On Friday the 30th ult. died, Robert Harper, Esq., of Lincoln's Inn, Counsellor at law, who is deservedly supposed to have been one of the most able conveyancers in England for more than half this present century. He was deeply versed in the laws of his own country, and well acquainted with the language and history of the modern and ancient nations. His knowledge was great; but his humanity and good temper were above all the modes of expression. He was born at Farnley in this parish; educated at the Free-School in this town; and was the elder brother of Samuel Harper Esq., Alderman of this borough.

The eldest son of Samuel Harper of Farnley, Yorks, gentleman, Robert Harper was born just before the turn of the century and was admitted to Lincoln's Inn on 14 March 1717. On 5 February 1735 he was called to the bar and on 30 May 1746 to the Bench of Lincoln's Inn. Robert's brother Samuel was born about 1700. He did not attend university but despite the lack of any indentifiable legal training he assisted his brother in his London practice. In later life he returned to Leeds. From 1758 the local paper records property of his in the town to be let. On 26 October 1762 he was chosen common councilman, and two weeks later alderman; the following year he was elected mayor – a rapid rise.