Kenton Harper was the sort of remarkable man that the 19th century produced in seeming abundance. Born the son of a newspaperman in Chambersburg, PA, in 1801, Harper was working as a printer in town when he made the decision to purchase his own newspaper in Staunton, VA, and to relocate there in 1823. By any reckoning, it was a good career move. An ambitious young man, he parlayed his success in publishing into social power, winning election to the state legislature and as mayor of Staunton, and reaping the rewards with patronage appointments from friends in the capitol. Smart, ambitious, and well conscious of his political connections, Harper was also a conscientious man when it came to fulfilling his patronage roles. In 1851-1852, Harper played a brief, but fascinating part in the development of the Chickasaw Nation, accepting an appointment as agent to the tribe. He fulfilled his military duty as well, first in the Mexican American War and then in the Confederate Army, rather than Union, during the Civil War. Having carried a Major Generals' commission in the pre-war militia, Harper was appointed Brigadier General in the Virginia Provisional Army and was given command of the 5th Virginia Infantry, with the rank of Colonel in the Confederate States Army, which became one of the stalwart regiments in the famed Stonewall Brigade. Kenton barely outlived the war. A book entitled Kenton Harper of Virginia: Editor, Citizen, Soldier, by Thomas Tabb Jeffries, III, (Augusta Co. Historical Society) was just published in 2013 and provides an invaluable look at Harper's numerous accomplishments as a political leader, editor, soldier, and Indian agent. Lots 86-115 relate to the legacy of Kenton Harper. Lot of 2, including: Kenton Harper's personal, manuscript copy of the following, as titled at top of the 2pp document: An Act providing for the appointment and commissioning of the field and company officers of the Virginia regiment of Volunteers called into the service of the United States. Passed Decr. 19th 1846. This copy was signed by George W. Mumford and sent to Harper. Harper's personal prayer book presented to him by the ladies of Trinity Church, Staunton, VA, in December 1846. Opposite the presentation sticker that has been filled out to Captain Harper, Harper lists over a dozen locations and battles. At the bottom of this list, Harper's daughter, Mary, who ended up with Harper's effects, has written, Capt. Genl. Kenton Harper died Dec. 25, 1867.
Kenton Harper was the sort of remarkable man that the 19th century produced in seeming abundance. Born the son of a newspaperman in Chambersburg, PA, in 1801, Harper was working as a printer in town when he made the decision to purchase his own newspaper in Staunton, VA, and to relocate there in 1823. By any reckoning, it was a good career move. An ambitious young man, he parlayed his success in publishing into social power, winning election to the state legislature and as mayor of Staunton, and reaping the rewards with patronage appointments from friends in the capitol. Smart, ambitious, and well conscious of his political connections, Harper was also a conscientious man when it came to fulfilling his patronage roles. In 1851-1852, Harper played a brief, but fascinating part in the development of the Chickasaw Nation, accepting an appointment as agent to the tribe. He fulfilled his military duty as well, first in the Mexican American War and then in the Confederate Army, rather than Union, during the Civil War. Having carried a Major Generals' commission in the pre-war militia, Harper was appointed Brigadier General in the Virginia Provisional Army and was given command of the 5th Virginia Infantry, with the rank of Colonel in the Confederate States Army, which became one of the stalwart regiments in the famed Stonewall Brigade. Kenton barely outlived the war. A book entitled Kenton Harper of Virginia: Editor, Citizen, Soldier, by Thomas Tabb Jeffries, III, (Augusta Co. Historical Society) was just published in 2013 and provides an invaluable look at Harper's numerous accomplishments as a political leader, editor, soldier, and Indian agent. Lots 86-115 relate to the legacy of Kenton Harper. Lot of 2, including: Kenton Harper's personal, manuscript copy of the following, as titled at top of the 2pp document: An Act providing for the appointment and commissioning of the field and company officers of the Virginia regiment of Volunteers called into the service of the United States. Passed Decr. 19th 1846. This copy was signed by George W. Mumford and sent to Harper. Harper's personal prayer book presented to him by the ladies of Trinity Church, Staunton, VA, in December 1846. Opposite the presentation sticker that has been filled out to Captain Harper, Harper lists over a dozen locations and battles. At the bottom of this list, Harper's daughter, Mary, who ended up with Harper's effects, has written, Capt. Genl. Kenton Harper died Dec. 25, 1867.
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.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
