U.S. Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ -- USGenNet Inc. -- Please read the U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on the following page: ------------------------------------------------------------------- Carper, Abraham (1763-1850) ------------------------------------------------------------------- The History of Upshur County West Virginia From its Earliest Exploration and Settlement to the Present Time by W. B. Cutright Buckhannon, W. Va., July 1, 1907 Pages 404-406 ABRAHAM CARPER was born in Reading, Pa., in the year 1763. His father, Paul (Kerber) Carper, was born in Germany and died in Reading, Pa., in 1777. At the time of his death he was assistant quartermaster and recruiting officer in the Colonial Army. In early manhood, Abraham Carper moved to Moorefield, Va., where he married Permilia Harnis. In June, 1800, he moved his family to a then nameless region, and built, in a dense forest, a log house, located on a site with the present (1906) Campus of the West Virginia Wesleyan College. This was the first dwelling house erected within the corporate limits of what is now Buckhanon. By trade he was a hatter. A man of sterling integrity, of more than ordinary intelligence, and a most ardent believer in the Christian Religion. He was brought up in the faith as taught by the German Lutheran Church, and was a recognized member of that denomination. At the time he came to Buckhannon, ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church preached, at stated intervals, about ten miles distant near the present Reger Church, in the home of John Reger, great grandfather of Dr. R. A. Reger. At first he stoutly antagonized these itinerants and their doctrine. After awhile, however, he approved and accepted the faith which he formerly tried so hard to destroy. Soon thereafter he and his wife identified themselves with the Methodist Episcopal Church and he was constituted a licensed exhorter and a class leader for more than fifty years. The slaves then in his possession were granted their freedom, some of whom, however, preferred to remain with their "Old Master," faithfully serving him to the end of his life. One of the number, Sampson, became a missionary to his own race in Liberia, Africa. Henceforth that Carper home was a home and resting place for the traveling preachers. Here also were held class and prayer meetings and regular preaching service, until about the year 1820, when a log "Meeting house" was built on a site on the upper side, and a little west of the corner of Kanawha street and College avenue, known as the "Carper Church." Here it remained until 1850, when it was removed near Depot street and used as a work shop, but was soon destroyed by fire. In December, 1823, his devoted wife, Permelia, died and he deeply lamented her. During the last thirty years of his life he was afflicted with Ptosis or paralysis of the upper eye-lids. In order that he might see an object he was necessitated to lift and keep lifted that palsied member. The pilgrimage of this old Patriarch was ended June 17, 1850, in the ninety-first year of his age. His twelve children were: 1st; Joseph 1789-1867, married Jane Harper, to whom were born Homer M. and Elizabeth A. 2d; Abram, 1791-1880, married Margaret Steward, their children were: Patsy, Burgess and Nehemiah. 3d; George, 1793-1882, married Rachel White, their children were: Isaac W., Asa, Daniel J. G. Columbus, Minerva, Sarah, Abram, Permelia and Virginia. 4th; Adam, 1705-1883, married Jeminia Currence, whose children were: Joseph, William C., Benjamin, Emily, Jane and Mary. 5th; Elizabeth, 1797-1880, married Nathan Davisson, to whom were born: Melville, Austin, Benjamin, Debby Ann, Olive Milly, Virginia, Carry, Harriet, Sarah, Jenette and Martha. 6th; Permelia, 1799-1850, married Elmore Hart, and their children were: Caroline, Ira and Elizabeth. 7th; Sarah, 1801-1886, married William, brother of Nathan Davisson. 8th; Jacob, 1806-1819. 10th.; Benjamin, 1813-1835. 11th and 12th; Asa and Isaac, died in childhood. 9th; Daniel. 1808-1897, being the last to remain at home, came in possession of the old homestead and assumed the care and support of his aged father. On August 21, 1845, Daniel married Sarah Jane, daughter of Colonel Asa Squires, of Salt Lick Bridge, Braxton County. The home life in the old domicile, notwithstanding the addition of such a member to the family, was continued much as heretofore only, possibly, with more efficient management, broader and more beneficient hospitality. It became a noted social and religious centre not only for the large Carper family and friends, but also for preachers and their families, as also for the meeting-going people in general. Little children were delighted to visit "Uncle Daniel and Aunt Jane." In the year 1848, he built a frame house on the spot where now stands the beautiful brick residence owned and occupied by S. C. Rusmisel, M. D., distant about 400 yards west of the old log dwelling. It was in this house where "Father Carper" died. He was buried by the side of his beloved Permelia, about 200 yards southeast of the home. The monument to his memory remains there unto this day. It was also in this building where all the children of Daniel were born, save the eldest, who was born in the old log house. The names of his children are: Abram, (1847) married Ella Bassel; Benjamin F., (1849) married Amelia Hutton; Clara Childs and Catherine Coogle. Luther E., 1851-1858; Wilbur F. (1853); A. Harnis, (1856); Sara, (1859). In December 1875 his wife Jane took to foster a little motherless child of nine days old, daughter of their son Benjamin. This grandchild, Minnie Florence, remained in the family until September, 1898, when she was married to G. F. Aldrich. They now live in Texas, and their children are: Justin F., and Olin G. In 1865, Daniel Carper moved in a southwestern direction to Radcliffe Run, one and a quarter miles away, remaining there four years, then moving to a farm on a part of which now stands, what is known as North Buckhannon. He was a man of excellent business qualifications, and was successful in all his business pursuits. He delighted in reading the Bible and was familiar with Scripture characters. A liberal supporter of all Church enterprises, and generous towards his relatives and his needy neighbors. A good man, a lover of good men, sober, just, temperate. A few years prior to his death, he transferred his land estate and committed himself and wife to their son, Wilbur Fisk, for sustenance and protection for the remainder of their lives. That reposed trust in that son has not been betrayed. In 1889, Wilbur took his parents, sister and niece to live on a farm at the mouth of Turkey Run. It was from this place on September 17, 1897, his father departed this life, lacking twelve days of being ninety years old. After ten years of residence at Turkey Run, he moved to Buckhannon, but farming on Peck's Run. At this date (1906) his mother is the only surviving member of both the Carper and Squires families of that generation. Although she is now 84 years old, the same amiable hospitable and pious demeanor, which characterized her in her earlier days, is manifest in these declining days of her useful and beautiful life. For two successive years she has won a premium on a silk shawl made by herself, about two years ago. Her daughter, Sara, was married September 5, 1889, by Rev. N. H. Prince, to Rev. S. D. Tamblyn, who, two years prior was pastor of the family. The Tamblyn children are Grace and Wesley Carper. ------------------------------------------------------------------- If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access other biographies for Upshur County, WV by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/wv/upshur/bios.html -------------------------------------------------------------------