Irish born educator, statesman, and land developer.
| When Burke met | 1818 |
| Where Burke met | Windsor, NY |
| Occupation | Professional |
| Interaction with Burke | Hosted Burke and gave him advice and money |
| Identity Status | Certain |
| Genealogy | Wikitree |
| Memoir Pages | 89 |
Notes
Robert Harpur (born 1731–1825) was an educator, statesman, and land developer. Born in Ballybay, Ireland, and educated at Glasgow University, he immigrated to New York in 1761 to serve as a mathematics professor and librarian at King’s College (now Columbia University). Supporting the American Revolution, Harpur held multiple public offices, including deputy to the New York Provincial Congress, state assemblyman (1777–1784), deputy secretary of state (1780–1795), and secretary to the state Land Board. He was also named to the inaugural Board of Regents. Harpur married Elizabeth Crygier in 1773, having one son, John Warren; following her death, he married Myra Lockey in 1789, with whom he had three children, including Robert Jr. After acquiring vast tracts of land in central New York, he retired from public service in 1795 and settled in Broome County, founding the community of Harpursville where he resided until his death.
Sources
Burke, William. Memoir of William Burke: A Soldier of the Revolution, Reformed from Intemperance, and for Many Years a Consistent and Devoted Christian; Carefully Prepared from a Journal Kept by Himself; to Which Is Added, an Extract from a Sermon Preached at His Funeral, by Rev. Nathaniel Miner. Hartford, CT: Case, Tiffany, 1837.