title: John Adams Harper
text: # John Adams Harper
  
  John Adams Harper (November 2, 1779 – June 18, 1816) was an American politician and a United States Representative from New Hampshire.
  
  ## Early life
  
  Born in Derryfield, New Hampshire, Harper attended Phillips Exeter Academy in 1794. He studied law and was admitted to the bar about 1802, commencing practice in Sanbornton.
  
  ## Career
  
  Harper was the first postmaster of Sanbornton, then moved to Meredith Bridge (now Laconia, Belknap County) in 1806. He served as clerk of the New Hampshire Senate, 1805–1808, was a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 1809 and 1810. He served in the State militia, 1809–1812.
  
  Elected as a Democratic-Republican to the Twelfth Congress, Harper served as United States Representative for the state of New Hampshire from (March 4, 1811 – March 3, 1813). He supported the Declaration of War in June 1812, and was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1812 to the Thirteenth Congress.
  
  ## Death
  
  Harper died at Meredith Bridge (now Laconia), New Hampshire, on June 18, 1816, (age 36 years, 229 days). He is interred in Union Cemetery, Laconia, Belknap County, New Hampshire.
  
  