Roper Family of Burke County Area, North Carolina

L. David Roper
roperld@vt.edu
(www.roperld.com)
6 March, 2002

The Second Generation of Ropers in Burke County Area (1815-1870)

The 1815 Tax List for Burke County contains: Capt. Huffman's Company (SE Burke County):
Elijah Roper 1 tract of Land lying on the South fork. Land 50 Valuation $50 White Poles 1
Capt. McKinsey's Company (SW Burke County, now McDowell Co.):
Hennery Roper (no land) White Poles 1
David Roper 1 tract of land of 98 acres lying on Cain Creake. Land 98 Value $196 White Poles 1

(See above for James Roper's entry in SE Burke County.) There are many Cain Creeks in North Carolina, and one of them is in Old Burke County in what is now extreme Southeastern McDowell County and flows south into Rutherford County. Its origin is at Bolin Knob on the extreme SW corner of Burke County. Thus, David Roper's land is about six miles SW of (Rev.) David Roper's land (see above). James went NE and David went SW to settle for land. Elijah's land is in the same area as James' land, so Elijah is probably James' son, but could be his brother. We shall see later from the census records that Elijah is 26 years younger than James, so it appears most likely that he is James's son. He could be David, Jr.'s son, but it seems unlikely since David, Jr.'s sons were about ten years younger than James' and David, Jr. disappeared from Burke County while Elijah remained involved in James's affairs (see James' estate record below). The white pole (age 21-50) entry indicates a birth date for Elijah Roper, Hennery Roper and David Roper of 1765-1794.

Burke Co. court records for 1815:

Jan 1815 David Roper on jury to view & mark road from head of CaneCreek to Swannanoa.
Jul 1815 John & Henry Roper were hands on road, 16 mile post to Rutherford line.
Oct 1815 David Roper on jury to view road from Lincolnton to Buncombe.
Oct 1815 Deed from James Moses to Elijah Roper, 50 acres dated 18 Sep 1812. Proved by Solomon Roper
Oct 1815 David Roper juror to Jan 1816 court.

This record for Henry Roper and the Hennery Roper record above are the only records for him I have found in this area. (There are many Henry Roper records in Caswell County. One there married Rachel Farley in 1810 and did not show in the records again until 1819. Henry may have moved to Burke Co. after marrying and then back to Caswell Co. a few years later.) This John Roper record perhaps connects John Roper of the earliest Roper grave in Salem Methodist Church to the other Ropers who lived in the Rutherford/Burke Counties line area.

The following marriage records exist for Burke County:
Alexander Deal Clary England 7 Sep 1816 Alexander Norten(bm) J. Erwin (w)
James Garradson x Polly Roper 30 Mar 1813 Philip Martin (bm) C. Hildebrand (w)
David Roper x Mary Becknel 23 Jan 1816 Solomon Roper (bm) J. Erwin (w)
Joshua Tallent Carrie Roper 30 Oct 1816 Solomon Roper (bm) W. A. Erwin (w)
John Roper Polly England 24 May 1821 Fredk. Stevilie(bm) A. H. Erwin (w)
John Garrelson Dycca Berry 7 Aug 1823 John Roper (bm) Jno. Sudderth (w)
George Smith Sally Roper 1 Dec 1824 Wm. Roper (bm) Joseph Erwin (w)

The bonds may have been paid before the marriage. Alexander Deal/Dale latter married Barbara Roper (see below). The name Garradson was later changed to Garrison.

John Roper is obviously the same one in the cemetery records above. The fact that no Roper was a bondsman for his marriage may mean that he was not closely connected to the other Ropers in Burke County. Also, the Salem Methodist Church at which he and his wife Mary (Polly) are buried, although it is south of Morganton, is not in the farther south South Mountains where the other Ropers lived. As will be explained below, the evidence suggests that many of the other Ropers buried in the Salem Methodist Church and who now live in its vicinity are descendants of John. The placement in the 1830 census indicates that John Roper might be a son of David, Jr.. Since I have few records on the David Roper, Jr. family and he seemed to move around often, I shall assign John Roper to this family for now.

This even younger David Roper would likely have been born 1790-1800. Solomon Roper appears (only) in the 1830 US census for Burke County with birth date 1790-1800. So Solomon is probably this David Roper's brother, since he served as the bondsman. Two David Ropers who were born 1790-1800 appear in the 1830 US census (see below) for Burke, and the grouping of households indicate that Solomon and one David might be sons of David, Jr. and the other David might be a son of James.

Sally Roper Smith is probably a daughter of James Roper because her bondsman Wm. Roper appears by land records (see below) to be a son of James. Similarly, Carrie Roper Tallent is probably a daughter of James Roper since she or her daughter Carah Talent is prominent in the estate record of James (see below). Polly Roper Garradson may have been James's daughter, since a Garrison is listed in the estate of James (see below). Since Solomon Roper is listed as the bondsman of both David and Carrie, I reverse the conclusion of the previous paragraph and now assign Solomon to the James family.

My best guesses for the David Roper, Jr. and James Roper families are now:

David Roper, Jr. (b 1770-1775) m 25 Feb 1788 Sarah Francis (b bef 1775)
Henry Roper (b 1765-1794); David Roper III (b 1780-1790)
John Roper m 24 May 1821 Mary (Polly) England
(b 6 Sep 1797 d 10 Jan 1868) (b 25 Aug 1783 d 30 Mar 1865)

James Roper (b 1760=1770) WIFE (b c1770)
Polly Roper (b 1780-1790) m 30 Mar 1813 James Garradson
Carrie Roper (b 1790-1800) m 30 Oct 1816 Joshua Tallant
David Roper (b 1790-1800) m 23 Jan 1816 Mary Becknel
Solomon Roper (b 1790-1800)
Sally Roper (b 1790-1800) m 1 Dec 1824 George Smith
Elijah Roper (b 1790-1800);
William Roper (b 1800-1810)

Morganton NC Circuit of the SC Conference of the Methodist Church:
Quarterly meeting 4 Apr 1817:...Ropers 0"0"0 (Collection)

The 1820 US census for Burke County lists:
James Roper: M: 2(10-16) 1(16-18) 3(18-26) 1(26-45) 1(45 up) F: 1(10-16) 1(18-26) 1(45 up)
Elijah Roper: M: 2(0-10) 1(26-45) F: 1(0-10) 1(26-45)
David Roper: M: 1(0-10) 2(10-16) 2(18-26) 1(45 up) F: 1(0-10) 1(10-16) 3(18-26) 1(26-45)

Betsy Pittman states: "David Roper was in (now) McDowell Co., judging from his neighbors."

Thus the birth dates are:
James (bef 1775) WIFE (bef 1775):
M: 1(1775-1794) 3(1794-1802) 1(1802-1804) 2(1804-1810) F: 1(1794-1802) 1(1804-1810)
One of these two younger females could be the woman with a young son who was living with James when he died in 1853 (see below).

David (bef 1775) WIFE (1775-1794) M:2(1794-1802) 2(1804-1810) 1(1810-1820)
F: 3(1794-1804) 1(1804-1810) 1(1810-1820)

Elijah (1775-1794), WIFE (1775-1794) M: 2 (1810-1820); F: 1 (1810-1820)

Estes family history indicates that Sally Estes married Solomon Roper in Burke County about 1820.

Phifer indicates that Solomon Roper was a justice of the County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in 1821 (p. 420) and was coroner in 1826 (p. 425). Justices serve for life (Phifer, p. 47).

The North Carolina Room of the Burke County Public Library has a list of the persons buried in the old cemeteries of Burke County. The only Ropers listed who were born in the 1820s are:
W. M. Roper b 23 Jan 1821 d 19 Aug 1883 Salem Methodist Church
Mrs. F. J. Roper b 1 May 1824 d 8 Aug 1903 Salem Methodist Church

Family memory places these two as husband and wife. The only older Ropers in this cemetery are John and Mary Roper (see above) and their graves are in the row in front of these graves, so this W. M. Roper is probably their son. Mrs. F. J. Roper's maiden name was Frances Jane Orders and she is W. M.'s wife, and W. M. is William (Monroe?) Roper. No graves are in this cemetery for birth dates in the 1830s, so these four early birth dates are much earlier than any that follow.

The following Burke County land grant appears for Solomon Roper in 1823:

No. 4450
County Burke Name Roper, Solomon Acres 51
Grant No. 5107 Issued 8 Dec 1823 Entry No. 8354
Entered 10 May 1823 Book No. 135 Page No. 472
Location on waters of long creek joining his own land on both sides of the still house branch.
NORTH CAROLINA Comptroller's Office, Dec 2 1823
IT appears from a Receipt of the Public Treasurer, lodged in this office, that Solomon Roper has paid the Purchase-Money for an Entry of Land, containing 51 acres, in the County of Burke , which Entry is No. 8354 Jo Hawkins, Compt. (signed)
(second page:)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA No. 11492
David Ferree Entry officer of Claims for lands in the County of Burke to the Surveyor of said county.
Greeting you are hereby required to lay off & Survey for Solomon Roper one tract or parcel of land containing fifty One acres lying in your county bounded as follows viz lying on the waters of long Creek Joining his Own land, on both Sides of the Still house branch. Entered 10th May 1823
Observing the direction of the Act of Assembly in such case made and provided. Given under my hand at office this 25th Sept. 1893 David D. Ferree (signed)
(third page:)
State N. Carolina, Burke County (map is here) By virtue of a Warrant No. 8354 Entered the 10th of May 1823survey for Solomon Roper fifty One acres lying On the waters of long Creeke Joining his own land on both sides of the Still house branch. Begining On a white Oake On a ridge his old Corner & runs South 58 deg. W Sixty poles to a large white Oake On the North Side of a hill then South 19 deg. East Oone hundred & thirty Six poles to a Stake in his Old line Then with S.P(?) line to the Begining. Surveyed October 28th 1823 F T Turner D. Syrv Austin Farr (?)
Geo. W. Walker CC Robt. Logan C.S.

Stillhouse Creek is in old Burke County, now central McDowell County. This is in the area (SW Burke County) where David, Jr. lived, rather than where James lived (SE Burke County). So, now it appears that Solomon is a son of David, Jr. instead of James.

The Burke County Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Jan 1823, p. 389: Solomon Roper appointed Constable who give bond with approved Security in the Sum of $4,000.

The Burke County Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Oct 1824. Warrants & Surveys, 1778-1858 (microfilm in NC Room, Burke Co. Pub. Lib.) David Doak's survey on Rock Creek, water of S. Fork; adj. James Smith, A. Smith, & Legel; James Roper and Peter Laygle (Lail).

The Burke Journal, V.X, N.2, p.20: Burke Co. Apprentice Bonds 1784-1873: Oct 1824 Court: to John Boone, Sheriff. Three children of a colored woman named Sally who lives on the creek near Solomon Roper.

1824 Burke Co. tax list: Capt. I. Hall's Co. (SW Burke/Rutherford/ McDowell Cos.)
David Roper 100 acres $100 evaluation 1 pole

Burke Co. Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions-Jan 1826. Ordered that Solomon Roper, Conrad Hildebrand and Thomas Walker be a Committee to Settle the Estate of Lewis Lowmon decd. with Jesse Martin admr & report therof.

In 1828 inThe Hoffmans of North Carolina by Max E.Hoffman (1938) the following contract to build a school in the "southern part of Burke County" is quoted on p. 92: We whose names are hereunto Subscribed do bind ourselves, our heirs, Executors, Administrators or Asigns to pay, or cause to be paid unto Daniel Brackett the Sum of one Dollar & Twenty five cents per Scholar for his Services as a Teacher 3 months & each subscribed Shall Assist in building a Sufficient House to teach in agreeable to their Subscription & S, d Subscribers Shall Empower S, d Brackett in full Government of said School. & I Daniel Brackett Doth bind myself to teach S, d School Committed To my Care in reading, Writing or Arithmetic to the best of his Skill and ability & their Several Capacities will permit and S, d Brackett obliges himself to teach & instruct good rules and Regulations to the best of his skill & begins with 20 Scholars and keeps an open School to 2. If any Scholar comes into the School and will not submit to the rules of the School they Shall Leave the School & pay Likewise & we the
Subscribers Shall find S, d Brackett in boarding and washing as Witnesses--with our respective Names Annex't with the number of Scholars CB and keeps 5 days per week During said term.
Phillip Brittain_________Schlors__6; Daniel Roper_____________Schlors__4
Casper Hoffman___________Schlors__5; Phillip Martin___________Schlors__6

This is the only occurrence of a Daniel Roper I have found in the early records. Since the Brittains and Martins did not live near James Roper, Daniel Roper is most likely a son of David Roper, Jr.. However, the names David and Daniel are often mistaken when records are transcribed, so this could be for a David, since several lived in Burke County about this time.

Field Note Book Lands Sold for Erwin Erwin & Greenlee 5 June 1828: Surveyed for John Roper & Robert Carswell 100 Acres Speculate of land on both sides of Cain brake creek Beginning on a W.O. on West side of the creek Marked E.S. and runy East 22 poles to the creek + in the same 18 poles to a stake then S 60 poles to a W.O. on the hill above the house the corner of the Old ???? then So. ?????? the creek 100 poles to a stake then West 100 poles to a Sowerwood in a hollow at side of James Ropers place then 160 poles to the beginning. Surveyed 4 Feb 1829. Wm Carswell, Elijah Roper CC`````````` Deed Executed to Robt. Cresswell on 24 March 1829 $50 Survey for Robt. Carswell 11 Acres 4 Feb 1829. Elijah Roper, Wm. Carswell CC

Letter to author from Betsy Pittman: The Field Note Book...ofspeculation land in upper Rutherford (now Cleveland) Co.

Powell's Gazetteer: Cane Brake Creek rises in S. Rutherford Co. andflows S. into Broad River.

The following death record exists for Burke County: Person Parents
Patient Smith 27 Feb 1829 Elija Roper NC unknown burial
b 22 Jun 1919 NC Catherine Hoffman NC

So now we know Elijah's wife's maiden name. Many Hoffman's (or Huffman) lived, and still live, in the area where the Ropers lived (now Walker's Chapel area of the South Mountains). The 1850 census (see below) lists Patience as living in the Elijah Roper household and the 1870 census (see below) lists Catherine Roper as living in the Zack and Patience Smith household.

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Morganton News Herald 1991 article: Walker Top Church Plans Reunion....Joseph (Walker), who was born Oct. 20 1824, was only 5 years old when his father (Thomas Walker) died. Burke Co. records show that Elizabeth Walker's brother, Michael Hoofman, and her brother-in-law Elijah Roper, were appointed as guardians for her children.

The following Burke County land grant appears for Samuel Roper in 1829:

No. 4769
County Burke Name Roper, Samuel Acres 100-
Grant No. 5425 Issued 11 May 1830 Entry No. 10146
Entered 29 July 1829 Book No. 138 Page No. 354 Location on Waters of the South Fork
NORTH CAROLINA Comptroller's Office, 10th May 1830
IT appears, from a Receipt of the Public Treasurer, lodged in this Office, that Samuel Roper has paid the Purchase-Money for an Entry of Land, containing One Hundred acres, in the County of Burke , which Entry is No. 10,146 J. Grant, Compt. (signed)
(second page:)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, Burke COUNTY. NO. 10146
David E. Ferree Entry Officer of claims, for Lands in the County of Burke to the Surveyor of said County, Greeting: YOU are hereby required to lay off and Survey, for Samuel Roper a tract or parcel of Land lying in your County, containing 100 Acres, lying on James Roper Mill Creek, joining Thos Walker & the Speculation Entered 29th day of July A.D. 1829 . Observing the direction of the Acts of Assembly in that case made and provided, for running out Lands, two just and fair plans of each survey, with a proper Certificate annexed to each, together with this warrant, you are to transmit to the Secretary's Office, without delay. Given under my hand, at office the 30 day of Oct 1829 David D. Ferree (signed)
(third page:)
State N. Carolina, Burke County (map is here) By virtue of a Warrant No. 10146 Entered 29th July 1829 Surveyed for Samuel Roper One Hundred Acres of land lying on the Waters of the South Fork. Beginning on a Post Oak bush at a dead ? Thomas Walker's So.West corner on the West Side of Chapmans road, and runs north on the Walkers line One hundred & Sixty poles to a Sasafras Post Oak and black Oak bush at the No.West corner of Walkers Survey. Then West crossing the road that goes from Ropers to the Church then South One hundred and Sixty poles to a stake then East One hundred poles to the Begining. Surveyed 1st April 1830.
James Roper and M. Sudderth C. Sy. (signed) Wm. Roper (CC)

Using the clues in this land grant I was able to drive directly to the area of the grant (Walkers Chapel Baptist Church area) on 7 May 1989. It lies next to River Road in the South Mountains about one mile west of the turnoff to Walkers Chapel Baptist Church; it now belongs to Frank Huffman. Frank Huffman, who lived near the church, showed me the old mill dam on Roper Mill Creek and where the log Roper Church- School was (at side of parking lot for Walkers Chapel Church) before it burned in 1922. I have a newspaper clipping, supplied by Nicole Mull, of the 1906 class in front of Roper School. It states that the school was "located on Old N.C. 18 on the site where Walker's Chapel Methodist Church is now." (This is a mistake about the church's denomination or else it changed.) Of the 53 people in the picture, 18 are Huffmans and 10 are Carswells.

The following Burke County land grant appears for William Roper in 1829:

No. 4770
County Burke Name Roper, William Acres 100-
Grant No. 5426 Issued 11 May 1830 Entry No. 9935
Entered 28 April 1829 Book No. 138 Page No. 354
Location on Waters of S Fork
NORTH CAROLINA Comptroller's Office, 10th May 1830
IT appears, from a Receipt of the Public Treasurer, lodged in this Office, that William Roper has paid the Purchase-Money for an Entry of Land, containing One Hundred acres, in the County of Burke , which Entry is No. 9935 J. Grant, Compt. (signed)
(second page:)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA No. 9935 David E. Ferree Entry Officer of claims for Lands in the County of Burke to the Surveyor of said county Greeting you are hereby required to lay off & Survey, for William Roper one tract or parcel of land containing one hundred acres lying in your county situate as follows lying on the watter of the South Fork joining James Roper & John Smith including the Red hill. Entered 28th April 1829. Observing the direction of the Act of Assembly made and provided in Such case - Given under My hand at office this 29 day of July 1929
David D. Ferree (signed)
(third page:)
State N. Carolina, Burke County (map is here) By virtue of a Warrant No. 9935 Entered 28th April 1829 Surveyed for William Roper One Hundred Acres of land on the Waters of the South Fork including the Red hill. Beginning on a pine marked J.S.W.R. near the path leading from John Smiths to Robert Criswells and runs North 75 degrees West One hundred poles to a Black Oak near the head of a branch that runs into the river in Philip Brittains old place. Then north 15 degrees East One hundred Sixty poles to a small Black Oak sapling near the Ridge Road. Then south 75 degrees East One hundred poles xing a branch to a stake. Then south 15 degrees West One hundred poles to the Begining. Surveyed the 1st day of April 1830.
James Roper and M. Sudderth C. Sy. (signed) Saml. Roper (CC)

Note that CC indicates the name of the chain carriers for the surveyor. Thus it appears that James is probably William's and Samuel's father. We can add Samuel Roper to the James Roper family.

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The Burke Journal, V.X, N.2, p.11: Burke Co. Tax List, Capt.
Huffman's Co. 1830 (S. Mts. area): Name Land Value Poles
William Roper 200 200 1 Elisha Roper 50 50 1
Saml Roper 100 50 1 James Roper Senr 0 0 1

The 1830 US census shows eight Roper families in Burke County, he most of any of the old censuses:
"In the German section." Page No.
John Roper M: 2(5-10) 1(30-40); F: 2(40-50) 126
Solomon Roper M: 1(0-5) 1(5-10) 1(30-40) F: 2(0-5)1(30-40) 2(Fslaves10-24) 127
David Roper M: 2(5-10) 1(30-40); F: 2(0-5) 1(30-40) 128
William Roper M: 1(20-30); F: 1(20-30) 130
James Roper, Sr. M: 1(20-30) 1(60-70); F: 1(20-30) 1(60-70) 130
David Roper M: 1(0-5) 1(30-40); F: 1(0-5) 1(20-30) 130
Elijah Roper M: 1(5-10) 1(10-15) 1(15-20) 1(30-40) F: 2(0-5) 1(15-20) 1(40-50) 131
James Roper, Jr. M: 2(0-5) 1(20-30); F: 1(0-5) 1(5-10) 1(20-30) 137

Thus the birth dates are:

John: (1790-1800) WIFE (1780-1790) M: 1(1820-1825); F: 1(1780-1790)
It appears that John's sister, his wife's sister or a brother's wife is living with them.

Solomon: (1790-1800) WIFE (1790-1800) M: 1(1820-1825) 1(1825-1830); F: 2(1825-1830)

David: (1790-1800) WIFE (1790-1800) M: 2(1820-1825); F: (1825-1830)

William: (1800-1810) WIFE (1790-1800)

James, Sr.: (1760-1770) WIFE (1760-1770) M: 1(1800-1810); F: 1(1800-1810)
The female that was born after 1810 (see 1820 census above) and that perhaps was living with James with a young son when James died (see below) is not now at home.
David: (1790-1800) WIFE (1800-1810)
M: 1(1825-1830); F: 1(1825-1830)

Elijah: (1790-1800) WIFE (1780-1790) M: 1(1810-1815) 1(1815-1820) 1(1820-1825)
F: 1(1810-1815) 2(1825-1830)

James, Jr.: (1800-1810) WIFE (1800-1810) M: 2(1825-1830); F: 1(1820-1825) 1(1825-1830)

So we add James Roper, Jr. (1800-1810) to the James Roper family.

The following marriage record exists for Lincoln County:
William Roper Anna Ramsey 3 Feb 1830 Allen Ramsey (bm)
(one record shows: 1 Feb 1830) Luther McBee (w)

Burke Co. NC election records: We do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a correct Statement of all the notes given us at the house of James Roper, that each number of votes is next to the candidate. This is given under our hand. Seals this 10 day of Aug 1830.C Hildebrand, Frederick Draper?
?? David Roper Jr. 40 William Roper 43 Solomon Roper 49 James Roper ?? ? Roper
49 Samuel Roper ?? David Roper

Phifer (p. 420) indicates that William Roper was a justice of the County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in 1831. Justices serve for life (Phifer, p. 47).

Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Jul 1831, Case #20: Margaret Wild v. William Roper. Jury withdrawn by consent; continued in Jul 1832 session; in Jan 1833, jury finds for the defendant (charge not given)

On 25 Sept. 1832 in Open Court Elijah Roper was designated the guardian of Elizabeth Hardridge and Samuel Walker, minor heirs of Samuel Walker. $55.10 funds were indicated.

Burke Co. Inventories of Sales of Estates, 1832-1838: (P)=purchasers
27 Jul 1832 David Tate Sr. estate: Roper, John Roper (P)
28 Jul 1832 Robert Carswell estate: S. Roper JP
1 Feb 1833 James Murphy estate: Sol Roper, Wm Roper (P)
Oct 1833 Henry Hildebrand estate: Wm Roper JP
24 Oct 1833 John Williams estate: S. Roper (P)
Jan 1834 William Walker estate: Wm Roper JP
24 May 1834 George Pool estate: David Roper (P)
24 May 1834 Samuel C. Tate estate: William Roper (P)
26 Aug 1834 Abraham Huffman estate: Elijah Roper, Samuel Roper, William Roper (P)
18 Oct 1835 Thomas Walker estate: Elijah Roper guardian
Jan 1836 Abram Hoofman/Huffman estate: William Roper (P)
21 Apr 1836 Jacob Stillwell estate: William Roper (P)
29 Oct 1836 James Murphy estate: Wm. Roper (P)

The North Carolina Room of the Burke County Public Library has a list of the persons buried in the old cemeteries of Burke County. The only Roper listed who was born in the 1830s is:
Altha Duckworth Roper b 1833 [wife William Shuping R.] d 1905 Glen Alpine Methodist

The following Burke County land grant appears for Elijah Roper in 1832:

No. 4994
County Burke Name Roper, Elijah Acres 5-
Grant No. 5650 Issued 5 Dec 1833 Entry No. 11492
Entered 20 Feb 1832 Book No. 140 Page No. 519 Location on both sides of the South fork
NORTH CAROLINA Comptroller's Office, 29th Nov 1833
IT appears, from a Receipt of the Public Treasurer, filed in this Office, that Elijah Roper has paid the Purchase-Money for an Entry of Land, containing Five acres, in the County of Burke , which Entry is No. 11492 J. Grant, Compt. (signed)
(second page:)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA No. 11492 David E. Ferree Entry Officer of claims for lands in the County of Burke to the Surveyor of said county Greeting you are hereby required to lay off & Survey for Elijah Roper one tract or parcel of land containing twenty acres, lying in your county situate as follows lying on the South Fork & Younger Creek joining lands of Wm. Creswell, John Smith and his own. Entered 20th Feb 1832 Observing the direction of the Act of Assembly made & provided in Such case -Given under My hand at office this 26th day of Sept 1932
David D. Ferree (signed)
(third page:)
State N. Carolina, Burke County (map is here) By virtue of a Warrant No. 11492 Entered 20th day of February 1832 Surveyed for Elijah Roper five Acres of land on both sides of the South Fork adjoining his own land, John Smith and Erwin and Sudderth. Begining on a black oak on a hill in the line of Erwin & Sudderth and runs North 20 degrees East with their lines crossing Younger Creek forty four poles to a Spanish Oak & Black oak their corner and the corner of John Smith, Thos. Smith with Smiths line sixty poles to the river crossing. Same course twelve poles to a stake. Then north 29 degrees West crossing the river and running with Ropers own line thirty four poles to the begining. Surveyed the 31st Dec 1832.Wm. Creswell and M. Sudderth C. S. (signed) Saml. H. Roper (CC)

This is the only occurrence of a middle initial for Samuel Roper. Other evidence indicates that he is a different Samuel than the one often mentioned above. This one is a son of Elijah and the other is a brother.

Phifer (p.279) indicates that James Roper was the militia captain for his district in 1834 and, therefore, the district was then named Roper's District.

Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Jan 1834 State v. Solomon Roper Not quilty (assault & battery).

Shortly after this Solomon moved to MS. A child of his was born there in 1838.

Sale of Abraham Huffman 26 Aug 1834: buyers: Samuel Roper 1 man's saddle $2.58
Elijah Roper 1 hay stack $2.85, 1 bottle whiskey $$.27; 1 account on William Roper $2.62 1/2
Bulletin of Genealogical Society of Old Tryon Co. 1988: p.66: A copy of the polls of the election held in the county of Burke, on the 13th day of Aug 1835, for the election of a member to represent the 12th District of NC in the 24th Congress of the US. A list of the voters for the Congressional election opened and held at Morganton: ...17. John Roper...279. Solomon Roper ...
p.108: State of North Carolina, Burke Co.. We, Elijah Roper and William Brittain, judges of an election opened and held at the South Fork election ground, this day do certify that at said election ground, that in Congress, James Graham got 21 votes. David Newland got 13 votes. ______Durham got 00 votes. Given under our hands, this 13th day of Aug 1835. Abraham Brittain, Elijah Roper, Judges. Samuel Roper, Clerk.
p.109: A list of voters for Congressional election, opened and held at James Dysart's, Aug 13th 1835...15. David Roper..

Walter Hall (P.O. Box 609, Montreat, NC 28757) states: Daniel Roper of Burke Co. was a son of David who married a Margaret.Daniel was born April 14, 1836, and died Jan. 20, 1909. On Feb 16, 1858 he married Susan Caroline Fouts. She was born April 6, 1839 and diedAugust 12, 1926. Both Daniel and Susan are buried in Macon Co., NC. The children of Daniel and Susan were:
1. Margaret Born May 22, 1859 Died Jan 18, 1915
2. Alice Born Apr 22, 1862 Died Sep 9, 1911
3. Barbara Born Nov 21, 1863 Died Sep 16, 1954
4. Corrie Ann Born Dec 17, 1865 Died Sep 25, 1936
5. Charles C. Born Apr 21, 1868 Died ?
6. Harriett Born Aug 28, 1870 Died Apr 17, 1947
7. Lunia Born Apr 1, 1873 Died Sep 23, 1877
8. William T. Born Aug 23, 1876 Died Mar 14, 1937
9. James R. Born Nov 30, 1877 Died ?
10. Harley S. Born Aug 12, 1880 Died Dec 17, 1955
11. Gordie Born Dec 21, 1882 Died ?

This marriage is shown in the NC Marriage Bonds microfilm: Daniel Roper m Susan C. Fouts on
17 Feb 1858 bm: William Foutes w: R. C. Slagle by: D. McCoy in: Macon Co., NC

Declaration papers at the National Archives show that Samuel Roper "was a private soldier in the Company commanded by Capt. Connelley in the regiment of N.Ca. militia commanded by Col. Bynum who were engaged in the military service of the U.S. in removing the Cherokee Indians west of the Mississippi ... that he volunteered at at Morganton, NC on or about the 1st day of Apr A.D. 1838 for the term of six months and continued in actual service for the term of two months 12 days. ... and was honourable discharged at Ashville, NC on or about 5 day of July 1838." The original papers were filed in Burke County in 1852. Later papers were filed in 1855 in Cherokee County, NC to receive bounty land. The final papers were filed in 1871 in Cherokee County by Samuel's widow Rebeca x Roper and witnessed by W. W. Roper to receive bounty land. (Family history has it Rebecca Flowers.)

Phifer (p. 452) also lists Samuel Roper as the only Roper from Burke involved in the Indian Removal.

1838 List of a Volunteer Co. raised from 79th Reg. of NC Militia Co. of Burke for the Cherokee service: ...48. Samuel Roper

My best guesses for the David Roper, Jr. family are now:
David Roper, Jr. (b 1770-1775) m 25 Feb 1788 Sarah Francis (b bef 1775)
Hennery Roper (b 1765-1794)
David Roper III (b 1790-1800) m 23 Jan 1816 Mary Becknel
John Roper m 24 May 1821 Mary (Polly) England
(b 6 Sep 1797 d 10 Jan 1868) (b 25 Aug 1783 d 30 Mar 1865)
Solomon Roper (b 1790-1800) (m c1820) Sally Estes (b 1790-1800)

Daniel Roper

My best guesses for the James Roper family are now:
James Roper (b 1760=1770) WIFE (b c1770)
Polly Roper (b 1780-1790) m 30 Mar 1813 James Garradson
Carrie Roper (b 1790-1800) m 30 Oct 1816 Joshua Tallant
David Roper (b 1790-1794) WIFE (b c1800)
Sally Roper (b 1790-1800) m 1 Dec 1824 George Smith
Elijah Roper (b 1790-1794) Catherine Hoffman (b 1780-1790)
William Roper (b 1800-1810) m 3 Feb 1830 Anna Ramsey
Samuel H. Roper (b 6 Jan 1806) m Rebecca Flowers (b 29 Mar 1817)
James Roper, Jr. (b1800-1810) WIFE (b 1800-1810)
The birth dates for Samuel Roper and Rebecca Flowers are taken from family history. I have moved Solomon to the David Roper, Jr. family and reversed the David Ropers between the two families.

Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Apr 1839 - Solomon Roper appointed Corriner (coroner).

Rutherford Co. Wills & Misc. Records, 1783-1868: p.54. 9 Mar 1839 Will of William Lucas. Land east side of Lucas Ford Money to Palm Tree Church. "I have give unto my drt. Nancy & her husband Andrew Parker one tract of land called the Roper tract..."

Rutherford Co., NC Abstracts of Wills 1823-1868: p.42: E:54 William Lucas, 9 Mar 1839...Have given to Dau. Nancy & husband Andrew Parker, tract of land Roper tract ...

The US census for 1840 for Burke County lists:
On the south side of the Catawba River and west side of North Fork
James Roper M: 1(5-10) 1(10-15) 1(15-20) 1(30-40) F: 1(5-10) 1(10-15) 1(15-20) 1(30-40) p.39
Samuel Roper M: 1(30-40); F: 1(20-30) p. 59
Elijah Roper M: 1(5-10) 1(15-20) 1(50-60) F: 1(5-10) 1(10-15) 1(50-60) p.59
Jas. Roper, Sr. M: 1(0-5) 1(70-80); F: 1(20-30) p. 366
John Roper M: 2(15-20) 1(40-50); F: 1(50-60) p. 64
James Garrison, Sr. M: 1(5-10) 2(10-15) 1(20-30) 1(70-80); F: 1(15-20) 1(20-30) 1(50-60)

Thus the birth dates are:
James, Sr.: (1760-1770) NO WIFE? M: (1835-1840) F: (1810-1820)
It appears that James Roper, Sr.'s wife had died 1830-1840.

James, Jr.: (1800-1810) WIFE (1800-1810)
M: 1(1820-1825) 1(1825-1830) 1(1830-1835) F: 1(1820-1825) 1(1825-1830) 1(1830-1835)

Samuel: (1800-1810) WIFE (1810-1820)

Elijah: (1780-1790) WIFE (1780-1790)
M: 1(1820-1825) 1(1830-1835) F: 1(1825-1830) 1(1830-1835)

John: (1790-1800) WIFE (1780-1790) M: 1(1820-1825)

So the Solomon Roper family, the two David Roper families and the William Roper family have left Burke County or the families have dispersed. And Samuel Roper, son of James, Sr., has started his family. The young female and even younger male living with James, Sr. may be a daughter-in-law and her child or a new very young wife and offspring (see 1850 census below). She does not fit the ages of the wifes of Solomon, David, William (see above census records), who possibly are James' sons that do not show in this census.

On 28 Oct 1840 James Roper was an informer for a court action involving Daniel, John, George, Samuel and Elish Brown.

The North Carolina Room of the Burke County Public Library has a list of the persons buried in the old cemeteries of Burke County. The only Ropers listed who were born in the 1840s are:
Nancy Ann Roper b 2 Oct 1840
[wife Barney Roper] d 23 Oct 1922 Denton Chapel Methodist
Shuping Roper b 1845
[William Shuping Roper] d 1930 Glen Alpine Methodist
Jane Roper b 27 Oct 1846
(wife of Berry Roper) d 16 Aug 1937 Zion Memorial Methodist
Julius Roper b 10 Mar 1849
[son David,gson Elijah] d 5 Jun 1887 Salem Methodist Church
Barbra A. Williams Roper b 24 Mar 1849
[wife Joseph H. Roper] d 20 Feb 1915 Salem Methodist Church
Joseph H. Roper b 6 Dec 1849
[son William;gson John] d 8 Apr 1936 Salem Methodist Church

This Joseph H. Roper is known by family history to be a son of William M. Roper (see above) and I place him as a grandson of John Roper by the reasoning given above. Barbara Williams Roper is his wife (see death record below).

The Index to Death Certificates book at the Burke County Court House lists:
1 Jan 1930 Wm. Shuping Roper f: Jimmie Roper m: Lucinda Mitchell

Phifer (p. 420) indicates that Samuel Roper was a justice of the County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in 1841. Justices served for life (Phifer, p. 47).

Burke Co. Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions April 1842: Order of Sale. Robert H Erwin vs Elijah Roper. Justices judgment for $21.12 principal $4.87 interest & 40 cents cost with execution returned in this case hand " on one tract of land & of one entery containing 55 acres on the South Fork adjoining John Smith and Samuel Smith. Judgement of the Court that plaintiff answer the same and that the lands hand on be condemmed and sold to satisfy judgement and cost. Order of Sale. R H Erwin vs Elijah Roper. Justices judgment for $13.31 1/4 debt and 40 cents cost with an execution returned ???? "on one tract of land of one small ?????? containing 55 acres on the South Fork adjoining John Smith and Samuel Smith on the 29th Jan 1842" Judgment of the Court that plaintiff recover the same and that the land ???? on be condemned and sold to satisfy the same and costs.
Wed. Apr 20 1842. Thomas Walker vs Elijah Roper. Justices judgment for $8.25 principal $2.07 interest and 40 cents cost with an execution thereon returned delivered on the 11th day of Feb 1842 on one tract of land of defendents containing one hundred acres half the property of defendant lying on the waters of the South Fork known by the name of Walker land. Judgment of the Court for the amount of Justices judgment and costs and that the land ???? on be condemned and sold to satisfy the same and costs. Thomas Walker vs Elijah Roper. Justices judgment for $32.00 principal $4.32 interest & 40 cents cost with an execution thereon returned ???? the 11th day of Feb 1842 on defendants interest being the one half on One hundred acres of land known as the Jacob Deal place lying on Youngs Creek. Judgment that plaintiff recover Justices judgment and that the lands ???? on be condemned and sold to satisfy the same. Thomas Walker vs Elijah Roper. Justices Judgment $1.25 cost 40 & execution ???? on the 11 day of Feb 1842 on ??? ???? a tract of defendants land containing fifty acres lying on the waters of the South Fork known by the name of the Walker lands. Judgment of the Court that plaintiff recover the same and that the lands ???? on be condemned and sold to satisfy the same. Thomas Walker vs Elijah Roper. Justices Judgment $9.08 principal interest $3.82 cost 40 with an execution returned ???? the 11th day of Feb 1842 on one tract of land of defendants containing fifty acres lying on the South Fork known by the name of Walker land. Judgment of the Court that plaintiff recover the same and that the land ???? on be condemned and sold to satisfy the same and cost. Thomas Walker vs Elijah Roper. Justices Judgment $11.00 principal interest $1.35 cost 40 with an execution thereon returned ???? the 11th day of Feb 1842 on one tract of land of the defendants containing 50 acres lying on the waters of the South Fork known by the name of Walker land. Jonathan Duckworth vs Elijah Roper. Justices Judgment $50.00 principal interest cost 80 with an execution ???? by consent of defendent on the 20th day of April 1842 on his interest in 200 acres more or less on the waters of Hunting Creek known as the Williams Tract and adjoining lands of Duckworth, Brittain & others. Judgment of the Court that plaintiff recover Justices Judgment and that the land ???? on be condemned and sold to satisfy the same and costs.

The following marriage records exist for Burke County:
Mary Flowers Jackson Denton 19 Sep 1843 Anderson x Denton (bm) J.J. Erwin (w)
James Roper Lucinda Mitchell 31 Jan 1845 Saml. Roper (bm)
Barby Roper Alexander Dale 4 Sep 1847 Hampton Queen (bm) John Dorsey (w)
David Roper Elizabeth Hildebrand 29 Oct 1847 Saml Roper (bm)

Barbara Sue Ragan in Burke County Gen. Soc. journal Vol.1, No.1, Mar 1985, p. 11 indicates that the Jackson Denton family lived in the same area as the Ropers.

This Mary Flowers is probably a sister of Rebecca Flowers, the wife of Samuel Roper. Since the David Roper, Jr. family seems to have disappeared, this Barby Roper probably was a daughter of one of James Roper, Sr.'s sons. This James Roper is probably not a son of Samuel Roper, because the 1840 census shows no children for Samuel and their is no family memory of such a son. It appears likely that he is James Roper III, since James Roper, Jr. is not in the next (1850) census, which would explain why Samuel, James, Jr.'s brother, is serving as bondsman. Oral information from Mary Jane Catherine Roper Fox places this David Roper as a son of Elijah Roper; Elijah's brother Samuel served as bondsman.

The following death records exist for Burke County:
Parents Burial
John A. Roper 9 Nov 1917 James Roper NC Glen Alpine
James Ross (inf.) b 1844 Bk Lucy Keller NC
Barbara Angelia Roper 20 Feb 1915 William Williams Bk Salem Meth
J. H. Roper (inf.) b24 Mar 1849 Bk Barbara Brittain Bk

The first entry is possibly John E.(?) Roper, a son of James Roper III by a second wife Lucy Keller (first wife is Lucinda Mitchell). The last entry is the wife of Joseph H. Roper shown above in the cemetery records.

Jan 1844 Court Minutes: State v. William Walker son of Tom Bastardy on Elizabeth Roper. Attachment levied on land. Ordered and adjudged by the Court that publication has been made for six weeks in the Highland Messenger. It is further ordered and adjudged by the Court that the defendant William Walker pay into Court the sum of Sixty dollars for the support of Elizabeth Ropers bastard child and that the lands attached be advertised and sold to satisfy said Judgment and cost.

Burke County NC Heritage: p.451: Thomas Walker: The children of Thomas Walker and Elizabeth Huffman were: ...William who moved to Haywood Co. NC and is believed to have married an Indian.

Elizabeth Roper and her son John Roper also disappeared from Burke Co. after the death of James Roper in 1853. Presumably she is James's daughter.

On 15 Nov 1845 William Roper was a bondsman for a Burke County marriage between Joseph Ross and Semean Delilas Mull. w: J.D. Ferree

The following Burke County land grant appears for Samuel Roper in 1845:

No. 5531
County Burke Name Roper, Samuel Acres 50-
Grant No. 6174 Issued 30 Sept 1845 Entry No. 13888
Entered 9 July 1845 Book No. 150 Page No. 427 Location Begin on a hickory
NORTH CAROLINA Comptroller's Office, Sep 29 1845
IT appears, from a Receipt of the Public Treasurer, filed in this Office, that Samuel Roper has paid the purchase money for an Entry of Land containing 50 acres, in the County of Burke , which Entry is No. 13888 Wm. Collins, Compt. (signed)
(second page:)
State of North Carolina Ransom P Cloud entry officer of Claims for account Burke County & Laudduther County To the Surveyor of said County Greeting You are hereby required as soon as may be to lay off & survey for Samuel Roper fifty Acres of land No. 13888 in Burke County lying on Roper Mill Creek and joining Lands of James Roper. Enter July the 9th 1845 Observing the Act of Assembly in such Case made & provided. Given under my hand at office July the 19th 1845.
Ransom P. Cloud entry taker
(third page:)
State N. Carolina, Burke County (map is here) By virtue of a Warrant No. 13888 Entered July 9th 1845 Surveyed for Samuel Roper Fifty Acres of Land Lying on the Waters of Roper Mill Creek. Beginning on a Hickory on the side of a steep hill and runs East Eighty poles to a Hickory near a small Branch then south one hundred poles to a pine on a hill side near a branch. Then west Eighty poles to a stake. Then north one Hundred poles to the Beginning.
Surveyed 28th July 1845.
Jesse Heldebrand E. M. Sudderth C. Sy. (signed) Alford Sail (CC)

Burke Co. Court Execution Docket: Executions to Fall Term 1847: p.120: 160: David Roper pe Saml. Roper duty Judgement for cash fifa W S Pearson clk 4.30 Tax i. sol to WSP? 4.00 A Duck shff 1.90 J Loving wit 2.36 $12.56 By Cash $3 $9.56 Satisfaction pay into office $9.56 AD shff Paid County $1.00 Aug 1848 Recd my fee $1.90 A Duckworth Recd my attendance $2.36
John X Loving witness W C Tate

The US census for 1850 for Burke County lists: Page
Samuel Smith 52 M farmer NC Dorcas 37 (1813) F NC 350
No. 225 (1794) $200 Jackson 21 (1829) M NC Martin 13 (1837) M NC Hyram 13 (1837) M NC Zachery 11 (1839) M NC Elizabeth 9 (1841) F NC May 7 (1843) F NC Comfort 6 (1844) F NC Alexander 4 (1846) M NC Emeline 2 (1848) F NC Elam 1 (1849) M NC farmer $800 John 84 (1766) M NC
Elijah Roper 58 M farmer NC Catherine 61 (1789) F NC 350
No. 228 (1792) Patience 21 (1829) F NC farmer Barnet 18 (1832) M NC
David Roper 29 M farmer NC Elizabeth 19 (1831) F NC 350
No. 229 (1821) Julius 1 (1849) M NC
Saml. Roper 43 M farmer NC Rebecca 33 (1817) F PA 350
No. 230 (1807) $100 Sarah 8 (1842) F NC Joseph 7 (1843) M NC
William 5 (1845) M NC Elizabeth 4 (1846) F NC Aaron 1 (1849) M NC
James Roper 84 M none NC Elizabeth 37 (1813) F NC 350
No. 231 (1766) $200 John 11 (1839) M NC
Alexander Deal 55 M farmer NC 342
No. 341 (1795) $150 Sarah 18 (1832) F NC (property) Barbara 4/12 (1849) F NC
James Garrison 80 M farmer NC May 60 (1790) F NC 509
No. 509 (1770) William 21 (1829) M NC Robert 18 (1832) M NC
James Roper 28 M farmer NC Lucinda 25 (1825) F NC 395
No. 879 (1822) Wm. 3 (1847) M NC Margaret 1 (1849) F NC
John Roper 54 M farmer NC Mary 67 (1783) F NC 395
No. 880 (1796) Rebecca 62 (1788) F NC farmer Pritchet,Alberto 19 (1831) M NC
Wm. Roper 25 M farmer NC Jane 24 (1826) F NC 395
No. 893 (1825) James 4 (1846) M NC Lucius 3 (1847) M NC Joseph 5/12 (1849) M NC
Julius Siler 24 Mary J. 31 Samuel Roper 19 boarder
James Garrison 80 M $400 farmer NC May 60 F NC William 21 M farmer NC Robert 18 M
farmer NC

Fortunately for this study, James Roper, Sr. is still living for this census. The woman and child living with him comprise somewhat of a mystery. James Sr.'s wife had apparently died 1830-1840 (see above), so this woman would probably either be a wife of a dead son, a daughter (who perhaps had a child out of wedlock, thus carrying the Roper name, or married to a Roper) or a second wife much younger than James, Sr. None of the possible sons who have disappeared from the census records had a wife that fits Elizabeth's age (by three or more years), but census records are not very accurate. This is the only record that lists Barnet Roper, all others list Barney Roper. It appears that an unmarried sister or a wife of a brother, Rebecca Roper, is living with John Roper. Jackson Smith later married Patience Roper, daughter of Elijah, and Zachery Smith married Patience's and Jackson's daughter Jane E. Smith (see 1870 and 1880 censuses below).

The Burke County mortality schedule for 1850 lists:
Barbara Deal 23 (1827) F married NC Jan fever

This Barbara Roper Deal is apparently a young second wife of Alexander Deal (first wife was Clary England; see marriage records [Deal/Dale] above) and they had a daughter Barbara Deal who later (see 1860 census record below) lived with her grandfather Elijah Roper after her mother died.

The North Carolina Room of the Burke County Public Library has a list of the persons buried in the old cemeteries of Burke County. The only Ropers listed who were born in the 1850s are:
Berry Roper b 15 Jul 1850 [Samuel Asbury;son of David] d 15 Aug 1931 Zion Memorial Methodist
Laura A. Shuping Roper b 28 Aug 1850 (wife Martin D.) d 18 Dec 1932 Salem Methodist Church
Martin D. Roper b 18 Apr 1852 [son William M. Roper] d 18 Sep 1899 Salem Methodist Church
infant Roper b 21 Dec 1855 (infant W. M. & Jane) d 21 Dec 1855 Salem Methodist Church
Pash Roper b 17 Jul 1856 [Patience;wife Bill Lane] d 5 Feb 1944 Denton Chapel Methodist
Selina Ellen Roper b 10 May 1857 (infant W.M. & Jane) d 22 May 1857 Salem Methodist Church
Amanda Cora Roper b 30 Sep 1857 [wife Alfred N. Roper] d 19 Mar 1919 Salem Meth. Church
Alfred N. Roper b 12 Jun 1858 [son William M. Roper] d 30 May 1905 Salem Methodist Church

The Index to Death Certificates book at the Burke County Court House lists:
13 Aug 1931 Samuel Asbury Roper f: David Roper m: Billie Hildebran
Pash Roper f: David Roper m: Betty Hildebran Died due to a fall

In the May 1852 session of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Burke County Samuel Roper Esq. was a witness, along with Absalom Hoyle, of a document attesting the death of Nicholas Chapman, a Revolutionary War soldier.

Thomas C. Chapman in his book The Chapman Trail (1985) states that Nicholas Chadpman (the grandson of the Nicholas Chapman mentioned directly above) "was born in 1814 in southeastern Burke County. He married Sarah Flowers and they lived near Enola in the foothills of the South Mountains."

Samuel has the title of Esquire because he is a justice of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions (see above), a lifetime appointment. Probably Sarah Flowers is a sister of Rebecca Flowers, who married Samuel Roper.

The following estate papers for James Roper exist in the North Carolina State Archives:Inventory upon the Estate of Jas Roper dec 1853 Amt: $56.08 1/2
Elizabeth Roper: The nippers .10; one tomehawk .15; Screws and lap ring .10; 1 Reap hook .11;
1 Hoe .05; two Plows .48; one Loom 04.10; 1 Singletree & Clevise .25; Bed Clothing 02.xx; one bed & bed Stead.50; 1 Table .50; Skillet .07; 1 other pot Rack .25; Drawing Chains & Collar .32; Three Plaits .10; 1 Set of Pewter plaits 01.00; two Crocks .09; 1 Smoothing Iron .31; 2 Flasks .13; 1 Large Pot .25; 1 other Large Pot 02.31; one Cow 10.01; 1 Sleigh .01; Three Chairs.41; two Chairs .26; Worping Spools .16; 1 Lot of Sundries .06 1/4; 1 Set of pott hooks .03; 1 Set of Chest hinges .01; 2 Ladles .10
John Roper: one Chisel .26; two Chisels .31; Stake and Screw .25; 1 hand Saw 01.01; 1 Scythe & Cradle .50; one Log Chain 02.51; Coller & haims 01.14; 1 Cutting box & knife 01.76
Elijah Roper: two Augers .25; 1 Halter Chain .32; 1 Frow .63; Rasor & Specks .50
Carah Talent: three plaits .10; Cups & Saucers .10; Three Pewter plaits .75; 1 Pewter Bason .81
James Roper: 1 Double & Singletree .05; Buckles .07; Some tobacco .26 (For the first item, Jr. is put after the name.)
David Roper: 1 Pewter dish .88; Barney Roper: 1 Bottle .13
R. H. Carswell: 1 Oven .60; 1 Bottle .06 1/4; 1 pair of Steelyards .80
Alexander Carswell: 1 Drawing knife .12 1/2
Frederick Huffman: Sundry Irons .12 1/2; 1 Shovel .40; 1 Little wheel 02.12 1/2;
Samuel Huffman: 1 other Halter Chair .25; one Clevise .14
Abraham Huffman: one mare 11.10
Wesley Walker: two hoes .12 1/2; 1 old Shovel .02; Lamp & Lock .26
Benjamin Walker: 1 Large Clevise .17; 1 other Clevise .31
Joseph Walker: one Scythe .10; George Deal: 1 Pot Rack .76
Henry Franklin: one Steel trap .21; Robert H. Garrison: two Books .20
Lawson Hawkins: old Saddle .03; George W. Heldibrand: one Bottle .16
Jacob Mull: tin ware Coffee pot & Cups .05; James Powell: one mill peck .12 1/2
Daniel Ramsey: 1 other Pewter Bason .53
Sworn to in open Court on this 23 Nov 1853 Samul Roper admin.

Pittman states "inventory... is an estate sale. ... Persons buying at the sale included neighbors, so these people were not necessarily all related to the deceased."

I have rearranged the list to put the ones who received the most items at the top and the ones with the same last name together. Robert H. Garrison appears to be a son of Polly/May Roper Garrison/Garradson, a grandson of Elijah Roper and a great-grandson of James, Sr. (see various records above). Westley (Wesley) Walker is the husband of Ann Roper, a daughter of Elijah Roper. (See the Hoffman book quoted below). Elizabeth Roper (and her son John, see bastardy record for 1844 above) apparently left Burke Co. after this sale.

A Brief History of Burke Co. Schools by Patton: p.19: In 1885, there were 55 schools in the county...A list of the committeemen follows: Dist.#6 ... M. D. Roper...Dist.#26 Asbury Roper ...

The following Burke County land grant appears for Barney Roper in 1856:

No. 5667
County Burke Name Roper, Barney Acres 58
Grant No. 6344 Issued 9 Oct 1856 Entry No. 14615
Entered 19 Apr 1855 Book No. 160 Page No. 862 Location beg. onahickory
NORTH CAROLINA Comptroller's Office, Oct 9 1856
It appears from a Receipt of the Public Treasurer, filed in this Office, that Barney Roper has paid the Purchase-Money for an Entry of Land, containing 58 acres, in the County of Burke , which Entry is No. 14615 George W. Moore? Comptroller by W. S. Bain (signed)
(second page:)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA No. 14615 Entry Officer of Lands in the County of Burke To the Surveyor of said county--Greeting. YOU are hereby directed and required as soon as may be, to lay off and survey for Barney Roper 100 Acres of land on the South Fork, adjoining land of Saml Smith Senr. Beginning on a Hickory on the North side of the So Fo River and runs various coursed for compliment. ENTERED the 19 day of April 1855 , observing the direction of the Act of Assembly, in such case made and provided, for running out Lands, two just and fair plots of such survey, with a proper Certificate annexed to each, you are to make out, to be transmitted, together with the WARRANT, to the Secretary's Office. Given under my hand and seal, at Office, the 19 day of April A.D. 1856. N. S. Sudderth, Entry taker (SEAL)
(third page:)
State North Carolina, Burke County (map is here) By virtue of a Warrant No. 14615 Entered
19th of April 1855. I have laid off and Surveyed for Barney Roper fifty eight Acres of land on the South Fork joining land of Sam Smith Senr. Beginning on a Hickory on the North sid of the River in Sam Smiths line and runs South one Hundred and Seventy Six poles to a Black oak. Then East Eighty poles to a Small Black oak on a ridge. Then North forty four poles to a stake. Then North 28 degrees East twenty poles to a stake. Then 39 degrees West One hundred and forty four poles to the Beginning. Surveyed 19th day of April 1855. J. Smith and M. Heldibrand ? C. S.
A. D. Carswell (CC) M. Sudderth C. S. (signed)

Barney Roper is a son of Elijah Roper.

The following Burke County land grant appears for Julius Roper in 1857:

No. 5718
County Burke Name Roper, Julius Acres 75
Grant No. 6361 Issued 24 April 1857 Entry No. 14561
Entered 19 Dec 1854 Book No. 162 Page No. ? Location Beg. onasmall hickory
NORTH CAROLINA Comptroller's Office, April 23rd 1857
It appears from a Receipt of the Public Treasurer, filed in this Office, that Julius Roper has paid the Purchase-Money for an Entry of Land, containing 75 acres, in the County of Burke , which Entry is No. 14561 ? Comptroller
(second page:)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA No. 14561 Entry Officer of Lands in the County of Burke To the Surveyor of said county--Greeting. YOU are hereby directed and required as soon as may be, to lay off and survey for Julius Roper 75 Acres of land on the the waters of the South Fork on the Grafsy & Stamping ridge Land of Jos Dale & others. ENTERED the 19 day of Dec 1854, observing the direction of the Act of Assembly, in such case made and provided, for running out Lands, two just and fair plots of such survey, with a proper Certificate annexed to each, you are to make out, to be transmitted, together with the WARRANT, to the Secretary's Office. Given under my hand and seal, at Office, the 1 day of June A.D. 1855. N. S. Sudderth, Entry taker (SEAL)
(third page:)
State North Carolina, Burke County (map is here) By virtue of a Warrant No. 14561 Entered 19th Dec 1854. I have laid off and Surveyed for Julius Roper Seventy five Acres of land on the waters of the South Fork Beginning on a small Hickory near a Spring in Jos Walkers line and runs East Seventy five poles to a stake. Then West Seventy five poles to a stake. Then North One hundred and Sixty poles to the Beginning. Surveyed 18th day of April 1855.A. H. Dale andM. Sudderth C. S.
J. M. Dale (CC) J. Sudderth C. S. (signed)

Julius Roper is a son of David Roper who is a son of Elijah Roper.

The following death record exists for Burke County: Parents Burial
Amanda C. Roper 19 Mar 1919 J. Lowdermilk NC unknown
Fanny Icard (inf.) b30 Sep 1857 Bk unknown

The following marriage record exist for Burke County:
Barne Roper x Nancy Ann Brittain 24 Feb 1859 R. H. Carswell (bm) J. B. Kincaid (w)

Amanda is wife of Alfred N. Roper who is a son of William M. Roper. Barney is a son of Elijah Roper.

The US census for 1860 for Burke County lists: ($ land, $ personal property)
John Roper 64 (1796) M labour NC Mary 76 (1784) F NC No. 419
James Roper 37 (1823) M $50 farmer NC Lucinda 25 (1830) F NC Shupin W. 13 (1847) M NC
Margaret 11 (1849) F NC Robert N. 9 (1851) M NC John E. 6 (1854) M NC
Calvin L. 2 (1858) M NC No. 420
David Roper 40 (1820) M $100 $180 farmer NC Elizabeth 29 (1831) F NC Julius 11 (1849) M NC
Asbury 9 (1851) M NC M. A. 8 (1852) F NC I. M. 6 (1854) F NC Patience 3 (1857) F NC
Caroline 1 (1859) F NC No. 435
Wm. Roper 25 (1822) $414 farmer NC Jane 36 (1824) F VA J. W. 14 (1846) M NC
Lucius 13 (1847) M NC Joseph 10 (1850) M NC Martin D. 8 (1852) M NC
Eliza A. 6 (1854) F NC Alfred 1 (1859) M NC No. 500
Elijah Roper 68 (1792) M $74 farmer NC Catherine 70 (1790) F NC
Deal, Barbara 10 (1850) F NC No. 703
Barney Roper 28 (1832) M F. lab. NC Nancy 20 (1840) F NC
Nancy C. 6/12 (1859) F NC Brittain, Jane 12 (1848) F NC No. 704

Jane Brittain is probably the sister of Nancy Ann Brittain, Barney Roper's wife. Probably Barbara Deal is a grandchild of Elijah Roper (see marriage record, 1850 census and 1850 mortality record above). Samuel Roper has moved to Cherokee County, NC. Only John Roper and Elijah Roper of the second generation remain in Burke County. What happened to Elizabeth Roper and John Roper who were living with James Roper, Sr. in 1850?

The North Carolina Room of the Burke County Public Library has a list of the persons buried in the old cemeteries of Burke County. The only Ropers listed who were born in the 1860s are:
F. E. Roper b 12 Apr 1861
[Fred, son Barney Roper] d 7 Mar 1933 Denton Chapel Methodist
W. T. Roper b 13 Apr 1862
(infant of W. M. & Jane) d 4 Jul 1863 Salem Methodist Church
F. S. Roper b 8 Feb 1865
[Frederick, son W. M.] d 3 Sep 1883 Salem Methodist Church
Jesse W. Roper b 5 Dec 1867
[son Asbury; gson David] d 9 Jun 1917 Zion Memorial Methodist

The following marriage records exist for Burke County:
Samuel A. Roper m Fox/Fen, Mary A. J. 8 Jul 1866
W. S. Roper m Justice, Aliha? 12 Mar 1867
Julius Roper m Martha/Mary L. Smith 5 Mar 1868 E. W. Walker (w) (dau John & Mary)
by E. W. Walker

The following death record exists for Burke County: Parents Burial
Jesse Wilfong Roper 9 Jun 1917 Asbury Roper NC unknown
Asby Roper (inf.) b 5 Dec 1867 NC Mary J. Fox NC

The will of Carter B. Orders in Burke County indicates that Jane Orders had married a Roper by fall, 1866

Family history places:
Fred E. Roper as the son of Barney Roper, son of Elijah Roper.

Frederick S. Roper as son of William M. Roper, son of John Roper, son of (?) David Roper, Jr.. W. T. Roper is also William M.'s son.

Samuel Asbury Roper, son of David Roper, son of Elijah Roper, is the father of Jesse Wilfong Roper. (Mary Jane Catherine Roper Fox, who was 103 years old in Drexel, Burke County, NC is a daughter of Samuel Asbury Roper and Mary Ann Jane Fox.)

William Shuping (W. S.) Roper as son of James Roper and Lucinda Mitchell and husband of Altha Duckworth Justice.

Julius Roper, son of David Roper, son of Elijah Roper and Catherine Hoffman.

NC Troops 1861-1865: p.420: James W. Roper, Pvt. Transferred from Co. C, 7th Batt. NC Cavalry
3 Aug 1863. Present or accounted for through Oct 1864, being absent without leave from 1 Jun to 11 Oct 1864. p.504: Enlisted in Burke Co 1 Jan 1864 for the war. Captured at Wise's Forks, NC 22 Jun 1864 and confined at Point Lookout, MD, where he died 8 Aug 1864 of "enterec fever" and was buried in the Confederate Cemetery, same place.

Confederates receiving pension 1925: Caroline C. Roper husband Daniel Roper Co.A Reg. 65
Malinda Roper husband Samuel Roper Co.A Reg. 65

A land grant for 1865-1870 exists for S. E. Poteet for 200 acres on Dorothy Creek that indicates it adjoins land of Wm. Carswell, S. E. Carswell and Barney Roper.

Deed Book A Burke Co. NC: p.72-74: 11 Jan 1867. Deed of Trust...J. S. Hawkins...sum of $5...sold...unto William S. Sudderth...1 sorrel horse about 2 years of age...J. S. Hawkins is honestly indebted to the said William S. Suddreth in the sum of $400...to Sam'l Tucker in the sum of $52.50...to William Roper in the sum of $60...
p.172-3: 31 May 1867. Deed of Trust...between James A. Duckworth...and Peter Mull...(both of Burke Co.)...James Duckworth...sum of $1...all of the said Duckworth's interest in the land which descended to him as one of the heirs at law and next of kin of Johnithan Duckworth, dec., consisting of two tracts, one containing about 265 acres and adjoining the land of Jacob Keller, Jacob Seagle, and the heirs of Thomas Walton, dec'd, and the other known as the mountain tract, containing about 100 acres joining lands of David Roper & Polly Crawley,...
p.330-2: 21 Nov 1868...between Daniel Ramsey...Bartlet Berry and Wesley Walker (all of
Burke Co.)...the sum of $25...sold...land (in Burke Co.)...South Fork River onSamuel Smith's line...containing 58 acres...subject ot the dower of the widow Nancy Ann Roper...Witnessed by F.D. Irvin & James L. Beach. Mary E. Ramsey, wife, examined and gave her free consent. Signed David Ramsey and Mary E. Ramsey. Registered on 17 Nov 1868.
P.366-8: 21 Nov 1868...between Wesley Walker, adm. of Barnett Roper, dec'd,...and Daniel Ramsey...(all of Burke Co.)...sum of $21...land (in Burke Co.)...South Fork River...in Samuel Smith line...containing 58 acres...subject to the dower of the widow Mary Ann Roper...land having been sold by the decree of the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions...Witnessed by Jno. G. Colgrave and J. R. Sudderth, F. D. Irvin, Judge of Probate. Registered 23 Feb 1869.

Burke Co. estates:
1868 Barney Roper letters of administration to Wesley Walker
1868 Elijah Roper allotment to Catharine Roper, widow
1883 William Roper sale, 13 Oct 1883; M. D. Roper, adm.; widow=Lane/Jane; inventory; M. D. Roper=Martin
1885 Julius Roper J. M. Ross, adm; several receipts; Mrs. Lucretia Roper-bill for burial clothes, et al=$14.28. Heirs: Martha L. Roper, widow; Amos Roper. Inventory; application by widow for year's support

Burke Co. Marriages (White) 1867-1872: p.4: Robert Roper & Jane Mace 2 Feb 1869

The US census for 1870 for Burke County lists:
William Roper 49 (1821) M $500 farmer NC Jane F. 47 (1823) F VA Joseph 20 (1850) M NC
Morganton Martin D. 18 (1852) M NC Alfred N. 12 (1858) M NC Frederick S. 5 (1865) M NC
Eliza A. 16 (1854) F NC
James Roper 48 (1822) M $265 farmer NC Mary S. 45 (1825) F NC Adeline M. 21 (1849) F NC
Lower Fork John E. 16 (1854) M NC Calvin S. 13 (1857) M NC James S. 7 (1863) M NC
Jacob E. 5 (1865) M NC Mary Ann 2 (1868) F NC
Robert M. Roper 19 (1851) M Farm lab. NC Jane 24 (1848) F NC James M. 4/12 (1869) M NC
William S. Roper 23 (1847) $400 Farm lab. NC Ouitha 36 (1834) F NC William 2 (1868) M NC
Anna L. 7/12 (1869) F NC No. 263
Julius Roper 21 (1849) $50 %165 M farmer NC Martha L. 21 (1849) F NC David 1 (1869) M NC
David Roper 50 (1820) $150 $322 M farmer NC Bettie 40 (1830) F NC Annie 18 (1852) F NC
Jane 16(1854)F NC Patieance 14(1856)F NC Caroline 12 (1858)F NC Amanda S.10 (1860)F NC
Elizabeth 8 (1862) F NC Jasper 6 (1864) M NC No. 289
Asbery Roper 22 (1848) $115 M Farm lab. NC Jane 29 (1841) F NC Joseph 3 (1867) M NC
Upper Fork Clement 1 (1869) M NC No. 42
Zack Smith 31 (1839) M farmer NC Jane E. 16 (1854) F NC Qenney 3/12 (1869) F NC
Patience 41(1829)F NC Barney 15(1855)M NC Elizabeth 12(1858)F NC Dealia C. 9(1861) F NC
Howard A. 4 (1866) M NC Catherine Roper 83 (1787) F NC No. 105
Joseph Reynolds 40 (1830) M farmer NC Elizabeth 40 (1830) F NC John 13 (1857) M NC
Abel 10 (1860) M NC Wm. 7 (1863) M NC Mary E. 5(1865)F NC Joshua Talent 84(1786)M NC
Clara Talent 74 (1796) F NC No. 52

Only Catherine Hoffman Roper, wife of Elijah Roper, of the second generation appears to be left in Burke County. Obviously, Patience is the same one who was living with Elijah in the 1850 census. So Catherine is living with her daughter Patience Roper Smith. William Shuping Roper is a son of James Roper and Lucinda Mitchell. This Clara Talent is probably the Carrie Roper in the 1816 marriage to Joshua Talent (see above), and Elizabeth is probably their daughter.

Vol. IV of North Carolina Troops by Jordan lists: Jackson Smith, private Enlisted in Burke County on September 22, 1862 for the war. Died at Richmond, Virginia December 3, 1862 of "pneumonia, "chronic bronchitis", or "measles."

Patience Roper's husband Jackson Smith died in the Civil War and Patience and her four children then lived with Jackson's brother Zachery/Zachariah, who had married Jackson's and Patience's daughter Jane E. Smith.

Thomas C. Chapman lists on p. 208 in his book The Chapman Trail (1985): Joshua (Talent) (b ca 1790-d 1870's) m. Carry Roper Joshua is listed as son of Aaron Tallent, Jr. (b ca 1760-d 1840's) and Mary Moses (b 1760-d 1862)

Max E. Hoffman in his 1938 book The Hoffmans of NC lists: Katie Hoffman, daughter of Samuel Hoffman, b. in 1794, married Elijah Roper. Their children, as best I can determine, were:
David Roper, m. ____ Hildebrand. Their children:
Bud Roper, m. Dovie Smith; Berry Roper, m. ____ Farr; Julius Roper, m. ____ ____
Barney Roper, m. ____ ____, went to the Civil War, and was killed.
Pace Roper, m. Jackson Smith. Their children:
Monroe Smith, m. Mary Newton. Their children:
Edgar Smith, m. Jane Cook; Elijah Smith, m. Elizabeth Smith. Their children:
Jackson, Abbie, Dora, and Quemi Smith
Tude Smith, m. Joseph Smith. (See Betty Hoffman record.)
Dealie Smith, m. John Hudson. No children.
There were other children in this family, but no record.
Ann Roper, m. Westley Walker. (See Betty Hoffman record.)

Bud Roper is John Jasper Roper. Berry Roper is Samuel Asbury Roper. Pace Roper is Patience Roper.

The following estate paper for Elijah Roper exists in the NC State Archives: State of North Carolina, Burke County To the worshipful the Justices of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for Said County winter term 1868 we S. E. Poteat Justice of the peace of Said County and James M. Smith, Nicholas Chapman & Samuel Smith officeholders in obedience to the annexed order proceeding on the 8th day of Feb. 1868 to view the estate of Elijah Roper Dec and out of the Crop Stock and provisions on hand we have laid off and allotted to Catherine Roper widow as follows too beds and other necessary furniture one Wheat and Cards twelve bushels Corn 2 hundred binds oats three hundred binds fodder one black Cow & Calf 2 Stands of bees all farming tools & house hold furniture We assess the deficiency to the Sum of ten dollars if there bee that mutch after satisfying the debts to bee paid to the widow given under our hands and Seals this the 8th day of February 1868
S. E. Poteat J.P. (signed) Samuel x Smith N. Chapman James M. Smith (signed)

The following estate paper for Barney Roper exists in the NC State Archives: State of NC Burke Co. Know all men by these presents, That we Westley Walker, William H. Denton, ? Huffman are held and firmly bound unto the State of NC, in the sum of Two Hundred Dollars, to be paid to the said State. To which payment well and truly to be made and done, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals, and dated this ___ day of ___18__. The Condition of the above Obligation is such, That if the above bounden Westley Walker Administrator of all and singular the Goods and Chattels, Rights and Credits of
Barney Roper deceased, do make or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the Goods and Chattels, Rights and Credits of said deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, knowledge or possession of any person for him, and the same so made, do exhibit or cause to be exhigited to our said County Court of Burke, within ninety days after the date of these presents, and the same Goods, Chattels and Credits, and all other Goods, Chattels and Credits, of the said deceased at the time of his death, or which at any time hereafter shall come into the hands or possession of the said Westley Walker or into the hands or possession of any persons for him, do well and truly administer according to law: and further do make or cause to be made a true and just account of his said Administration, within the time required by Act of Assembly after the date of these presents, and all the rest and residues of the said Goods, Chattels and Credits which shall be found remaining in the hands of, or due from the said Administrator shall deliver and pay unto such person or persons respectively as the same shall become due unto: pursuant to true intent and meaning of the Act of Assembly in that case made and provided, and in all respects do and perform the trusts and duties of Administrator aforesaid, according to law: And if it shall appear that any Will or Testament was made by the deceased, and the Executor or Executors therein named do exhibit the same in Court, making a request to have it allowed and approved of accordingly, if the said Westley Walker above bounden, being thereunto required, do render and deliver the said letters of administration, (approbation of such Testament being first had and made in the said Court,) then this obligation to be void: otherwise, to remain in full force and virtue. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Westley X Walker, W. H. X Denton, ? Huffman The State of NC. To the Sheriff of Burke Co.-Greeting: You are hereby Commanded, That of the goods and chattels, lands and tenements of Wesley Walker Adm. of Barney Roper dead it to be found in your baili wick, you cause to be made the sum of ____which lately in our Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions held for the County of Burke at the Court House in Morganton were adjudged in the suit wherein Clerks Office is plaintiff, and Wesley Walker Adm is defendant, besides the sum of the endorsed fees costs and charges in the said suit expended whereof the said Wesley Walker is liable as appears to us of record. And have you the said moneys, besides your fees for this service, before our said Court, on the 3rd Monday of November next, then and there to render the said Nine 65/100 Dollars ($9.65 cost and charges aforesaid. Herein fail not, and have you then and there this writ. Witness, F. D. Irvin, Clerk of our said Supr. Court, at office, the 5th Monday after the 4th Monday in Feb A.D. 1868. Issued the 9th day of October 1868. F. D. Irvin Clerk. Bill of Cost. E. W. Dorsey 4.30 County Tax 1.00 A.C. Avery 4.0 F. D. Irvin 0.35 = $9.65. Given to hand 16th Oct. 1868 J. T. Patterson Sheriff. defendant Pleads no Assets in Hands. J. T Patterson by Jn Powell DS
No 26. Wesley Walker Adm vs Barney Roper's heirs at Law To Fall Term 1868 Burke Supr. Court Executed J. T. Paterson Shff, John Powell DS
No 23. Wesley Walker Adm vs Barney Roper's heirs at Law E. W. Dorsey $4.30 County Tax 1.00 A. C. Avery 4.00 F. D. Irvin 0.35 = $9.65

The possible children and grandchildren of James Roper, Sr. appear to be as follows:

Mary (Polly) Roper b 1786-1790 m 30 Mar 1813 James Garradson b 1770
William Garrison b 1829; Robert H. Garrison b 1832
Carrie Roper b 1790-1800 m 30 Oct 1816 Joshua Tallant b ca1790 d 1870's
Elizabeth Tallent b 1830
David Roper b 1790-1800
Sally Roper b 1790-1800 m 1 Dec 1824 George Smith
Elijah Roper b 1792 d 1868 m Catherine Hoffman b 1789 d 1870-1880
David Roper b 1820 m 29 Oct 1847 Elizabeth Hildebrand
Barbara Roper b 1827 d Jan 1850 Burke Co., NC m 4 Sep 1847 Alexander Deal b 1795
Patience Roper m Jackson Smith
b 27 Feb 1829 d 22 Jun 1919 Burke Co. b 1839 d 3 Dec 1862 Rich., VA
Barney(Barnet) Roper m 14 Feb 1859 Nancy Ann Brittain
b 1832 b 2 Oct 1840 d 23 Oct 1922 Burke Co.
Ann Roper m Westley Walker
William Roper b 1800-1810 m 3 Feb 1830 Anna Ramsey

James Roper, Jr. b 1805 Burke Co., NC m WIFE b 1800-1810
James Roper III b 1822 Burke Co., NC m 31 Jan 1845 Lucinda Mitchell
Samuel H. Roper m Rebecca Flowers
b 6 Jan 1806 b 29 Mar 1817 PA
d 22 Nov 1869 Murphy,Cherokee Co., NC d 9 Sep 1878 Chat., TN
Sarah Roper b 1842
Joseph Roper b 1843 d 1847
William Washington Roper m 15 Mar 1817 Cynthia Arminda Hall
b 19 Sep 1844 Burke Co., NC b 30 Apr 1836 Murphy, NC
d 8 Jan 1916 Siloam Springs, d 3 Mar 1921 Siloam Springs, Howell Co., MO
Elizabeth Elmira Roper m 25 Dec 1868 Andrew Jackson Hughes
b 14 Apr 1846 Burke Co., NC b 16 May 1837
d 5 Feb 1932 Murphy, NC d 30 Jun 1916 Murphy, NC
Aaron Roper b 1849 d Chattanooga, TN m Sarah b 1842
Anne Roper b 1852 m Hensley
Harriett Roper b 1854 m Henry F. Stephens
Charles Manley Roper m 22 May 1873 Caroline Alman
b 1857 b 1853
d 1886 Mineral Bluff, Fannin, GA
Alexander Roper b 1873 d Jan Mineral Bluff, Fannin, GA
Sally Roper
Elizabeth Roper b 1813 (possibly a young wife or daughter
John Roper b 1837 in-law rather than a daughter)