I explored that suggestion of Hillsborough connections for James Harper born 1804 m Elizabeth McCarthy born 1808. both from Co Down, and the McCarthy contribution saying no McCarthy baptism recorded for her etc in the Church of Ireland records , together making me consider was I following a possible red herring.
Emmigrant Harpers from co Down include
Richard Joseph HARPER Hillsborough youngest son of Joseph Harper of Hillsborough; married Elizabeth (2nd daughter of John Graham Esq. of Nelson, New Zealand ) 9 Jun 1902 at Nelson, New Zealand source PPNZ
Isaac Harper [b~1845] son of James Harper , farmer of Hillsborough; died 1 Dec 1868 aged 23 of apoplexy died 1868 PPNZ both these from Ros Davies website
That made me spend a little time searching Findmypast which has a sub section Travel and immigration which is searchable , but you buy credits to see the entries You find eg An emigrant Isaac Harper b 1846 arrives Australia.... so interesting but needs unavailable time.
I remenerered aghadowey years ago suggesting often would the querist check out the arrivals as something NZ record wise might help locate the place in co down
that took me to a website
http://www.dia.govt.nz/Births-deaths-and-marriages which gives alittle more detail which I have added to the early generation
James Harper b1804 m Elizabeth McCarthy b 1808. both from co down
children
James Harper Jr born 1831-1900 or d 1889/2205 NZ married married Sarah Wratt(Ratt) b ? m 1870/9453 d 1877/1702 aged 46 so b 1831
children
Maude b 1882 m Henry geddes
other possible children of James in Hillsborough include
ac Harper b~1845 died 1868 NZ
b 1846 arrives
other children
Richard HARPER . Hillsborough son of James Harper ; married Eliyn (sic) {Eileen} Stanfield daughter of Richard Stanfield 2 May 1862 CR +FH
Richard HARPER . Hillsborough husband of Isabella Stanfield; father of George b. 4 Jun 1866 CR
Richard HARPER . Hillsborough husband of Eliza(beth) Stanfield; father of William John b. 5 Oct 1867 & Isabella b. 5 Oct 1869 & James b. 31 Jul 1871 & Mary Ann b. 21 Nov 1872 CR
Census Years1901DownHilleboroughDrumatihughResidents of a house
Residents of a house 13 in Drumatihugh (Hilleborough, Down)
Show all information
Surname Forename Age Sex Relation to head Religion
Harper Isabilla 28 Female Daughter Church of Ireland
Harper Richard 68 Male Head of Family Church of Ireland
Harper George 34 Male Son Church of Ireland
Harper Mary C 1 Female Sons Daughter Church of Ireland
Harper Dorothy 23 Female Sons Wife Church of Ireland
My overall feeling was perhaps Hillsborough is the place as extra evidence shows the Mccarthy of Hillsborough were regularly having children baptised in Hillsborough Parish church but their earlier children were sometimes baptised in Dromore parish church Ros Davies also has several intermarriages with the Stanfields. She also has a contributor Karen Mccarthy that mihght be worth you following up.
On
http://www.GenesReunited.co.uk there are 3 trees that include
James Harper 1804 Ireland ... No Gwynneth the tree holder
James Harper 1804 Ireland ... No Anita the tree holder
James Harper 1804 Ireland ... No Graham the tree holder
but I think you need to join to asl permission to see the tree
thats my final contribution hoping you all connect up
