Roper Family of Burke County Area, North Carolina

 

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

 

The Third Generation of Ropers in Burke County Area (After 1870)

 

Union Veterans of the Civil War: Shuford W. Roper Burke Co. Conf.vet

 

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 1870s are:
Bettie S. Lane Roper b 27 Jul 1871 d 7 Mar 1933 Denton Chapel Methodist (wife Robert W.)        
Callie Baker Roper
b 13 Nov 1872 d 14 Apr 1947 Denton Chapel Methodist
   [wife Fred E. Roper]     
Fannie Tate Roper
b 9 Nov 1872 d 14 Oct 1972 Salem Methodist Church
   [dau Joseph H. Roper]   
Jacob S. Roper
b 7 Apr 1873 d 28 Apr 1887 Salem Methodist Church
Robert W. Roper
b 17 Jul 1873 d  -- Denton Chapel Methodist  [Son Barnet;gson Elijah] 
M. M. Roper b 10 Jan 1874 d 9 Nov 1930 Glen Alpine Methodist  (wife of W. S. Roper)   
David A. Roper
b 14 May 1874 d 30 Mar 1946 Mount Home Baptist Church
   [husband of Nancy Mull]
Wesley Roper b 13 Dec 1875 d 11 Oct 1940 Glen Alpine Methodist
Ed C. Roper
b 17 Mar 1875 d 16 Oct 1944 Salem Methodist Church
   [son Martin D.,gson W.M.]
Nancy Roper
b 12 Oct 1876 d 12 Oct 1950 Mount Home Baptist Church
   [wife of David A. Roper]
William Monroe Roper b 6 Nov 1876 d 20 Feb 1961 Salem Methodist Church
   (husband of [M. Orders])
Samuel B. (Bard) Roper
b 8 Apr 1877 d 26 Mar 1955 Zion Memorial Methodist
   [son Asbury; gson David]
Margaret Orders Roper b 8 May 1879 d 5 Dec 1971 Salem Methodist Church
   [wife William M. Roper]

I cannot place two of these in families.  The following information is available about one of them.

Burke County Heritage, #594: James Wesley Roper was born December 13 1875, died October 11, 1940. He was the son of John and Lillie Simpson Roper. Wes, as everyone called him, married Hattie Lavada Epley (b June 22, 1884 d August 22, 1964) daughter of J. Collett and Emily Mincey Epley. Wes was a man of many trades, mending shoes in the early 1900's for most of the people in the Glen Alpine area. He also laid rock still visible today down the main street in Glen Alpine and even in the cemetery of Glen Alpine. He also ran a fish market with the late Mr. W. D. Pitts. Wes and Hattie were the parents of nine children; they are as follows: John Wesley (b Oct.  17, 1904 d July 15, 1965) married Mattie Pritchard; James Arthur (b Aug. 17, 1908) never married; Robert Lee (b June 24, 1911) marr. Viola Causby, their child, Betty Kate; Luther Graham (b June 17, 1914) never married; Bessie Mae (b Nov. 24, 1916) marr. Aaron McGalliard; Frankie Long (b May 15, 1920 d May 29, 1977) married Vergie Houck, their children, Diann, Beverly, and Frankie; Lillie Chesstina (b March 1, 1923) marr. Delbert Smith, their child, Lillian; Annie Lou (b April 28, 1925 d May 15, 1970) married Mack Chapman, their children, Margie and Mack; Elizabeth Aileen (b March 19,1928) marr. Paul E. Bradshaw, their children, Steve and Randy. Sources: Family Bibles of Mrs. Lillie C. Smith and Mrs. Bessie McGalliard; clippings of The News Herald.  -Lillian Norville

 

Burke Co. Marriages (White) 1867-1872:        Page
J. H. Roper & B. E. Williams 21 Dec 1871  10
Marty D. Roper & Laura E. Shuping 21 Dec 1871  10
1872-1908:
J. E. Roper & Delia C. Simpson 5 Feb 1874    3
David Causby & M. J. Roper 6 Aug 1874     3
Martin Steward & Adelina Roper Jan 1878     9

 

The Burke Journal, V.X, N.2, p.20: Burke Co. Apprentice Bonds 1784-1873: Apr 1872 children of Margaret Hawkins, Elizabeth and Catherine now living in the settlement of William Roper, Esq.

 

The Burke County Genealogical Society Journal Vol. 6, No. 1, April, 1988 quotes the Morganton newspaper The Blue Ridge Blade for May 10, 1879: A horse hitched to a wagon and being driven by John Roper ran away on last Tuesday and after going at a fearful speed along the side walk without injury to fence or shade trees dashed madly into the Mountain Hotel, where he stopped - as most travelers this way do. The Doctor, however, did not like the unceremonious manner of his entrance and refused to accomodate him.  The post, baluster, etc... knocked down on the porch has since been repaired, and we suppose Roper has mended his wagon.

A likely candidate for this John Roper would be the one living with James Roper, Sr. when he died.

The US census for 1880 for Burke County lists:
Multon (?) Roper 22 M farmer NC Town of Morganton. (1858) Prisoner in the county jail.
Patience Smith 51 (1848) F NC Monroe 24 (1856) M NC Elija 22 (1858) M NC
   Catharine 19 (1861) F NC America 14 (1866) F NC   17
Zachariah Smith 42 (1838) M NC Jane 26 (1854) F NC Timy 10 (1870) F NC
   Letha 2 (1878) F NC   18
Caroline Roper 22 (1858) F NC  Morganton Township   215
Julius Roper 31 (1849) M farmer NC Licetta 31 (1849) F NC Amus 2 (1878) M NC   241
Moulton Roper 29 (1851) M NC Jane 35 (1845) F NC James McD. 10 (1870) M NC
   Martha A. 8 (1872) F NC Mary Jane 3 (1877) F NC Viny 1 (1879) F NC   236 
   Morganton
Joseph H. Roper 30 (1850) M farmer NC  Barbera A. 31 (1849) F NC
   Fannie T. 6 (1874) F NC William M. 3 (1877) M NC   303
William Roper 58 (1822) M farmer NC Francis Jane 56 (1824) F VA
   Eliza Ann 26 (1854) F NC Alfred U. 22 (1858)M NC Frederick S. 15 (1865)M NC  306
Cary Talent 80 (1800) F widow NC (inmate county poor house)   318
M. D. Roper 28 (1852) M farmer NC Laura 30 (1850) F NC Stanly 7 (1873) M NC  
   Edward 5 (1875) M NC Cora 5/12 (1879) F NC   321 Morganton
David Roper 62 (1818) M farmer NC Gasper 11 (1869) M NC Emma 8 (1872) F N
   80 Upper Fork
Asbury Roper 29 (1848) M farmer NC Jane 36 (1844) F NC Wilfong 13 (1867) M NC
   Waitstel 11 (1869) M NC Alexander 7 (1873) M NC Gertrude 5 (1875) F NC
   Byard 3 (1877) M NC Henry 1 (1879) M NC   98 Upper Fork
William S. Roper 33 (1847) farmer NC Altha 43 (1837) F NC William 11 (1869) M NC
   Anna 10 (1870) F NC Robert 8 (1872) M NC Laura 4 (1876) F NC   234 Lower Fork
James Roper 57 (1823) M farmer NC Mary S. 55 (1825) F NC Calvin S. 21 (1859) M NC
  James S. 17 (1863) M NC Jacob E. 14 (1866) M NC Mary A. 12 (1868) F NC
   256 Lower Fork

Patience Roper Smith was living with her daughter's family (Zachariah Smith) in 1870, but now is living separate but nearby.  Monroe is Barney Monroe, Catharine is Dealia Catharine, Elija is Elizabeth (mistaken sex) and America is Howard America (mistaken sex).  This Cary Talent is probably the Carrie/Carah Roper who married Joshua Tallent in 1816 and who was involved in the estate papers of James Roper, Sr..  She was probably a daughter of James Roper, Sr.

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 1880s are:
Jennie V. Stroup Roper b 17 Jan 1880 d 19 Jul 1960  Salem Methodist Church
 
  [wife Ed C. Roper]
Maude (Mae) Fincannon Roper b 16 Jul 1882 d 29 Aug 1978  Zion Memorial Methodist 
   [wife Samuel Byard Roper]
Donnie Lula Roper b 1887 d 1977   Zion Memorial Methodist  [dau Asbury; gdau David]   
Obe Roper b 4 Apr 1889 d 14 Aug 1971   Denton Chapel Methodist  [son David; gson Elijah]   

 

The Index to Death Certificates book at the Burke County Court House lists:
Jeannie V. Roper  h: Edward C. Roper f: David Stroup m: Nancy Hill

 

Index of Wills for Burke Co.: William Roper, 1883 (big folder) M. D. Roper Adm of Wm. Roper Report of Sale made Oct 16 1883 Recorded Inventory & sales No 1 Page 140-1 A List of articles sold on 15th day of Oct 1883 as the property of William Roper deceased at his Late Residents: Purchasers: Joseph Roper:harror 2.55, Chane .65, rifle gun 5.00, new tire 60 lbs by the lb 2: 1.20, pare of strechers .05, waggen 1.45, waggen 14.50; Jane Roper, the widow: Watch .15; Martin Roper:lot of chains .50, 2 pare of hip strops 1.00, pare buggy harnes 1.10, Seize an cradle 1.80, Seize and cradle .05, 2 lot of Oates 39c per bu 3.12, lot of Wheat 10 bu 98c per bu 9.80, hackle .05, hog 10.00, Mule 131.00, bridle .25; Alfred Roper: pair of check lines 1.15, briching 1.05, briching 1.30, James Hufman: spade .65, Mowing Seize 1.25, Sadle .80, set of Wagen hoes .05, Joseph Duckworth:2 Mowing Seize .20, plow and stauk .90, double tree .70, Lunes Tate:2 axes .82, Shotgun 1.75, log chane 1.10, Strecher .30, lot of chanes .25, lot of chanes .10, brier cize .16, iron wedge .30 lot of chanes .10, pair of gearing 1.15, lot of lines .30, bridle .75, Ax .25; sadle .10, 2 horse plow .60, plow stauk .65, lot of planes .10, Cow brute 18.25, milk cow 7.90; P.A. Whitner:lot of old irons .80; D.R. Miller lot of old irons .15; Old tire by the peace .15; T.M. Orders Turning plow .25; T.H. Reudisil:bu row 1.65; plow .70; Samuel Hufman:log chane 2.00, Coller .76, sadle 4.50; Joseph Deal:paire of gears 1.10; James Mitchel: iron wedge .30, Stack of hey 1.00; Izick Avery:pair of gearing 1.80, 18 bu of Oates 39 c per bu 3.12; J.A. Shuping:bridle .60; Julian Mull: singletree .10, bay mare 50.00, bridle .30; H.C. Fisher:lot Wheat more or les 95c per bu 6.65 stack oats straw 1.50, hundred more or les stops by the ??? 3c 2.33 stocks 7.00; Jackson Loudermilk:seize and cradle 2.10; Thomas Duckworth:buggy 15.00; M.? Rouper:plow stauk .05; Charles Mull:pork .35, pork .40; John Edmenson:Cow brute stear 10.05; L.F. Coffee:lot of oats by the hundred $2.10 13.65, first Chois straw stack 2.50, 2 first Chois straw stack 2.60, lot 2.00; Tot Seowt? Calf 4.25; W.E. Critten, Cuting box 1.75 1.75  =  365.34 Said Sale was made at the late residence of Wm Roper under an order of the Probate Court for Cash. The articles all sold fo a fair price and I recommend a Confirmation of the Sale. Dec 8th 1883 M D Roper Admr of Wm Roper Sworn to & Subscribed before me this 8 day of Dec 1883 and Said Sale is hereby Confirmed S T Pearson SC
Notice On Saturday the 13 day of Oct 1883 I will sell for Cash at the late residence of Wm Roper 1 Mare 1 Mule 3 Cattle one Hogs. Lot Wheat & Roughness & 1 Wagon 1 Buggy & 1 Lot of Fanning Tools. Terms Cash Sept 17 1883 M D Roper Admr of Wm Roper M D Roper Adm of Wm Roper Sale List made Oct 13 1883 Filed 8 Dec1883 M D Roper Adm of Wm Roper Inventory Recorded I and Sales Page 136 Filed Sept 25 1883. A list of property belonging to Wm Roper dec. 3 Beds & Steads, Clock, 2 Bureaus, Cupboard, 2 Tables, Chest, Loom, Cooking utensils, 2 Guns, 9 Chairs, Mule, Mare, 2 Wagons, Buggy, 6 Cattle, 8 Hogs, Stack oats, Stack Hay, 4 Stacks Straw, 30 Bushels of Wheat more or less, 10 Bushels Oats More or less,twohorse plow, Harrow, 3 Log Chains, 2 Streachers Chains, Feed Cutter, Shovel, Spade, 2 Hay forks, 2 Mowing Scythes, 3 Cradles & Scythes, Mattock, 2 Sets Wagon Harness, Buggy Harness, 2 Saddles, Note Robt Powell of fifty eight dollars (58.00), Act of T.R. Kayler, Amt $11.29, Cash on hands $39.50, Lot of old and totally insolvent accounts. Witness ???? against Sudderth $24.80 I M D Roper, do hereby certify that the within is a correct inventory of the property and assets that came into my hands as administrator of Wm Roper Deceased
This 20th Sept 1883 M D Roper Sworn to & Subscribed before me this 25 day of Sept 1883 S T Pearson $1.40 Oct 4 1884 Received from M D Roper Adm of Wm Roper decd fees on annual Return made this day S T Pearson SC $50 Oct 4 1884
Received from M D Roper Adm of Wm Roper decd in full of amount due and assigned me as a years allowance to be paid by him as adm. F Jane X Roper S T Pearson Received of Marcus Roper Administrator ond dollar and twenty five cents fee for laying off Dower of Mrs. William Roper years allowance Nov 4 1883 H. F. Histter?
Sep 16 1884 Received from Martin Roper admin of William Roper one dollar for Clurking and black smithing at his fathers salee deceased P.A. Whitner
Morganton NC Sep 25 1883 M Roper to Dr. Geo Halloran to professional service rendered Aug 21 visit to Freddy in consultation with D Laxton ... Sep 1,3,4,15 to Eliza
Received of Alfred Roper six dollars for making two coffins for the Deceist of one Mr. William & one his son Fred Roper Sep 6 1883 John R. Martin
Morganton NC 5 Sep 1883 Mr. William Roper decd Bought of I. I. David & Bro. dealers in General Merchandise, and all kinds of Country Produce: ...Suit cloths for F S Roper Decd  11.00...Coffin Lining by Martin  5.05  $32.49 received payment by M. D. Roper 4 Feb 1884 check: Received of M. D. Roper Adm. of W. M. Roper  $25 in full for 2 Sett Tombstones  G? B Webb
M D Roper Adm of Wm Roper Annual Settlement made this 4 day of Oct 1884 To Amt on hands at death of Intestate: Inventories page 140 $60  To Recd from sale Inventories page 140 365.34  To Rec of Robt Powell note 78.40  To Rec of Shuch Moore afe 2.00  To Rec of David Hun?fer note 1.28  To Rec of F R Naylor on note 10.00  To Rec of Mauly McDowell on note for J S McDowell15.00  Total Received $332.02 To paid S T Burson afc $8.90  To paid J P Baxter afc 2.00  To paid John Tull afc 20.00  To paid John Sarton M D afc 50.00  To paid J J Davis & Bro afc 32.49  To paid G H Moran M D afc 16.00  To paid W C Ervin ?? 2.00  To paid C B Webb Tombstones 26.00  To paid Taxes 1883 5.25:  $162.64
Amt brot forward $162.64  By paid Taxes 1884 3.52  By paid H F Naster? afc 1.25  By paid P A Whitmer afc 1.00  By paid Jno R Martin 6.00  By Commissions allowed Adm 25.00  By fees ?????? Clerk 1.40  By paid Jane Roper on years allowance $50.00  By bal on hand 281.21:  $532.02  Sworn to and subscribed before me 4 Oct 1884 M. D. Roper Adm of Wm Roper J S Pearson
M D Roper Adm of Wm Roper Letters issued 17 Sep 1883 Recorded appointment of Executors no? Page 412 Bond Docket Page 33
In the Clerk of the Superior Court I hereby waive my right to administer on the Estate of Wm Roper my deceased husband and request the appointment of M D Roper Respectfully
Francis X Roper  Witness J A Rector
The State of NC Burke Co. In the Probate Court I, M D Roper, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I believe that Wm Roper died without leaving any last Will and Testament; and that I will well and truly administer all and singularly the Goods and Chattels, Rights and Credits of the said Wm Roper, and a tru and perfect inventory thereof return as provided by law; and that all other duties appertaining to the charge reposed in me, I will faithfully and honestly perform with the best of my skill and ability; so help me God. M D Roper Sworn and subscribed before me, this17 day of Sep 1883 J S Pearson Probate Judge
Burke Co. In the Probate Court in the matter of the administration of the estate of Wm Roper, being sworn, doth say: That Wm Roper, late of said County, is dead, without leaving and Will and Testament, and that he is the proper person entitled to Letters of Administration on the estate of the said Wm Roper. Further, that the value of said estate, so far as can be ascertained at the date of this application is about $300, and that J H Roper, M D Roper,
Eliza Ann Roper, A N Roper & the widow Frances J Roper are entitled as heirs and distribution thereof. Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 17 day of Sep 1883 J S Pearson Probate Judge  signed: M D Roper
$2.50 Recd M D Roper Adm of Wm Roper fees and Com by Compromise in full 25 Oct 1886
J S Pearson  M D Roper Adm of Wm Roper Final Settlement made 25 Oct 1886 Recorded Record Settlement No 1 Page 179
Four receipts "In part payment of my share of said Estate": Eliza X Roper,  F. Jane X Roper,
Alford X Roper,  J H Roper  each for $56.25. 4 Oct 1884
M D Roper Administrator of William Roper Final Settlement Made this 25 day Oct 1886
To Amt rec & charged  Record Accounts No 2 p 151 $532.03  To Recd from F R Kaylor 1.30  Total Received $533.32  By Disbursments allowed  Record of Accts No 2 p 151 $250.81  By Paid F J Roper Heir 56.25  By Paid Eliza Roper Heir 56.25  By Paid Alfred Roper Heir 56.25  By Paid J H Roper Heir 56.25  By Paid M D Roper Heir 56.25  By fees allowed Aud??? by Compromises 2.50  M D Roper Adm of Wm Roper Sworn to & Subscribed before me this
25 day Oct 1886 J S Pearson A C M D Roper
Superior Court Burke Co. F J Roper widow Against M D Roper Adm of Wm Roper Judgment for Deficiency. In this case the commissioners who were appointed to lay off and allot to F J Roper widow of Wm Roper deceased, her year's allowance out of the crop, stock and provisions of her deceased husband, having filed a descriptive list showing a deficiency to the amount of Fifty dollars It is therefore Ordered, Adjudged and Decreed, That the said F J Roper recover of M D Roper as Administrator of the said Wm Roper, deceased, the said sum of Fifty Dollars, to be paid when personal assets come to his hands, together with the costs of this proceeding. 20 Oct 1883 J S Pearson Clear Superior Court
F J Roper Against M D Roper Admr of Wm Roper Judgment for Deficiency 20 Oct 1883 S P Docket No 3 Page 458 Off Faut??n 1883 J 250  Judgment for allowance Act. below 83 Bill of list Docketing .50  3.5 Copy Sheets .75  Judgment .50  Docketing .50: $2.00
State of NC Burke Co. I H F Histter JP accompanied by Pinkney Whitner and J S Rector commissioner appointed to Lay off and allott to J F Rooper widow of Wm Roper decd his years allowance after being duly Sworn according to Law do Lay of and assess to his the following articles to wit: 3 Beds & Steads 21.00, 1 Clock 4.00, 1 Beaureau 4.00, 1 Chest 1.00, 1 Spinning Wheel .50, 1 Table & Chest 1.00, 10 Chairs 1.50, 1 Loom ?? 2.00, 1 Sidesaddle & Bridle 3.00, 1 Cupboard 2.00, 2 Tables 1.50, Cooking ? ? Table W 5.00, 1 Sausage Grinder .50, 1 Lard Can ?? 1.25, 8 Sugar .50, 1 Handsaw & Deaning H .75, 1 Square & Chisel .25,
2 Axes 1.00, 1 Gun & sett Cassietts 1.50, 1 Grindstone .30, 7 Hogs 14.00, 1 Cow & Calf 20.00, 25 Bushels Wheat 25.00, 1 Barrel .50, 1 Box .75, 2 Locks .25, 20 Gal Molasses 8.00, 50 Bushels Corn 25.00, Shucks 4.00, 1 Wash pot & Tubs .75, 1 ?em Wedge .15, A lot of old notes .10, Garden & Potatoes 4.00, 1 Churn & half Bushel .50, 1 Smoothing Iron .25, 50 Dollars Cash 50.00:  $205.80  We make an allowance of $205.80 for her years support this 4 Oct 1883
J S Rector  P A Whitner  H F Histter JP  No charges to be Taxed

 

The following marriage records exist for Rutherford County:
William Roper  Mary Powers 1 Mar 1884   No bondsman  B. Miller (w)

 

The following estate papers for Julius Roper exist in the NC State Archives:

I Julius Roper of the County of Burke in the State of NC, am indebted to Mark Ross of Burke Co. in said State, in the sum of Sixty Dollars, for which he hold my note to be due on the 1 day of Jany A.D. 1886 and to secure the payment of the same I do hereby convey to him these articles of Personal Property to wit: One Black Mare 9 Years old. But on this special trust: That if I fail to pay said debt and interest on or before the 1 day of Jany A.D. 1886 then he may sell said property, or so much thereof as may be necessary by public auction for case, first giving twenty days notice at three public places, and apply the proceeds of such sale to the discharge of said debt and interest on the same, and pay any surplus to me. Given under my hand and seal this 27 day of Feb 1885 Witness S. T. Pearson. Julius X Roper
State of NC Burke Co. Superior Court Feby 27 1885 The execution of the foregoing Chattel Mortgage was this day acknowledged before the Court in and for the County aforesaid by Julius Roper, therefore let the said Mortgage and this Certificate be registered. S. T. Pearson Clerk Superior Court. $60 on or before the 1 day of Jany A.D. 1886 I promise to pay to Mark Ross or ___order the sum of Sixty Dollars, with interest from date at the rate of 8 per cent, per annum, for value rec. As witness my hand and seal this 27 day of Feby A.D. 1885 Julius X Roper Witness S. T. Pearson
Chattel Mortgage Julius Roper to Mark Ross. Received of Julius Roper $30.00 Feb 1 1887 Paid Feb 1 1888 $43.20 Morganton NC March 12 88 Received of J. P. Roper 6 cords of wood value $9.00, am't in full for medical service rendered Julius Roper Geo. H. Moran MD Recd. of J. M. Ross Thirteen Dollars in fall of af against Estate of Julius Roper. Ag 4 88 W. G. Moran John Tull, Pharmacist, Morganton NC. Rx Jan 21 1888 Rec'd of J. M. Ross administrator of Julius Roper Deceased, one & 40/100 Doll's in full of all claims to date. John Tull $2.00 Rec'd of John M. Ross Administrator of Julius A. Roper dec. the sum of two and 50/100 Dollars for fr? apaproval service. This Jany 17th 1888  J. J. Ervin
$2.00 Recd of J. M Ross adm of Julius Roper two dollars in full for advertising. Notice as adm in the Stor? 4 times this Jany 17 1888 L. G. Cobb Editor
Received of J. M. Ross adm. of J. A. Roper 2 50/100 Jan 19 1888 G. W. King
$1.50 Received of J. M. Ross Adm. of Julius Roper deceised sum of One dollar and fifty cents for burial expences 6 of Feb 1888 S. Ross
$14.28 Morganton NC Jany 21st 1888 Received from J. M. Ross Adm of Julius Roper decd in full for Burial and fit. R. B. Brittain ?
$2.21 Aprle 1889 Received from J M Ross Adm of Julius Roper Jus and Final Settlement S T Pearson SC
$5.00 Aprle 1889 Received from J M Ross Adm.of J Roper bal in full of my distributial share of the Estate an Final Settlement Amos X Roper Witness S T Pearson
$6.40 Recd J M Ross Admr of Julius Roper in full of ??? in years allowance of widow Jany 17 1888 S. T. Pearson Clerk
$3.20 Recd J M Ross Admr Julius Roper Jus an Letters. Seal order A. C. Jany 17 1888 S. T. Pearson SC
Morganton NC June 6th 1887 Mrs. Lucetta Roper Bought of R. B. Brittain & Co. Dealers in Glothing & Gents' Furnishing Goods, Ladies and gents fine shoes a specialty. 1 suit clothes 9.00 1 shirt 1.25  1 collar .15 socks & gloves .50 coffin screws .05 coffin Handles and Forks .75 7 yds worsted @30 2.10 6 yds Domestic @8 .48 = $14.28
Letters of Administration. State of NC Burke Co. Office Clerk Superior Court. By the clerk of the Superior Court of the county of Burke. It having been certified to me that Julius Roper late of Burke Co. is dead, and having made no last Will and Testament is writing; and J M Ross having made application to the Court for, and obtained administration upon the deceased's estate, and having also entered into bond and security, as the law in such cases provides, in the sum of Three Hundred Dollars with Saml Huffman as sureties. These are therefore to empower the said J M Ross to enter into and upon all, and singular the chattels, lands, and tenements, rights & credits of the deceased; and the same into possession take, wheresoever in the State to be found, and an inventory thereof to exhibit according to law, and all the just debts of the deceased to pay, and distribute as the law in such case provides. Witness ___Clerk of our said Court at office, 16 day of July 1887 S. T. Pearson Clerk S C J M Ross Admr of Julius Roper ?????? Return Made this 6 day April 1889. To Amt received of Julius Roper note $178.50 By paid S T Pearson CSC $9.60, R B Brittain 14.28, T G Cobb 2.00, S J Ervin 2.50, John Tull 1.40, G W King 2.50, S Ross 1.50, J G??w 1.00, W G Hogan 13.00, J M Ross 1.50, Dr G H Moran 9.00, Calvin Ross note 60.60, J M Ross note 43.20, Admr Commissions 9.21, S T Pearson CSC 2.21, Amos Roper Heir 5.00 = $178.50 Hereunto I J. M. Ross Admr ???????? before of Julius Roper on April 6 1889 S T Pearson SC The State of NC Burke Co. ss. In the Superior Court. I J M Ross, do swear (or affirm) that I believe that Julius Roper died without leaving any last Will and Testament; and that I will well and truly administer all and singular the Goods and Chattels, Rights and Credits of the said Julius Roper, and a true and perfect inventory thereof return according to law; and that all other duties appertain ing to the charge reposed in me I will well and truly perform accord ing to law with the best of my skill and ability: So help me, God. J. M. Ross Sworn and subscribed before me, this 16 day of July 1887 S T Pearson Clerk Superior Court
Burke Co.-in the Superior Court. In the matter of the administration of the estate Julius Roper dec'd Before Sam'l T. Pearson Clerk Superior Court J M Ross being sworn, doth say: That Julius Roper, late of said County, is dead, without leaving any will and testament and that the widow requesting ?? he is the proper person entitled to Letters of Administation on the estate of the said Julius Roper Further, that the value of said Estate, so far as can be ascertained at the date of this application, is about $150.00, and that Martha Roper widow & Amos Roper are entitled as heirs and distributees thereof. Sworn and subscribed before me, this 16 day of July 1887 S T Pearson Cleak Superior Court  J. M. Ross
J M Ross Admr of Julius Roper Inventory of property which has come into Admr hand. All the personal property of every description was assigned  to the widow as a years allowance except 1 note in Samuel Mull for $225 dated 15 Jany 1886 Cr $12.40 Aug 1st 1886 Cr $35.00 Nov 29 1886 Cr $30.00 Jany 26 1887. This note is for the balance of the purchase money of a tract of land and is the only property which come into my hands or which belongs to the Estate so far as I can   find. J. M. Ross Sworn to & Subscribed before me Jany 14 1888 S T Pearson SC
NC Burke Co. In the Matter of Martha L Roper ? Ex Parte Report of Commissioners. The undersigned W. E. Pour a Justice of the Peace for Burke Co. and Commissioners dully summed and Sworn do herby assign and allott to Martha L Roper widow of Julius Roper decd the following articles of Personal property and put her in possession of the same to wit: 3 beds & Fixtures $18.00, 3 Tables 2.00, 1 Safe 4.00, 1 Cupboard & Contents 1.50, 1 Trunk 1.50, 1 Clock 1.50, 1 Rifle Gun 3.00, Cooking Utensils 3.00, 1 Smoothing Iron .25, 1 Lot crocks & Jugs 1.15, Bucket & Tin Ware .90, 2 Buckets & Tub .40, 6 Buckets .90, 1 wall map .50, Carpenters tools  .50, 49 Bu wheat 70c per bu 34.30, 7 Bu Rye 50c per bu 3.50, 14 Bu Oats 35c per bu 4.90 = $85.20 2 Hogs 4.00, 5 bu corn 3.50, 1 Mare & Calf 60.00, 1 Cow & Calf 10.00 10 Bee Stands 10.00, 1 Wagon & Harness 30.00, Fanning Tools 7.00, 1 Sadder 2.00, Straw & Chaff 2.00, 1 Cutting Box .50, 1000 feet Lumber 5.00, Cord wood 18.75, Growing Crop of Corn 40.00, 20 Bu Gums 1.00, Spoke Lumber 1.00, Lot of Oats 2.00 = $281.95 We find that the family of Martha L Roper widow of Julius Roper decd consists ofherself Alone, having no Children under fifteen Years of age, and we allow her the sum of Two Hundred and Eighty One & 95/100 Dollars for a Years support as set forth in the above List and put her in the possession of the same July 19th 1887. P.H. Rich, J. H. Dale, W. E. Pour JP
Martha L Roper Years Allowance Report of Comm. P H Rich $1.00, J H Dale 1.00, W. E. Pour JP 2.00 = $4.00
NC Burke Co. In the Matter of Martha L Roper ? Ex Parte Summons To the Sheriff of Burke Co. or Any other Lawful Officer You are here by commanded to Summons P H Rich and Jn H Dale to be and appear at the R?????? of the Late Julius Roper on the 19th day of July 1887 at 10 oclock AM to assist in Laying off and assigning to Marth L Roper Widow of Julius Roper decd a Years Support for herself and family Herein fail not This 19th day of July 1887. W. E. Pour JP Summons We accept servis of the within Sumons July 19th 1887 P. H. Rich, J. H. Dale
NC Burke Co. In the Matter of Martha L Roper ? Ex Parte. Application of Years Support. To W. E. Pour Justice of the Peace for Burke Co. the undersigned widow of Julius Roper decd being Entitles to a Years for herself and family Respectfully Applies to You to have the same Allotted to her as is provided by Act of Assembly. dated the 19th day of July 1887. Marth L X Roper Test J. H. Dale
Superior Court Burke Co. M. L. Roper Against J M Ross Admr Julius Roper. In this case the Commissioners who were appointed to lay off and allot to M L Roper widow of Julius Roper deceased, her year's allowance out of the crop, stock and provisions of her deceased husband, having filed a description list showing a deficiency to the amount of ---- dollars It is therefore Ordered, Adjudged and Deceed, That the said Widow recover of Said Administrator of the said ----. deceased, the costs of this proceeding. July 19, 1887 S. T. Pearson
Jan 19th 1888 Mr. S. T. Pearson. Please let Mr J. A. Dale Have that dollar that Mr. J.M. Ross Left thar for me & oblige J. H. Dale Judgement for Deficiency. Special Proceeding Docket No 4 Page 356
Recd one Dollar for Mr. J H Dale in case of M L Roper Ex Parte      J??? Alum????  J. A. Dale Office Clerk Superior Court, Burke Co., Samuel T. Pearson, Clerk. Morganton NC July 2d 1887 To the Clerk Superior Court Burke Co. I hereby recounce my right to administer on the Estate of my deceased husband Julius Roper and request the appointment of J. M. Ross. Martha L X Roper Witness: M. S. Ross
J M Ross Adm of Julius Roper Letters issued 16 July 1887 Bond Docket Page 81 Appointment of Executor Page 207 Filed 16 Jul 1887
J M Ross Adm of Julius Roper Inventory Jany 14th 1888 Inventories & Sales Page 255 Julius Roper May 10th 1886 one mare $4.50 G W King $135.00 On or before 10 day of May 1887 we in either of us promise to pay to Calvin Ross the sum of One Hundred Thirty Five Dollars for value received this the 10 day of Sept 1886 Julius X Roper W. H. Baily. Witness B H Davis. Paid $60.00 ??? by Adm Paid on the within note Nov 16th 1886 $4.50 Nov 29th 1886 35.00 = $80.00  Total amount $60.60  Mack Ross
J M Ross Adm of Julius Roper Final Settlement made Aprille 1889 Record of Settlement page 209

 

The following Burke County land grant appears for David Roper in 1887:

                       No. 6175
County  Burke          Name  Roper, David       Acres  36-
Grant No. 9795         Issued  27 Dec 1889      Entry No.  5
Entered  15 Jan 1887   Book No.  180            Page No.  293
Location  on the waters of Silver Creek and Upper South Fork River
                     State of North Carolina   Treasury Board of Education Raleigh,  Dec 24 1889
On the Day above written,  David Roper  paid into this office the sum of  Four and 50/100  Dollars, it being in full of the purchase money for  56  Acres of Land, by him entered in the County of  Burke as by the Secretary of State's Certificate on Warrant No.  5  , for which sum I have given two receipts of the same tenor and date. $4.50 D. W. Bair, Treasurer (signed) Per B.
(second page:)
No.  5            North Carolina, Burke County             Entry Taker's Office  Jan 15 1887
To the Surveyor of Burke County, Greeting: You are hereby required as soon as may be, to lay off and survey for  David Roper  a Tract of Land in said County containing  Two hundred Fifty  acres. In the County of Burke on the head waters of Silver Creek and Upper Fork River adjoining the lands known as The Pearson Place Joining Propst Mountain and Mary Propst land and others and runing various courses and distances for complements so as to include vacant land. Observe the directions of an Act of Assembly in such cases made and provided for running Lands. Two just and fair plans of each Survey, with a proper certificate annexed to each, you are to transmit with this Warrant to the Secretary's office without delay.
  Entered  15  day of  January  1887   J. R. Carter ? Entry Taker.
(third page:)                                          
State N. Carolina, Burke County  (map is here)  By virtue of a Warrant No. 5 Entered Jan 15 1887 Surveyed for David Roper a tract or parcel of land in Burke County & state of North Carolina on the waters Silver Creek & Upper South Fork River adjoining the lands know as the Pearson Place Mary Propst and others Beginning on a Black gum in a hollow on the North side of a Mountain & runs N56W 60 poles to a stake. Then South 60 poles to Mary Propst N.W. corner then East with her line 50 poles to Pearson N.W. corner. Then S45E with Pearson line 105 poles to a white oak stump & pointer Roper S.W. corner. Then N19E with Roper line 40 poles to a stake in said line. Then N45W 100 poles to the Beginning.  Containing
 36 acres.  Surveyed  Dec 6-1889 J. P. Smith   A. W. Zimmer ? C. Sur.
 John P. Denton CC  by D. F. Denton D. Sur. (signed)

 

The following marriage records exist for Burke County:
Amos Roper (18) - Manerva Hicks (21) 4 Jan 1888 md. @ J. W. Carswell, Bapt. Min.
  witnesses: Joseph Hicks; F. E. Cook; W. A. Cook
Jones Roper (66) - Harriet Bowman (55) 13 Dec 1889 md. @ F. A. Franklin (?)
  witnesses: John Roper; J. J. Sigmon

Burke Co. Marriages (White) 1872-1908:     Page
David Roper & Lottie Epley 18 Feb 1881  15
A. N. Roper & Cora Lowdermilk 15 Dec 1881  16
Oliver Speagle & Mandy Roper 20 Apr 1882  17
Amos Roper & Manerva Hicks 4 Jan 1888  27
Jones Roper & Harriet Bowman 13 Dec 1889  31
Jones Roper (b 1823) and this John Roper are possibly the old John Roper's (d 10 Jan 1868) sons.

 

The 1890 US census records were destroyed by fire.

 

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 1890s are:
James Jackson Roper b 11 Dec 1892 d  8 Jul 1957 Forest Hill Cemetery [husband Hattie C. Jones]
Betty Roper
b 11 Nov 1895 d 1 Mar 1946   Salem Methodist Church  [wife of Amos Roper]    
Amos Roper
b 22 Nov 1895 d 1 Mar 1946   Salem Methodist Church  (PFC 30 Div. WWI)       
Hattie Catherine Jones R.
b  2 Oct 1896 d 10 Jun 1968 Forest Hill Cemetery [wife James Jackson R.] 
Hattie E. Roper
b 12 Sep 1897 d --  Salem Methodist Church  [wife of H. Tilman Roper]
Ella A. Roper
b 23 Aug 1897 d 2 Sep 1927  Abee's Grove Baptist  [wife Howard Roper]
Mary Pearl H. Roper
b 13 Aug 1898 d 1980  Salem Methodist Church[wife Stanley E. Roper] 
Stanley E. Roper b 20 Aug 1898 d 14 Dec 1969  Salem Methodist Church [son of Ed. C. Roper]   
H. Tilman Roper
b 9 Nov 1898 d 20 Aug 1972  Salem Methodist Church (husband of [Hattie E.])

 

H. Tilman Roper is a son of William Monroe Roper and a grandson of Joseph H. Roper.  Stanley E. Roper is a son of Ed C. Roper and a grandson of Martin D. Roper and a great-grandson of William M. Roper.  I do not know how Amos Roper and Ella A. Roper fit into families.

A Burke County birth certificate contains:
29 Sep 1915  Cora Ada Lee Roper f: Amos Roper 22 m: Myrtle Denton 21
Silver Creek Twnshp.     Birthpl:  Morganton Twn.   Lincoln Co.
Res: Hennessee, NC       Midwife: Cora Saunders

 

The Index to Death Certificates book at the Burke County Court House lists:
Stanley E. Roper  w: Pearl H. Roper   f: Ed Roper  m: Jennie Stroupe

 

Burke County Surviving Wills and Probates by Philbeck contains:
On  1 Mar 1892 A. E. Roper witnessed a will for J. W. Conley.
On 16 Sep 1895 Robert E. Roper witnessed a will for Eliza Scott.

 

The following Burke County land grant appears for S. A. Roper in 1897:

                       No. 6247
County  Burke          Name  Mace,J.H.&Roper,S.A.  Acres  45
Grant No. 13461        Issued  29 Dec 1897         Entry No.  190
Entered  18 May 1895   Book No.  188               Page No.  385
Location  on the waters of Upper South Fork River
(second page:)
No.  190          North Carolina, Burke County             Entry Taker's Office  Dec 18 1897
To the Surveyor of Burke County, Greeting: You are hereby required as soon as may be, to lay off and survey for  J.H. Mace and S.A.Roper  a Tract of Land in said County containing
  Six Hundred & forty  acres. In Burke County on the waters of Upper South Fork River adjoining lands of S.A. Roper and others running various courses and distances for complements so as to include vacant land.  Entered on the 18 day of January 1897
  Observe the directions of an Act of the Assembly, in such cases and provided for running lands. Two just and fair plans of each survey, with a proper certificate annexed to each, you are to
transmit with this warrant to the Secretary's Office without delay.
 W. F. Hallyburton   Entry Taker.
(third page:)
State N. Carolina, Burke County (map is here)  By virtue of a Warrant No. 190 Entered 18th day of May 1895 Surveyed for J.H. Mace & S.A. Roper a tract of parcel of land in Burke County & state of North Carolina on the waters of Upper South Fork River adjoining the lands of S.A. Roper & other. Beginning on a sowerwood chestnut & Chestnut oak Roper N.W. corner & runs S30E with his line 110 poles to a stake in Walker line.  Then N75W with Walker line 35 poles to 3 chestnut sprouts his corner. Then North with his line 5 poles to a stake Walker's corner. Then west with his line 50 poles to a stake in Elijah Walker line. Then North with his line 70 poles to a stake his corner of the old Kaylor Knob tract. Then East to the Beginning. Containing 116 acres  Surveyed  Dec 22 day 1897
 A. D. Ross   ?. ?. Denton  County Surveyor  (signed)   R. C. Mace  CC

This is for Samuel Asbury Roper, a son of David Roper and a grandson of Elijah Roper.

The following marriage records exist for Burke County:
D. A. Roper - Nancy J. Mull    16Sep 1893
Jessie Roper (25) - Donnie Causby (20)12Mar1899  Silver Crk. Twp.
Robert Roper (24) - Bettie Lane (27) 16 Mar 1899  Silver Crk. Twp.
Sam Roper (22) - Maude Cannon (55) 13 Dec 1889  Morganton Twp.

Burke Co. Marriages (White) 1872-1908:        Page
Lewis Lowman & Emma Roper 14 Mar 1890  32
W. A. Lafevers & A. L. Roper 30 Apr 1891  34
David Carswell & M. J. Roper 10 Mar 1892  36
D. A. Roper & Nancy J. Mull 17 Sep 1893  39
Allen Carswell & Laura Roper 8 Oct 1894  42
R. E. Roper & Ella Chapman 2 Dec 1894  42
Wesly Walker & May A. Roper 26 Jan 1896  45
Fed Roper & Callie Baker 7 Jan 1897  48
Ned Lane & Sarah Roper 21 Aug 1897  49
E. C. (Eddie) Roper & J. V. (Jinnie) Stroup 4 Nov 1897  50
Sylvanus Carswell & Sarah Roper 26 Nov 1897  50
W. N. Roper & M. N. Orders 18 Jan 1898  51
Norman Thomas & Ella Roper 19 May 1898  52
C. E. Stroup & Cora Roper 20 Oct 1898  53
Jessie Roper & Donnie Causby 12 Mar 1899  54
Robert Roper & Bettie Lane 16 Mar 1899  54
Wood Eply & Girtie Roper 22 Mar 1899  55
David Watts & Emma Roper 15 Oct 1899  56

 

The US census for 1900 for Burke County lists:
Alford N. Roper 41(Jun 1858) NC  Manda C. 42(Sep 1857)F NC
   Maston/Marton L. 17(Nov 1882)M NC m:18 yr(1882) Mary F. 15(Sep 1884)F NC
   child/live:7/7  Loley E. 13(Oct 1886)F NC   Bessie C. 11(Dec 1888)F NC
   Dellar L. 9(Oct 1890)F NC James J. 7(Dec 1892)M NC Ode N.(?) 4(May 1896)M NC
   73 Morganton Township
Samuel Roper [S.B.]23(Apr 1876) NC  Mandy M. 17(Jul 1882)F NC
 m:0 yr(1900) child/live:0/0 91 Morganton
Berry Roper [Samuel Asbury] 54 (Jun 1850) NC Janey 53(Oct 1846)F NC
 m:35 yr(1865) Celia 18(Jun 1881)F NC
 child/live:13/10 May J. 14(Apr 1886)F NC
 Lulur 12(Nov 1887)F NC
 Robt. 10(Mar 1890)M NC 122 Morganton
John Brown 21 NC Anner 21 NC Avry M. NC single, border: Gertie Roper [dau S. Asbury] 24(Dec 1875)F NC child/live:1/1 Mamie 5/12(Dec 1899)F NC 174 Morganton
Joseph Roper 50 Dec 1849 NC Barbra E. 51(Mar 1849)F NC m:28 yr(1872) Fannie Tate 27(Nov 1872)F NC child/live:2/2 William M. 23(Nov 1876)M NC m:2 yr(1898) W.M. wife: Magnolia 21(May 1879)F NC child/live:2/2  W.M. child: Horrace T. 1(Aug 1898)M NC
 W.M. child: Joseph 2/12(Mar 1900)M NC 93 Morganton #3
Jane F. Roper 76(May 1824) NC widow(W.M.)   child/live:9/3 VA single  Eliza A. 46(Apr 1854)F NC
Martha Roper 55(Mar 1845) NC widow(Julius) child/live:1/1 NC Daughter-in-law: Manerva div 31(May 1869)F NC child/live:6/5 Grand son: Harrison 8(Oct 1891)M NC
 Grand son: Amos 7(Feb 1898)M NC Grand dau: Jessico 5(Jan 1895)M NC
 Grand dau: Amanda 2(Mar 1898)M NC 98 Morganton #3
Eddy Roper [Ed C.] 25(Mar 1875) NC Jenca 20(Jan 1880)F NC
 . m:3 yr(1897) Stanley E. 1(Aug 1898)M NC 108 Morganton #3 child/live:1/1
Robt. Roper 28(Sep 1881) NC Ella 27(May 1883)F N m:6 yr(1894) Robt. 2(Dec 1897)M NC
 child/live:2/2 Safrona 3/12(Mar 1900)F NC 39 Town Morganton
R. W. Roper [Robert Wesley] 25(Jul 1874) NC Bettie 25(May 1875)F NC
 m:1 yr(1899) child/live:0/0 147 Silver Creek
John Roper 46(Feb 1854) NC Chestina 52(Oct 1847)F NC
 m:27 yr(1874) James W. 24(Dec 1875)M NC child/live:6/6 Lola 21(Feb 1879)F NC
 John L. 19(Jan 1881)M NC
 Mary A. 17(Mar 1883)F NC 210
Fred Roper 39(Apr 1861) NC Callie 26(May 1874)F NC
 m:3 yr(1897) Stanley 2(Oct 1897)M NC child/live:2/2 Anna L. 4/12(Jan 1900)F NC
 Mother: Anna 59(Oct 1840)F NC 255
Thomas L. Morrison Tempy L. (dau, son, grandson)
 Adopted: Charles Roper 9(Apr 1891)M NC 49 Silver Creek #2
David Roper 80(Oct 1819) NC Letty A. 39(Feb 1861)F NC
 m:20 yr(1880) John B. 15(Dec 1884)M NC mother child/live:6/3 Frederick 5(Jun 1894)M NC
 Kelly 2(Aug 1897)M NC 66 Silver Creek #2
Jessie Roper 25(May 1875) NC Dina 19(Apr 1881)F NC
 m:1 yr(1899) Velvet 2/12(Mar 1900)F NC child/live:1/1 67 Silver Creek #2
Patience Roper 44(Feb 1866) NC single 68 Silver Creek #2 Arlando 12(Jan 1888)M NC
 child/live:2/2 Oby 9(Oct 1890)M NC
Molton Roper 52(Jan 1848) NC Jane 52(Jun 1847)F NC
 m:28 yr(1872) Vina A. 8(May 1882)F NC child/live:7/4 138 Upper Fork
James Roper 26(Mar 1874) NC Emily 24(Mar 1876)F NC
 m:10 yr(1890) Indiana 9(Apr 1891)F NC child/live:4/4 William 6(May 1894)M NC
 John 3(Jul 1896)M NC May E. 1(May 1899)F NC 187 Upper Fork
No Ropers are listed in the Lower Fork Township.

 

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 1900s decade are:
Annie Elizabeth Roper b 22 Jan 1900 d 12 Mar 1920   Denton Chapel Methodist
   (d/o F.E. & C.C.)[Fred]
David H. Roper
b 4 Mar 1900 d 9 Nov 1966   Salem Methodist Church
   [son Wm.M., gson Joseph H]
William Howard Roper
b 14 Apr 1901 d 17 Dec 1967   Zion Memorial Methodist
   (Pvt.Bty.F.5th Art. WWII)
Robert Ray Roper b 28 May 1903 d 27 Nov 1967   Zion Memorial Methodist
   (NC PFC Army WWII)
Flossie Adeline Roper b 20 Sep 1905 d 11 Nov 1944   Salem Methodist Church
   [wife David Haywood Roper]
Luther M. Roper
b 27 Sep 1905 d 23 Oct 1970   Glen Alpine Methodist
   [son Wm.M., gson Joseph H]
Hattie C. Roper
b 13 Aug 1906 d 13 Aug 1974   Nowlings Chapel Baptist
   (wife of John Wesley R.)
John Wesley Roper
b 24 Sep 1906 (living in 1989) Nowlings Chapel Baptist
   [husband Hattie C.]
Cora Leila Roper b 12 Aug 1907 d 16 Sep 1973   Glen Alpine Methodist  [dau Fred E. Roper]
Ethel R. Roper
b 1909 d 1983   Salem Methodist Church  [wife of John William R.]
Willie A. Roper
b 31 Mar 1909 d 12 Jul 1971   Nowlings Chapel Baptist
   [son Robt.W., gson Barney]
Mary Etta Roper b 27 Oct 1909 d 12 Mar 1912   Mount Home Baptist Church
   (dau Nancy & David)

 

The Index to Death Certificates book at the Burke County Court House lists:
Hattie Roper h: John Wesley Roper f: CollettEpley m: Emley M Epley
Betty Lee Roper f: Luther Roper  m:Eloise Buff  Died due to burns - explosion of stove
Mar 1920  Elizabeth Roper f: Fred E. Roper m: Callie Baker
Aug 1920  Paul Roper f: J. J. Roper  m: Dovie Smith
7 Mar 1933  (Male) Roper  f: Barney Roper m: Annie Brittain

I believe the last one is Robert Wesley Roper.

The following marriage records exist for Burke County:
Thomas Cook (21) - Viney Roper (18) 26 Aug 1900  Upper Fork Twp.
John Grady (35) - Girtie Roper (24) 4 Nov 1900  Morganton Twp.
John H. Roper - Delia Harden 29 May 1902;  S. T. Wilson - Celia Roper 31 Aug 1902
Bud Roper - Dovey Smith 3 Jun 1904;  Sid Berry - Mary Roper 4 Dec 1904
Wesley Roper -Hattie Epley 6 Dec1904;  J. R. Wilson - Eliza Ann Roper 6 Feb 1905

Burke Co. Marriages (White) 1872-1908: Page
Sam Roper & Maud Cannon 7 Jan 1900 57;  Thos. Cook & Viney Roper 26 Aug 1900 59
John Grady & Girtie Roper 4 Nov 1900 59
John H. Roper & Delia Harden 29 May 1902 64
S. T. Wilson & Celia Roper 31 Aug 1902 65;  Bud Roper & Dovey Smith 3 Jun 1904 71
Sid. Berry & Mary Roper 4 Dec 1904 73;  Wesley Roper & Hattie Epley 6 Dec 1904 73
J. R. Wilson & Eliza Ann Roper 6 Feb 1905 73
L. C. Fox & Mary J. Roper 29 Aug 1906 79
Andrew Crawley & Lelia L. Roper 23 Sep 1906 79
W. S. Roper & Mary Martha Jordan 29 Feb 1907 81

 

Burke County Surviving Wills and Probates by Philbeck contains:
On 13 Nov 1901 R. E. Roper witnessed a will for Albert Slade.

 

Rutherford Co. Heritage, V.1, #638: Lewis Perry Francis b 4 Aug 1902 d 2 Dec 1979 bur. Faubion Cem. Cocke Co. TN (s/o Jacob Hays Francis b 11 Jul 1877 d 8 Dec 1950 bur. Caroleen Cem & Ona Lucilla Watson b 6 Oct 1876 d 2 Dec 1925) m1 Roxie Roper c1924 div 1927/8. Lewis moved to TN m2 Dovie Stevens Trentham 1963, no issue.

 

The Permanent Registration Book of Morganton Township of Burke County lists:
  Registrant   Age Ancestor who voted prior  State Application date prior to 1867 (f or gf)
Morganton Township:
John Roper 53 James Roper NC 7 Oct 1902;  J. E. Roper 53 James Roper NC 7 Oct 1902
Jessee Roper 33 L. A. Roper  (mistake?) NC 10 Oct 1902
J. W. Roper 26  James Roper NC 17 Oct 1902;  A. N. Roper 44 W. Roper NC 18 Oct 1902
S. A. Roper 52 David Roper NC 18 Oct 1902;  S. B. Roper 24 S. A. Roper NC 18 Oct 1902
F. E. Roper 42 NC 23 Oct 1902;  J. H. Roper 53 William Roper NC 23 Oct 1902
W. M. Roper 25 William Roper NC 23 Oct 1902;  R. W. Roper 28 NC 23 Oct 1902
E. C. Roper 27 M. D. Roper NC 24 Oct 1902
Linville Township: N. S. Roper 55 Jim Roper NC 24 Oct 1902
J. E. Roper is John E. Roper son of James Roper & Lucinda Mitchell.
Jessee Roper is Jesse Wilfong Roper son of Samuel Asbury Roper.
A. N. Roper is Alfred N. Roper son of William M. Roper.
S. A. Roper is Samuel Asbury Roper son of David Roper.
S. B. Roper is Samuel Byard Roper son of Samuel Asbury Roper.
F. E. Roper is Fred E. Roper son of Barnet Roper.
J. H. Roper is Joseph H. Roper son of William M. Roper.
W. M. Roper is William Monroe Roper son of Joseph H. Roper gson of William M. Roper.
R. W. Roper is Robert Wesley Roper son of Barnet Roper.
E. C. Roper is Ed C. Roper son of Martin D. Roper.

 

A picture of 53 people in front of a wood-siding building was published in The News Herald of Morganton.  The caption is: It's burned down now, but Roper School, at left, is where Julie Carswell got her first start in education. Miss Julie grew up to become a teacher and later retired from teaching in Burke County. ... She saved this picture-taken about 1906-of the old school, once located on Old NC 18 on the site where Walker's Chapel Methodist Church is now, and recently shared it with Carl Haynes, here neighbor. Haynes is a descendant of Samuel Hoffman, on of three German brothers (George, Casper), who settled in NC in 1749. Haynes great-grandfather, Logan Huffman, was one of a group who decided to build the school, and Wesley Walker donated the land for the building-used cooperatively with Walker's Chapel
Methodist Church
.

Mr. Frank Huffman, who lived in the nearest house to the school site in 1989 told the compiler about seeing the church-school burn down in 1922. Family memory is that Samuel Roper was a school teacher; per­haps he taught at this school.

 

The US census for 1910 for Burke County lists:
W. S. Roper        64 m 3 years NC  Martha          30 F          NC
146 Linville       owns farm        child/live:0/0
Amanda C. Roper    52 widow     NC  F
 57 Morganton Township              Della L.        19 F ironer   NC
                    child/live:7/7  James J.        17 M glazier  NC
                                    Codi (?) U.     13 M          NC
Samual B. Roper    33 m10 years NC  Maud M.         28 F          NC
 98 Morganton       child/live:4/4  William H.       9 M          NC
 farmer-owns farm                   Robert R.        6 M          NC
                                    Thelma G.        3 F          NC
                                    Ella R.          1 F          NC
Samuel(?) A. Roper 59 m44 years NC  Mary J.         63 F          NC
 98 Morganton     child/live:13/10  Dounice(?) DL   22 F          NC
 farmer-owns farm
Joseph H. Roper    60 m38 years NC  Barbra E.       61 F          NC
 61 Morganton     child/live:2/2    Fannie T.(?)    37 F          NC
 farmer-owns farm                                                   William M. Roper   31 m12 years NC  Maggie(?) N.    30 F          NC
 62 Morganton     child/live:6/6    Haras(?) T.     11 M          NC
 farmer-rents home                  David H.        10 M          NC
                                    John W.          7 M          NC
                                    Luther M.        4 F          NC
                                    Dortha G.        2 F          NC
                                    Kettie T. (T)    2 F          NC
David A. Roper     35 m16 years NC  Nancy J.        33 F          NC
 76 Morganton     child/live:9/5    Joshu/Jeshee A. 12 M farm lab.NC
 owns house-farm-servant            John S.          8 M          NC
                                    Bessie           5 F          NC
                                    Veria(?)         2 F          NC
                                    Mary E.       5/12 F          NC
Edward C.(?) Roper 35 m12 years NC  Jennie V.(?)    30 F          NC
  77 Morganton    child/live:2/2    Stanley E.      11 M          NC
  owns farm                         Essie R.         2 F          NC
Charles E. Stroup  40 m11 years NC  Cora S.         30 F          NC
  80 Morganton    child/live:4/3    Ethel V.        10 F          NC
  farmer-owns farm                  Orra G.          8 F          NC
                                    Monie R.         5 F          NC
                                    David C.         2 M          NC
                    mother-in-law:  Larra A. Roper  59 F widow    NC
Luseta Roper       65 widow     NC  child/live:1/1
  85 Morganton    daughter-in-law:  Manervia        47 F washer   NC
  owns farm       child/live:9/8    Harison         21 M laborer  NC
                                    Amos E.         18 M laborer  NC
                                    Jesico(?)       15 F          NC
                                    Manda           13 F          NC
                                    Marry J.         6 F          NC
Samuel B. Morgan   74 m10 years NC  Margret L.      75 F          NC
  96 Morganton                      Gillie I.       30 F          NC
  farmer                  boarder:  Willis Roper     5 M          NC
Robert E. Roper    38 m14 years NC  Phebe E.        35 F          NC
 332 Morgantown Town child/live:6/6 Robert          12 M          NC
 Fleming Ford Rd.                   Sophronia       10 F          NC
 merchant, owns house               Lucy S.          7 F          NC
                                    Ella             6 F          NC
                                    Willie M.        4 M          NC
                                    Newel         6/12 F          NC
J. E. Roper        58 m33 years NC  I. J.           60 F          NC
 88 Silver Creek    child/live:5/4  Lola            28 F farm lab.NC
 Fleming Ford Rd.                   Annie           25 F farm lab.NC
 owns farm-carpenter     grandson:  Edward E.        1 M          NC
                    granddaughter:  May B.           1 F          NC
J. W. Roper        38 m6 years  NC  Hattie          22 F          NC
 89 Silver Creek   child/live:2/2   John             5 M          NC
 owns house-laborer                 Orther           2 M          NC
Andy N. Crawley    73 m 3 years NC  Lettie A.       49 F          NC
 40 Silver Creek          stepson:  Frederick Roper 14 M farm lab.NC
 Rollins Rd., farm lab.   stepson:  Kelley Roper    10 M          NC
Fred E. Roper      48 m13 years NC  Sarah C.        38 F          NC
 49 Silver Creek   child/live:6/4?  Stanley R.      12 M farm lab.NC
 farmer                             Annie T. (?)    10 F farm lab.NC                                     John W.          8 M          NC
                                    Lulor(?)         2 F          NC
             child/live:5/2 mother: Annie           70 F widow    NC
Herbert W. Watts   24 m 0 years NC  Etta            19 F          NC
  79 Silver Creek   child/live:0/0                                NC
                  mother-in-law:    Pash Roper      54 F single   NC
Jessee Roper       42 m12 years NC  Donnie E.       25 F          NC
  91 Silver Creek   child/live:4/4  Belva           11 F          NC
  farmer-rents house                Oscar            7 M          NC
                                    Mary L.          5 F          NC
                                    Essie            3 F          NC
Robert W. Roper    38 m10 years NC  Bettie S.       36 F          NC
 124 Silver Creek   child/live:2/2  John W.          3 M          NC
  owns farm, Brindletown            William A.       1 M          NC
Obe (?) Roper      22 m 2 years NC  Lula            19 F          NC
 138 Silver Creek   child/live:2/2  Ellen Z.         2 F          NC
  rents house, Jamestown Rd.        Alonzo        3/12 M          NC

No Ropers are listed in the Lower Fork or Upper Fork Townships.

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 1910s are:
Forest G. Roper           b        1911   m 18 Aug 1932
(husband Nellie P. Roper) d        1978   Forest Hill Cemetery
Nellie P. Roper           b        1911   m 18 Aug 1932
(wife Forest G. Roper)    d  no date      Forest Hill Cemetery
Ethelene S. Roper         b  6 Mar 1911

(wife Dallas A. Roper)    d  8 Oct 1979   Denton Chapel Methodist
Minnie D. Roper           b 18 Oct 1911
[wife Willie Arthur Roper]                Nowlings Chapel Baptist
Eloise Buff Roper         b 22 Nov 1911
[wife Luther McDowell Roper]              Salem Methodist Church
James Hearl Roper         b 26 Oct 1912
[son Wm.M., gson Joseph H]d  6 Sep 1983   Salem Methodist Church
Dallas A. Roper           b  8 Feb 1913

[son Obe, gson Patience Roper]            Denton Chapel Methodist

 

The following Burke County land grant exists for S. B. Roper in 1913.

                       No. 6377
County  Burke          Name  Roper S.B. & Hennisa    Acres  6
Grant No. 18623        Issued  14 Feb 1914         Entry No.  1
Entered  15 Feb 1913   Book No.  196               Page No.  458
Location  In Morganton Township
North Carolina
             Office of Entry-Taker.
To the Surveyor of  Burke  County, Greeting:
  Whereas,  S. B. Roper and John Hennisa  of  Burke  County, did on the  15 day of  Feb  1913  enter the following described land in  Morganton  Township,  Burke  County, said to contain  25  acres.
  And Whereas, copies of said entry have been posted for thirty (30) days at three public places in  Morganton  Township, where the land house door in  Burke  County, and said entry has also been          advertized for thirty days in  News Herald , a newspaper published at  Morganton  and no protest against issuing this warrant has been filed with me.
  Now, therefore, You are required as soon as may be to lay off and for the said  S. B. Roper and John Hennisa  the following piece or parcel of land in  Morganton  Township,  Burke  County, State of North Carolina, viz.: Adjoining the lands of W. G. Hogan, ? and others. Bounded as follows. Beginning on a rock, J. M. Dales and D. J. Berry's corner and runs west with J. M. Deal's line to
W. M. Hogan's line.  Then various courses and distances forcomplement so as to include vacant land.
  Entered on the  15  day of  Feby  1913 being Entry No  1  page  1 Entry-taker's book of  Burke  County.
  In making the survey of said lands, you will observe the directions laid down in Section 2769 of The Code and amendments thereto, making two just and fair plots of each survey, with a proper certificate annexed to each which you are to transmit with warrant to the Secretary of State's office without delay.
  Given under my hand, this  15  day of  Sept  1913
                                      J. B. Holloway  Entry-taker.
Copy of entry must be advertised for thirty days in a newspaper published at the county-seat in which the land lies.  If there be no newspaper published in such county, then the advertisemet provided
for shall be made in the nearest newspaper. State N. Carolina, Burke County     (map is here)
  By virtue of a Warrant No. one.  I surveyed for S. B. Roper & John Hennisa a piece of land adjoining D. J. Berry, W. G. Hogan and J. M. Dale in Morganton Township, Burke County, N.C.  Beginning on a rock on the north Side of an old road Deals corner & runs west with Deals line58 poles to a stake in Hogan line. Then north with Hogans line crossing a Small branch 28 poles to a rock & pointer Hogans and Berrys corner. Then north 70 East with Berrys line 62 poles to a stake Berrys corner in Dales line. Then north with Dale line 4 poles to the Beginning. Containing 6 six acres.
      Surveyed the 9 day January 1914
 Ellis Franklin          M. ?. Vaughn  C. S.  (signed)
 D. C. Cannon   CC

This is for Samuel Byard Roper, a son of Samuel Asbury Roper and grandson of David Roper and great-grandson of Elijah Roper.

 

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 1920s are:
Lucy S. Roper             b 24 Oct 1920      d  1949   Denton Chapel Methodist
[2nd wife Obe Roper]      (living 1989)   Denton Chapel Methodist
Mary M. Roper             b        1923
(wife W. Alvin Roper)     d        1982   Salem Methodist Church
Joseph Ervin Roper        b  5 Sep 1923

(son D.H. & F.A. Roper)   d  3 Mar 1924   Salem Methodist Church
Ophelia R. Roper          b 10 Jun 1924

(dau Gray & Bertha Roper) d 13 Feb 1925   Zion Memorial Methodist
Ned Roper                 b 19 Nov 1925  (son Earl & Pearl Roper)  d 29 Nov 1925   Salem Methodist Church
W. Alvin Roper            b        1928
(son John Wm, gson Wm.M.] (living 1989)   Salem Methodist Church

Earl Roper refers to Stanley Earl Roper.

The following death certificates exist for the 1920s for Burke Co.:
Paul Roper b 14 Jul 1919 d 18 Aug 1920 bur Zion Church (all Burke) f J. J. Roper m Dovie Smith (both b Burke Co.)
Julia May Roper b 19 Feb 1922 d 19 Feb 1922 bur Abee's Grove (all in Burke County) f Howard Roper m Ella E. Abee (both b Burke Co.)
Eliza Roper b 1842 Mecklenburg Co., NC d 22 Mar 1926 Burke Co. bur Mt. Holly, NC  f & m not given, died at State Hospital

William Howard Roper is son of Samuel Byard Roper and grandson of Samuel Asbury Roper.  Paul Roper is son of John Jasper Roper and grandson of Elijah Roper.

 

The Index to Death Certificates book at the Burke County Court House lists:
Ophelia Roper f: Gary Roper   m:Bertha Griffin

 

A Brief History of Burke Co. Schools by Patton:
p.38: Schools operated in 1924-25: One Teacher, White:...Roper ...
A 1924 map of Burke Co. shows Roper School located in SE Burke Co. SW of Rt. 18 and SE of Enola.
A picture of 1924 schools shows Roper 1 with 26 people in front of it.  Its structure appears identical to the Wellman 1 school.
p.39: The plan of consolidation-adopted in 1925: Absher includes York, Pleasant Grove, Absher, Corn Hill & Roper.

 

Rutherford Co. Heritage, V.1, #306: James Robert Scroggin b 9 Mar 1924 d 18 Dec 1974 (s/o William Gordon Scroggin b 15 Nov 1868 d 10 Oct 1912 & Zeruah Guffey b 20 Aug 1893 d 12 Apr 1967 m 31 May 1919) m1 Catherine Daniels 20 Feb 1946 m2 Louise Brooks Roper 26 Jun 1954. (Also, in #555.)

 

Rutherford Co. Heritage, V.1, #97: Bessie Moorie b 5 Oct 1926 (d/o James Andrew "Andy" Baynard b 8 Oct 1867 & Maude Roxanne Pritchard m 8 Aug 1919) m 19 Jun 1946 William J. Roper. Issue: William J., Jr., Steve & Rebecca Ann. Bessie m2 William Robert Griggs 14 Dec 1968-no
issue.

 

NC Burke Co. in the Superior Court, before the clerk, in Re:
Administration of M. M. Roper, Deceased. Final account & settlement To the clerk of the Superior Court; The undersigned administrator of the estate of M. M. Roper hereby returns and makes his final account and settlement under oath, of the administration of the estate of M. M. Roper, deceased, as follows: Bal. on hand as per last report $150.64 file Nov 12 1931 Disbursements Paid J.F. Bowers, C.S.C. fees 4.05 one Dollar of this amount Paid in Nov. annual acct. Commissions on receipts $457 at 5%  22.50 Commissions on disbursements of $30 at 5%  15.00  Commissions paid clerk in final settlement $41.55  Bal. paid Susanna Kanipe heir 109.09 Total Disbursed 150.64  R. E. Roper Adm
Sworn to and subscribed before me ??di?ed and approved as final settlement of said Estate This 10th Dec 1931 J.F. Bowers SC Recorded in Book #5 of FinalSettlements on page 170 J. F. Bowers CSC

 

Rutherford Co. Heritage, V.1, #516: Beulah Philbeck (b 23 Aug 1910) m William Hoppes (b 16 Mar 1912) on 16 Mar 1940. Their children are Ray Hoppes, who m1 Paulette Harris & m2 Lana Gilispie; Mary Helen Hoppes who m Bill Hill and Gail who m Melvin Roper.

 

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 1930-1950s are:
David Arnold Roper        b  4 Feb 1936
(Sp4 U.S. Army)           d  9 Sep 1980   Forest Hill Cemetery
Edna Roper                b
15 Jan 1937
[dau Luther M.,gdau Wm.M.]d  5 Mar 1937   Salem Methodist Church
Roper, infant (2)         b 
1 Aug 1955
(twin daus. R.W.&Carolyn) d  1 Aug 1955   Forest Hill Cemetery
Larry Gene Roper          b
22 Dec 1957
[son John Wesley Roper]   d 29 Sep 1980   Nowlings Chapel Baptist

The only Ropers listed whose birth dates are not given are:
Fred Roper                b
[son David, gson Elijah]  d        1949   Denton Chapel Methodist
Donnie Roper              b
                          d 17 Jun 1917   Zion Memorial Methodist

 

The News Herald, Morganton, NC: 7 Oct 1990: The NC Supreme Court on Tuesday will review the case of a Burke Co. man sentenced to die two years ago after he was convicted of first-degree murder, rape and kidnapping.  The case of James Edward Roper, 51, was automatically appealed to the state's highest court after his conviction and sentencing in Jun 1988.  Roper was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the 1987 shooting death of 49-year-old Ned Russell Rader, of Rt.4, Morganton.  Rader was shot in the head while sitting in a truck parked off Highway 18 South.  Roper was also convicted of raping Rader's 33-year-old girlfriend.  During the trial, the woman testified that Roper hit her with a pistol, took her to his trailer and then raped her, according to earlier reports. Roper was sentenced to death. He also received consecutive life sentences for rape and kidnapping as a habitual felon. Roper had claimed he shot Rader in self-defense during the trial.  However, a key witness for the defense, Frank Lester Wyatt, who allegedly also witnessed the shooting, failed to show up in court. One of the written arguments made by Roper's appeals lawyer James Glover centers around the fact that Wyatt failed to appear in court. ...

 

The News Herald, Morganton NC 1990: Walter C. Dauterman Jr. has graduated from the Univ. of Chicago with honors. Dauterman received a BA degree in political science with a specialization in interna- tional relations. While at the univ. Dauterman was on the Dean's List for 1986-87 & 1987-88. He took part in an Operation Raleigh expedition to Kenya in 1988. The expedition was a combination of adventure and service. A member of the Rugby Club, he helped found a chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Dauterman also served on the Social Sciences Advisory Committee. He is the son of Walter C. & Barbara Roper Dauterman and the grandson of Mr. & Mrs. A. Wilson Roper of Morganton.