My Thomas Harper was born 1798-1802 in VA and his father, Josiah Harper, Sr. moved to Smith Co., TN with his family about 1820 or so. Thomas was married three times and I am trying to find out the last names of his first two wives. Some researchers say his 1st wife was Elizabeth (?), and she died early. He married a Mary R. (?) and 3rd Mary Jane Griggs. Thomas died in Marion/Fayette Co., AL around 1866. Thomas was named in a lawsuit in Smith Co., TN in 1839, see below. There is another interesting record of Thomas Harper "Case of the Missing Note" being given a warrant and sent to arrest Robert Garrett, his wife and Peter Stroud. Thomas Harper Vs Merritt & Lyon. Injunction. 25 Feb 1839 Chancery Book 1 Chancery Book 2 8 Oct 1838 p 104-109 Thomas Harper versus Merit Lyon et al. Complainant is a citizen of Smith Co while defendant is a citizen of Wilson Co. In Dec 1835, complainant was engaged in building a flat bottom boat upon the Caney Fork River which he designed. Complainant sold the defendant some tobacco . The defendant wanted a contract signed but the complainant not being able to write proposed going to Esq Winfrey to do the business. Lyon directed Esq Winfrey how to write the obligation. Harper, being illiterate and wholly inexperienced, trusted Winfrey and Lyon to put the contract down in such a way that no advantage would be taken. Lyon promised to furnish money as fast as it was needed. The complainant did not suspect the fraud which was going to take place. The following is just the first paragraph of "The Case of the Missing Note". A search warrant was issued, only it was issued for the arrest of GARRETT, his wife, his brother, and PETER STROUD. This warrant was put into the hands of THOMAS HARPER (age 31) as an "officer". HARPER went to GARRETT's house and arrested him and his wife. However, before he was allowed into the house, HEZEKIAH and PETER hid under the floorboards of the cabin. They were let out by Robert's negro woman. HEZEKIAH GARRETT drew a knife on HARPER who decided he had better go get more help. He stated that as he was leaving, he "heard ROBERT GARRETT call out to the other boys that HARPER was going for a stronger guard and to clear themselves out". Evidently when the law returned, PETER and HEZEKIAH had escaped. It was further stated it was found the Garretts and Peter Stroud had left the county and gone to NC.