Background
Harper was born on 9 January 1804, educated at The Queen"s College, Oxford and ordained in 1832.
Harper was born on 9 January 1804, educated at The Queen"s College, Oxford and ordained in 1832.
The Queen"s College.
He was Chaplain of Eton College until 1850 then Vicar of Street Mary's, Stratfield Mortimer. In 1856 he was elevated to the Episcopate as Bishop of Christchurch and in 1867 became Primate of New Zealand, relinquishing both posts in 1890. He died on 28 December 1893 and is buried at Barbadoes Street Cemetery.
Another son, Charles John Harper, owned various large farms and unsuccessfully stood for election to the House of Representatives in the Ashburton electorate in 1899.