Person:John Earpe (2)

John migrated to Northern Ireland about 1620. He settled in Mullighbrach Parish in the townland of Mullbert, Barony of Fews, a few miles south of the City of Lurgin, County Armagh. We know that from 1620-1627 John Earps, yeoman, was lessee of two towns for 60 years in Clanconaghy in the Barony of Fews. We next find mention of John in the 1625-1627 Armagh Manor Court Rolls Calendar, "Likewise they present that Daniel McGorry on the first day of July past by force and arms, that is to say with staves, broke into the lands of John Erpe called Ballebraghan and made entry and then cut and carried away from the said lands twenty loads of turn to the serious loss of him, John Erpe and in contempt of our Lord the King."

Thomas Earp was holding the land of the late John Earpe in 1631.

The following is from Allen Lee Harp: Research indicates that Harp began as an occupation name and means, "one who played a harp at a fair or festival or for an important lord." John Earp is but one of the early immigrants who came to the New World. It is important to note that there are many variations of the name to include: Harp, Harpe, Earp Earpe, Erp, Erpe and Eirp.