John Harper (1866-1947) was born in Ruardean, the son of a miner. He started work in the mines after leaving school. He soon became involved in the FDMA and by 1890 was a member of the FDMA Executive. He married Edith Griffiths in 1894 who died two years later. He then married Annie Wright and went on to have six children. In 1911, he was working as a timberman at Waterloo colliery and soon after was elected as checkweighman. He represented Waterloo on the FDMA Executive until his retirement. He was a trustee for the free miners until his death. He was a leading member of the community of Ruardean and was involved in a range of community and welfare work.
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