Edwin M. Harper Biography


	This biography appears on pages 140-141 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				EDWIN M. HARPER. 

	Grant county is fortunate in having as its auditor Edwin M. 
Harper, a man of unquestioned ability and integrity and one who 
understood fully the details of the work of the office when elected to 
the position, as he had previously served as deputy auditor. He was 
born in Chautauqua county, New York, March 17, 1855, a son of William 
and Desdemona (Mitchell) Harper. His paternal grandfather, Hugh Harper, 
was born in Ireland but emigrated to the United States, settling in New 
York, where he lived until called by death. William Harper, who was 
born on the Emerald Isle in 1819, came to the United States when a 
youth of sixteen years and for some time resided in New York. In 1856 
he removed to Minnesota, where he homesteaded land. He followed 
agricultural pursuits throughout his life and gained considerable 
success. He passed away in December, 1895, in the faith of the Seventh 
Day Adventist church, although he had belonged to the Baptist church in 
his early life. His political belief was that of the republican party 
and he was elected to a number of local offices. His wife, who was born 
in New York state in 1822, died in June, 1858. She was a member of the 
Baptist church. 

	Edwin M. Harper was educated in the schools of Spring Valley, 
Minnesota, and in 1876 was graduated from the high school. He taught 
for three years in Minnesota but in 1882 came to South Dakota and 
entered a claim in Brown county, continuing to reside thereon until 
1892. That year witnessed his arrival in Grant county and he purchased 
a farm which he still owns and the operation of which he supervises. 
From 1905 to 1911 he engaged in the grain business in Twin Brooks and 
later he was for four years deputy county auditor. In 1914 he was 
elected county auditor on the republican ticket and is now devoting his 
time to the discharge of his official duties. His previous service as 
deputy well qualified him to fill the office of auditor and he is 
prompt and accurate in the performance of the duties devolving upon 
him. His service is proving very satisfactory to his constituents and 
he is popular throughout the county. 

	In February, 1882, Mr. Harper married Miss Mary Sweet, a daughter 
of Dempster Sweet, of New York. She passed away in 1885, leaving a son, 
William, who is now farming in North Dakota. In 1887 Mr. Harper married 
Miss Mabel Tower, daughter of David Tower, a native of Canada. To this 
union have been born two children: Edwin M., who is in a bakery in 
Milbank; and Mary H., at home. 

	Mr. Harper is a stalwart republican in his political belief and 
does all in his power to further the success of his party. Fraternally 
he is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge and Royal Arch chapter, and 
both he and his wife are identified with the Order of the Eastern Star. 
He is now serving as senior deacon in the lodge. His identification 
with Masonry and his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church 
indicate the high moral principles which govern his life and which have 
gained him the confidence and respect of all who have been brought into 
contact with him.