James Clarence HARPER, Congress, NC (1819-1890)

HARPER James Clarence , a Representative from North Carolina; born in Cumberland County, Pa., December 6, 1819; moved with his father to Darke County, Ohio, in 1831; attended the common schools; moved to Lenoir, Caldwell County, N.C., in 1840; land surveyor, civil engineer, and draftsman; laid out the town of Lenoir, N.C., in 1841; engaged in mercantile pursuits and subsequently became interested in the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods; held several local offices; colonel in the State militia; member of the State house of commons in 1865 and 1866; elected as a Democrat to the Forty-second Congress (March 4, 1871-March 3, 1873); was not a candidate for renomination in 1872; engaged in agricultural pursuits and in road building; died near Patterson, Caldwell County, N.C., January 8, 1890; interment in the Cemetery at Harpers Chapel, Patterson, N.C.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present