Person:Robert Harper (3)

   From website entitled Descendants of Thomas Bowerman and Hannah (Annable) Bowerman at: http://bowermangenealogy.net/html/p3.htm#i53

   Robert Harper (M)
   b. c 1630, d. a Aug 1704, #53
   Robert Harper was born circa 1630 in England.1,2 He was Quaker, coming from "a family of famous Quaker preachers."3

   Research Note: "BFH 36" states that "He is also described as coming from "a family of famous Quaker preachers" [Perry 45]."
   Note: as regarding Robert's being sympathetic to the cause in England, and being of a " family of famous Quaker preachers," it should be noted that George Fox, the founder of the "Friends," is considered to have founded the faith in 1651/52 - approximately 30 years after the birth of Robert. To state his descent from other "Quaker preachers" is assumption and poor research at best. The "Quaker Invasion of Massachusetts" is recorded as beginning in 1656, with the first MM (that’s Monthly Meeting) in America formed at Sandwich in 1660. Many good sources for this data are available, most of which I have copies or original publications of. I have noted this particular item, due to the fact that MANY researchers have wasted time trying to find records of Quaker Ministries in England to locate Robert's family. I am not sure where Mr. Perry obtained his information, but he tends to "glorify" the facts throughout the book. I do not personally consider this reference as reliable.4

   Robert married Deborah Perry on 9 May 1654 in Sandwich, Barnstable Co., MA, New England.5,6,7 Robert Harper was on a list of landowners in 1658 at Sandwich, Barnstable Co., MA, New England.8,9 He appeared before the court for failure to take the "oath of fidelitie", and was fined 10 pds. On 1 June 1658 at Plymouth, Plymouth Co., MA, New England.10,11,
   Robert Harper was fined 5 pds for refusing to take the "oath of fidelitie", along with twelve others of Sandwich, and was fined 5 pds. On 2 October 1658 at Sandwich, Barnstable Co., MA, New England.13 He appeared before the court for failure to take the "oath of fidelitie", and fined 5 pds. On 7 June 1659 at Plymouth, Plymouth Co., MA, New England.14,15,16 He appeared before the court for failure to take the "oath of fidelitie", and fined 5 pds on 6 October 1659 at Plymouth, Plymouth Co., MA, New England.17,15,18 He appeared before the court for failure to take the "oath of fidelitie." [Note: The fines were not specified in this record, but were given out at the 8 Jun 1660 session] On 7 March 1659/60 at Plymouth, Plymouth Co., MA, New England.19
   Robert Harper was fined fined 5pds for refusing to take the "oath of fidelitie". This fine was imposed by the court in regards to the 7 Mar 1660 appearance. On 8 June 1660 at Plymouth, Plymouth Co., MA, New England.20,21

   Research Note: Further study and discussion is required, with reference to the court entries of 8 June 1660, regarding the house and land of "Robbert Harppers". See PCR 8:99, 102 (dated 13 June 1660).

   He appeared before the court for refusing to take the "oath of fidelitie", fined 5 pds on 13 June 1660 at Plymouth, Plymouth Co., MA, New England.22 He was convicted for refusing to take the "oath of fidelitie", at the General Court in Plymouth; fined 6 pds on 2 October 1660 at Plymouth, Plymouth Co., MA, New England.20,23,24
   Robert Harper and Deborah Perry were fined 4 pds, "for being att Quakers meetings" [BFH]; PCR III:200 does not give the amount. It is believed that the fine of Henry Howland (4 pounds) was mistaken as the way it was written in the transcription of the records could have been misread. (See PCR citation for details) on 2 October 1660 at Sandwich, Barnstable Co., MA, New England.20,25,26 Robert Harper appeared before the court for "intollorable insolent disturbance" and was ordered to be publicly whipped on 1 March 1663/64 at Plymouth, Plymouth Co., MA, New England.
   Robert married second, Prudence Butler, daughter of Thomas Butler and Dorothy Howes, on 20 June 1666 at Sandwich, Barnstable Co., MA, New England.28,29 Robert Harper appeared before the court for "rayling and revileing" the local minister, Thomas Walley, Sr; ordered to be whipped on 5 July 1670 at Plymouth, Plymouth Co., MA, New England.30 He recieved permission "to take up land," where is now East Falmouth, in the eastern portion of what was then Saconnessett. He was one of eight men listed as "purchasers from the Indians" in 1685 at East Falmouth, Barnstable Co., MA, New England.31
   Robert Harper sold one hundred acres of land formerly owned by John Robinson to Thomas Bowerman on 22 April 1690 at "Suckanessett", now Falmouth, Barnstable Co., MA, New England.32,33 Robert Harper witnessed the marriage of Gershom Gifford and Deborah Bowerman on 11 June 1704 at Falmouth, Barnstable Co., MA, New England.34
   Robert Harper died after August 1704 in Sandwich, Barnstable Co., MA, New England.35,34,36
   Source Notes: View a transcript of [TAG 48:215-19] here.

   Source Notes: Bowerman Family History, pages 35-37.

   Last Edited=31 Jul 2002

   Children of Robert Harper and Deborah Perry:
   Mary Harper (25 Dec 1655)
   Experience Harper (Nov 1657)
   Stephen Harper (Apr 1662)
   Marcy Harper (05 Dec 1665)

   Children of Robert Harper and Prudence Butler:
   Hannah Harper (01 May 1670)
   Elizabeth Harper (16 Aug 1672)
   Mercy Harper (12 Apr 1675 - 07 Mar 1754)

   [S65] A. L. Bowerman, BFH, Pg. 35 [citing TAG 48:215];.
   [S104] MacLean W. McLean, "TAG 48:215", See full transcription of this article at: http://bowermangenealogy.net/documents/transcripts/harper_%20tag_%2048_215_219.htm.
   [S65] A. L. Bowerman, BFH, Pg. 36 [citing Perry 45] Perry refers to Calbraith Perry. "The Perrys of Rhode Island and Tales of Silver Creek; the Boswirth-Bourn-Perry Homestead..." (NY: Wright, 1913). This source is unverified..
   [S108] Ronald Lahti M.A., "Harper Descent," e-mail to BGNet Mailing List, 25 Feb 2002.
   [S65] A. L. Bowerman, BFH, Pg. 35 [citing SMM; MD 14:171; GMB 2:515-16]
   [S87] Mass. Society of Mayflower Descendants, MD, 14:171.
   [S105] Certified Marriage Record.
   [S65] A. L. Bowerman, BFH, Pg. 36 [citing Sandwich Town Records; MD 2:29; History of Cape Cod 2:59-60]; "In the 1658 land survey of Sandwich, Robert Harper's name appears among Sandwich land owners.".
   [S87] Mass. Society of Mayflower Descendants, MD, 2:29.
   [S61] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR III, :138; "Att his Court, Robert Harper, Ralph Allin, Seni, John Allin, Tho Greenfield, Ed Perry, Richard Kerby, Junir, Willam Allin, Thomas Vre, Willam Gifford, Gorge Allin, ab [aber?] Mathew Allin, Daniell Wing, John Jenkens, ab, and George Webb, all of Sandwich, being summoned, appeered to giue a reason for theire refusing to take the oath of fidelitie to this goument and vnto the state of England, which againe being tendered them in open Court, they refused, saying they held it vnlawfull to take any oath att all.".
   [S65] A. L. Bowerman, BFH, Pg. 36 [citing Plymouth Colony Records]; NOTE: the fine was actually set and recorded on 5 Jun. Robert appeared before the court to answer the charges on 1 June 1658..
   [S84] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR VIII, :93; "... by this present Court, held June the fift, 1658. Att which Court, Robert Harper [and twelve others of Sandwich], for refusing to take the oath of fidelitie, fined euery of them the some of £10, in all..... 130:00:00"; this entry was recorded on 10 June 1658..
   [S61] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR III, :154; "Att this Court, Robert Harper, [and twelve others], of Sandwich, for refusing to take the oath of fidelitie, were fined each of them fiue pounds to the collonies vse".
   [S61] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR III, :168; "Att this Court [entry dated 7 Jun 1659] Edward Perrey, John Newland, Willam Allin, Robert Harper, Ralph Allin, Senir, Joseph Allin, Thomas Vre, Mathew Alliin, Richard Kerbey, Junir, and John Jenkins appeered, being summoned to answare for theire refusing to take the oath of fidelitie, and remaining obstinate, were fined according to order.".
   [S84] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR VIII, :97; "The Fines of October Court, 1659 ... Rob Harper ...5:00:00".
   [S65] A. L. Bowerman, BFH, Pg. 36 [citing Plymouth Colony Records]; According to this reference, the record indicates an 11pd fine, and date of 4 Jun 1659. Upon review of PCR, it is found to be in error. Refer to PCR citations for details..
   [S61] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR III, :176; "Att this Court [entry dated 6 Oct 1659] Edward Perrey, John Newland, Ralph Allin, Willam Allin, Mathew Alliin, Gorge Allin, Joseph Allin, Daniell Winge, Tho Ewer, Richard Kerbey, Junir, Rob Harper, appeered, being summoned, and were demaunded whether the would take the oath of fidelitie to the state of England and to this gourment, which they refusing to do were fined, according to the law, each of them fiue pounds, to the vse of the collonie. John Jenkins, of Sandwich, sent word that hee was of the same mind with the aforesaid pties, and alsoe was fined fiue pounds.".
   [S65] A. L. Bowerman, BFH, Pg. 36 [citing Plymouth Colony Records]; shows date of Oct 1659.
   [S61] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR III, :181; "Att this Court [entry dated 7 March 1659], John Newland, Ralph Allin, Willam Allin, Gorge Allin, Daniell Winge, Robert Harper, and John Jenkens appeered, being sumoned, and were required to make answare whether they would take the oath of fidelitie to the state of England and this psent goument, and they seuerally refused; Edward Perry and Mathew Allin absented themselves; Joseph Allin, Thomas Ewer, and Richard Kerbey appeered, but they said they were not summoned. ".
   [S65] A. L. Bowerman, BFH, Pg. 36 [citing Plymouth Colony Records].
   [S84] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR VIII, :98; "Att the Court held att Plymouth the 8th of June 1660 ...About the oath of fidelitie were fined ... Rob Harper ...5:00:00".
   [S61] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR III, :191; "Att this Court, Edward Perrey, John Newland, Ralph Allin, Willam Gifford, Willam Allin, Mathew Allin, Gorg Allin, Josepth Allin, Daniell Wing, Thomas Ewer, Richard Kerbey, Junir, Robert Harper, being summoned, apeered, and were seuerally demaunded whether they would take the oath of fidelitie and this psent goument, which they all of them refused to do.".
   [S61] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR III, :200; "These following convicted for refusing to take the oath of fidelitie: -- Robert Harper, Josepth Allin, John Newland, Richard Kerbey, Junir, Willam Gifford, John Jenkens, Mathew Allin, Ralph Allin.".
   [S84] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR VIII, :103; "The Fines of October Court, 1660 ... This following convicted for refusing to take the oath of fidelitie att this Court ... Robert Harper ... £6".
   [S61] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR III, :191; "Diuers psons fined for being att Quakers meetings. Robert Harper & his wife, Josepth Allin, Benjamine Allin, John Newland and his wife, Willam Allin, Willam Gifford, Mathew Allin, The wife of Henery Dillingham, Willam Newland and his wife, John Soule of Duxburrow, Rodolphus Elmes, of Scituate, Peter Gaunt, Dorithy Butler, Obadiah Butler, John Jenkens, Richard Kerbey, Senir, Richard Kerbey, Junir, and Deborah, his wife, Lydia Hickes, of Plymouth." (Henry Howland was also convicted at this same court for "entertaineing a Quakers meeting in his house twise, fined foure pounds.".
   [S84] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR VIII, :103; "The Fines of October Court, 1660 ... Fined for being att Quakers meetings ... Robert Harper & his wife ...04:00:00".
   [S62] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR IV, :51; "Concerning Robert HArper, for his intollorable insolent disturbance both of the congregation of Barnstable and Sandwich, and for his abusiue and causles railing vpon Mr Wally and Mr Wiswell, the Court haue sentenced him to be publickly whipt, which accordingly was inflicted.".
   [S65] A. L. Bowerman, BFH, Pg. 37 [citing TAG 48:215].
   [S104] MacLean W. McLean, "TAG 48:215", The transcription of this article may be seen at: http://bowermangenealogy.net/documents/transcripts/harper_%20tag_%2048_215_219.htm.
   [S63] Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, PCR V, :43; " Robert Harper, for his rayling and revileing of Mr Thomas Walley, Senir, minnester of the gospell, as appeered by cleare and manifest euidence, was centanced by the Court to be whipt att the post, which accordingly was pformed.".
   [S65] A. L. Bowerman, BFH, Pg. 37 [citing HBC 634].
   [S65] A. L. Bowerman, BFH, Pg. 22 [GNBF 81].
   [S99] Theodate Geoffrey, Suckanesset, : 28-29; "The ties of kinship were strongly influential in attracting new settlers. Thus Anthony Annable, who had lands lotted to him at Succanessett but never appears to have lived there, was father-in-law of Thomas Bowerman, whose son Thomas, born in Barnstable 1648, removed to Falmouth buying of Jonathan Hatch and Robert Harper as agents, land on the easterly side of Five Mile River.".
   [S65] A. L. Bowerman, BFH, Pg. 37; "Robert was still living in August 1704 when he signed the marriage certificate of his granddaughter, Deborah (Bowerman) Gifford..
   [S65] A. L. Bowerman, BFH, Pg. 35.
   [S104] MacLean W. McLean, "TAG 48:215", 48:215; "Robert was still living in August 1704 when he signed the marriage certificate of his granddaughter, Deborah (Bowerman) Gifford..