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Note: The Capers family originated in France; they were Burgundians (dwellers in burgs) who left France to seek religious freedom. The spelling of the family in England appears to have been "Capar". The family began arriving in England about 1551. This was shortly after Henry ascended to the French throne (1747). Calvinism had made its appearance into France and had received harsh treatment under the previous King Francis I and persecution continued under Henry. It is not know whether the Capers thought of themselves as "Huguenots".
Richard Capers (d. 1695) made his appearance in Carolina from England around 1684. The name of his first wife is not known but they had a son William, who was born about 1670. Richard married his second wife, Mary Barnett, probably before leaving England and had several children including Elizabeth who married (1) David Adams and (2) John Jenkins. Richard and His wife Mary arrived in Carolina with five indentured servants. Richard was granted 400 acres of land.
After Richard died, Mary Barnett married William Chapman. Richard, his sons, and his brother Gabriel came to America about the year 1680 from England. He had land grants from Lords Proprietors in South Carolina. He owned lots in Charleston and lands on the islands off the coast of South Carolina. He was a planter and a dealer in hides and leather goods. There may have been some connection with the firm of James Capers and Company, an old establishment in Liverpool, England, dealing with the same merchandise at that time.
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