DEFIANCE CRESCENT-NEWS Tuesday, July 28, 1925, pg.7

OBITUARY

James M. HARPER was born Nov. 9, 1846 in Lenawee Co., Mich. He was one of a family of eight children born to William HARPER, who was born in Ireland, and his wife Betsy (PETERSON) HARPER. One brother, David, was killed in the Civil war. He was married on Sept. 14, 1868 to Miss Nancy HILL of Warsaw, Ind., and to this union seven children were born, five having preceded him in death. One daughter, Ethel died at the age of 14 years, the others passed away in infancy. James HARPER was a farmer and a resident of Highland township for 70 years. He  moved on his farm of 80 acres south of Mt Calvary church when it was all in woods and  with his faithful wife cleared a small plot upon which they erected a log cabin was their home for many years. Nine years ago they moved to the home they occupied at the time of his death. He became a Christian in his youth and was one of the charter members of Center Chapel Baptist church and helped to it in the year 1887, and to which he belonged till the time of his departure. He had been in failing health since last Christmas time, He suffered much, but was resigned to the will of God and ready to go when in the early morning of July 23, 1925 he quietly   passed away at the age of 78 yrs. 8 mos., and 14 days, leaving to mourn their loss a wife, son Harry of Highland township and daughter Mrs. Jennie BLANCHARD of Hillsdale, Mich., 5 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Hannah MAY of Battle Creek, Mich. Mrs. Hattie WISWELL of Morenci, Mich., and a host of friends.