902; Florence born August 28, 1878 married Charles Hall and
they live in Urbana, Illinois; Clifford, born November 21, 1881,
died Oct 18, 1900; Clella born April 20, 1883, married Francis
Hutchings and they live in Champaign Illinois; Wallac,e born
December 19, 1885, married Edna Hunt and they live in
Indianapolis; Lester B. born July 9, 1887 is attending Wabash
College in Crawfordsville; Harry born March 19, 1889 lives on the
home farm. Richard C. Harper began farming for himself early in
life and that continued to be his vocation until his death,
carrying on general farming and stock raising on his finely
improved and productive farm of 140 acres all tillable but about
20 acres of woods and pasture. Since his death, which occurred on
October 29, 1905, Mrs. Harper has been operating the farm in a
manner that has brought gratifying results, successfully carrying
out the plans her husband had inaugurated and keeping up with the
excellent improvements which he made. Mr. Harper was contented to
spend his life at home, looking after his family and farm, and
thus he never took much part in public affairs, merely being a
consistent voter of the Republic ticket. Fraternally, he belonged
to the Knights of Pythias at Darlington. He served the people of
Sugar Creek Township very faithfully as justice of the peace for
a period of 12 years. His decisions were known for their fairness
to all parties, and he ever sought to do the right as he saw and
understood it in the light of duty. He was an earnest Church
worker; in fact, was a pillar in the in the local Methodist
Episcopal congregation, of which he was long a member, a trustee
and class leader. Neither his sincerity nor his honesty were ever
assailed, and he merited in every way the high esteem that was
accorded him by al who knew him. - typed by kbz