Most researchers have a Catherine Osborne as the 1st wife of Thomas Wesley Harper (1816-aft 1870). Their marriage occurred 18 July 1839 in Jackson Co., (W)VA. The best I recall after reviewing this marriage record, her surname was not readable. It did appear to begin with an "O". I've been trying to document this assertion. I began to try and track down their children to see if there was a document such as a marriage record or death record that may list her maiden name.

Their 1st child, Isaac Harper, born 11 Aug 1839 in Roane Co., (W)VA; married 19 Sept 1860 to Sarah Jane Walker in Roane Co.; 1870 he's in Mason Co., (W)VA; 1880 Roane Co., WV; 1900 Kanawha Co.; 1910 Harrison Co., OH; 1920 Jefferson Co., OH; he died 26 Nov 1928 in Archer Twp., Harrison Co., OH at the age of 89.

Isaac's son Ed Harper was the informant on Isaac's death certificate. He listed Isaac's father as Thomas Harper and his mother as Sara RUNYON. There was a Runyon family that settled in Roane Co.

I wanted to throw this information out there to get some other researchers thoughts and ideas since as far as I know, this is new information.

Contact: Mark Kiser | mark.kiser@walhonde.com