Georgia:

I just stumbled across this old thread while looking for something else. I am sure that you have seen my posts correcting the erroneous information about Jesse ROPER which I have posted in several other threads. Unfortunately, since Dave ROPER continued to republish the specious ascription of Jesse ROPER as a son of Joseph for a number of years and others have republished this erroneous information over and over again, the Web is now awash in false information about Jesse ROPER.

I will both admit to some responsibility for previously encouraging others to rely on Dave ROPER's files in decades past, before I learned that there was no quality control whatsoever and that many of the ascriptions therein were simply fraudulent. I apologize to anyone whose research was set back by reliance on Dave's files when I was injudiciously encouraging people to use that data!

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I worked through most of the false information about Jesse ROPER in this post more than three years ago:

"Jesse ROPER (b 26 Aug 1781 - Powhatan, VA, d 03 Sep 1861 - Howard, MO), Son of Shadrach ROPER" (15 Sep 2010 10:30AM GMT)
http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.roper/81.126.129.133.142...

I also recently created a new thread discussing Judge William P. ROPER, Jesse ROPER's older brother:

"Judge William P. ROPER (b 1776-80 - VA, d 18 Aug 1833 - Fleming, KY)" (20 Mar 2014 8:10AM)
http://boards.ancestry.com/surnames.roper/1873/mb.ashx

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Much of the misinformation seems to have appeared in a very poorly researched sketch appearing within "History of Woodford County (Kentucky)" by Wm. E. Railey (Reprinted from Register of the Kentucky Historical Society 1920-1921); Published by Roberts
Printing Co., Frankfort, KY. 1938.

This is cited within the Post of Ruth HASTE at the BASTIN Message Board (now Archived):

"Re: Woodford County (KY) History (fwd)" (Wed, 30 Jul 1997 17:43:45 -0400)
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/BASTIN/1997-07...

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I want to reinforce several points.

First, there is NO EVIDENCE that a Joseph ROPER in Virginia had a son named Jesse. The Joseph ROPER, of Richmond, Virginia, often cited by others seems to be a completely FICTIONAL ancestor. I posted the Will of Joseph ROPER (d aft 25 Jan 1803 - Chesterfield, VA), of Chesterfield, VA, almost a decade ago and yet may continue to fraudulently add various children to this Joseph. Others have created a fictional Joseph ROPER, of Richmond.

This bare SPECULATION appears at Dave ROPER's Virginia page:

"In the 4 Oct 1780 Virginia Gazette newspaper: Advertisement of a vessel for sale at Warwick, Chesterfield County. Apply to Jesse Roper at Warwick or Bernard Markham near Manchester.

Jesse is probably another son of Joseph."

See: http://www.roperld.com/rva17.htm

The trouble is, that the Jesse ROPER mentioned in the above ad for the sale of a vessel is by an ADULT Jesse ROPER and took place ONE YEAR before Jesse ROPER, of Powhatan, VA, was
even born (26 Aug 1781).

Second, researchers have been FRAUDULENTLY ascribing various specious dates of birth to Shadrach ROPER and his children for years. Because all of the misinformation about Shadrach ROPER and his children, Shadrach ROPER's son didn't seem to fit as the father of Jesse ROPER, of Howard, MO. When this information is CORRECTED using PRIMARY SOURCE information and solid analysis, Shadrach ROPER's son fits PRECISELY.

Third, there is NO EVIDENCE that this Jesse ROPER had the middle name "Mims". This is an INVENTED detail for which there is not only no supporting evidence, but there exists contrary evidence as to the origin of the middle name "Mims" appearing within the given name of Jesse's grandson.

The evidence is obscure and hard to find when you have Jesse ROPER erroneously ascribed as Joseph ROPER's son. The evidence is obvious and compelling when Jesse is ascribed to the correct family, unifying the records of William P. ROPER, Jesse ROPER and Mary Roper BASTIN.

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To fully appreciate the correctness of the ascription, you need to carefully review Shadrach ROPER's Will and the analysis:

"Will of Shadrach ROPER (d aft 17 Sep 1784 - Powhatan, VA)" (5 Mar 2006 7:12PM GMT)
http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.roper/808/mb.ashx

Then take a look at my follow up post:

"Shadrach ROPER -- A Reassessment and Some New Ways of Looking at the Data" (12 Sep 2010 11:10PM GMT)
http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.roper/808.1/mb.ashx

As explained in that post, the ages of Shadrach ROPER's younger children were:

William P. ROPER (b abt 1775-80) [combing the 1820 and 1830 results]
Jesse ROPER (b abt 1776-81)
Mary ROPER (b abt 1777-82)

* * *

Judge William P. ROPER a very prominent public figure in Kentucky is discussed in my post cited above:

"Judge William P. ROPER (b 1776-80 - VA, d 18 Aug 1833 - Fleming, KY)" (20 Mar 2014 8:10AM)
http://boards.ancestry.com/surnames.roper/1873/mb.ashx

As noted in that post, BOTH William ROPER and Jesse ROPER appear in the 1810 Census enumeration for Jessamine County, Kentucky. They are on the SAME Census page:

"United States Census, 1810," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XH2P-7FQ : accessed 28 Mar 2014), Jesse Roper, Not Stated, Jessamine, Kentucky; citing "1810 United States Federal Census," Ancestry.com; p. 56, line 2260, NARA microfilm publication M252, roll 7, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.; FHL microfilm 0181352.

Thereafter, William P. ROPER returns to Fleming, Kentucky, where he served in various public offices for the balance of his life.

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Shadrach ROPER's daughter Mary "Polly" ROPER (b 22 Apr 1784 - VA), married Richard BASTIN on 18 Jan 1806 in Powhatan, Virginia. Powhatan is where Shadrach ROPER died. Richard BASTIN is enumerated in Woodford, Kentucky in the 1810 Census.

See: "United States Census, 1810," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XH29-J7J : accessed 28 Mar 2014), Richd Bastin, Not Stated, Woodford, Kentucky; citing "1810 United States Federal Census," Ancestry.com; p. 383, line 543, NARA microfilm publication M252, roll 8, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.; FHL microfilm 0181353.

Woodford, Kentucky, is immediately adjacent to Jessamine County, KY, to the Northwest.

Richard BASTIN's mother is shown by BASTIN researchers to be Sarah MIMS. Shadrach ROPER's grandson, Mary Ann Roper BASTIN's son, is shown by BASTIN family historians to be named Jesse Mims BASTIN (b May 1810 - Woodford, KY). (However, the primary records seem to suggest that his name is Jesse Roper BASTIN.)

See:

"Early 18th Century BASTINs of Virginia" (Gary Bastin, Thu, 13 Apr 2000 00:03:24 -0400)
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/BASTIN/2000-04...

There WAS a Joseph ROPER in Woodford County, KY. He is KNOWN to have been born on 30 Jun 1781. This Joseph ROPER was neither a father nor a brother of Mary "Polly" Roper BASTIN, but may have been a cousin.

ALL of Richard BASTIN and Mary Ann ROPER's children migrated to Howard County, Missouri.

Amongst the earliest marriages of Howard County are these BASTIN marriages:

Harriet BASTIN (shown as BOSTON) married Jackson THORP in Howard, Missouri, on 26 Aug 1823
John BASTIN married Elizabeth PERRY in Howard, MO, on 15 Jan 1833
Mary Ann E. BASTIN married James CASH in Howard, MO, on 17 Dec 1839

This is the earliest ROPER marriage in Howard County:

Liza ROPER married John EVANS on 14 Feb 1827

* * *

Jesse ROPER is first enumerated in Howard County, Missouri, in 1830 [Image 304].

See: "United States Census, 1830," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XHPZ-F2P : accessed 28 Mar 2014), Jssey Roper, Not Stated, Howard, Missouri; citing "1830 United States Federal Census," Ancestry.com; p. 157, NARA microfilm publication M19, roll 73, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.; FHL microfilm 0014854.

Jackson THORP, husband of Jesse ROPER's niece Harriet BASTIN, is enumerated on this SAME Census page.

See: "United States Census, 1830," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XHPZ-F27 : accessed 28 Mar 2014), Jackson Tharp, Not Stated, Howard, Missouri; citing "1830 United States Federal Census," Ancestry.com; p. 157, NARA microfilm publication M19, roll 73, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.; FHL microfilm 0014854.

* * *

I find Jesse ROPER in only these places in 1840:

Mount Pleasant, Jefferson, Ohio
Amherst, Virginia
Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana

William P. ROPER is enumerated in Arrow Rock, Saline County, Missouri, in 1840.

See: "United States Census, 1840," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XHY7-FGM : accessed 28 Mar 2014), William P Roper, Anow Rock, Saline, Missouri; citing "1840 United States Federal Census," Ancestry.com; p. 98, NARA microfilm publication M704, roll 232, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.; FHL microfilm 0014858.

In 1840, these BASTIN households are enumerated in Howard County:

J. [John] V. BASTIN. (Image 071)
H. BASTIN (Image 025)
Jackson THORP (Image 039)

* *

In 1850, Harriet Bastin THORP, age 44, born in Kentucky, is enumerated within the Howard, Missouri, household of her son Thomas J. THORP, age 23 [Image 254]. Harriet THORP's son Jesse R. THORP, age 17, and four other children are also in this household.

See: "United States Census, 1850," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MDZC-RKK : accessed 28 Mar 2014), Thos. J. Thorp, Howard county, Howard, Missouri, United States; citing family 6, NARA microfilm publication M432.

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In 1850, John V. BASTIN's family is enumerated at Image 129 of 217. John is shown to be age 42, and born in Kentucky.

See: "United States Census, 1850," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11810-116106-36... : accessed 28 Mar 2014), Missouri > Howard > Howard county > image 129 of 217; citing NARA microfilm publication M432.

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In 1850, Jesse BASTIN's family is found enumerated at Image 90 of 217. Jesse BASTIN is shown to be age 39 and born in Kentucky.

"United States Census, 1850," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11810-112202-5?... : accessed 28 Mar 2014), Missouri > Howard > Howard county > image 90 of 217; citing NARA microfilm publication M432.

*

James CASH, age 37, born in Kentucky is enumerated with wife Mary A., age 35, and four children, residing in Grundy County, Missouri, in 1850.

See: "United States Census, 1850," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MDZC-96B : accessed 28 Mar 2014), James Cash, Grundy county, part of, Grundy, Missouri, United States; citing family 104, NARA microfilm publication M432.

James seems likely to have emerged from the household of the Benjamin CASH enumerated residing in Howard County in 1830 and 1840.

* *

Jesse ROPER (b 26 Aug 1781 - Powhatan, VA, d 03 Sep 1861 - Howard, MO) is enumerated in 1850 residing in adjacent Chariton County, MO [Image No. 462 / Image 17 of 20].

Jesse ROPER's son William P. ROPER, age 43, named for Jesse's brother Judge William P. ROPER, is immediately adjacent on the very same page. ALL of William P. ROPER's children are shown to be born in Missouri, putting William in this state since at least 1835.

Jesse ROPER is shown to be a shoemaker, the very SAME occupation as his eldest half brother Samuel ROPER. William P. ROPER is shown to be a saddler, showing a further horizontal integration into the family business of working with leather.

See: "United States Census, 1850," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MDZ7-N1Q : accessed 28 Mar 2014), Jesse Roper, Brunswick, Chariton, Missouri, United States; citing family 939, NARA microfilm publication M432.

*

Alfred W. ROPER is enumerated at Image 150 of 217 in Howard County, MO, in 1850. Albert is age 31 and born in Kentucky.

See: "United States Census, 1850," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11810-115544-86... : accessed 28 Mar 2014), Missouri > Howard > Howard county > image 150 of 217; citing NARA microfilm publication M432.

* *

In 1860, Harriet THORP, age 50, is enumerated as a head of household in Prairie Township, Howard, Missouri [Image 457]. Within her household are three younger children, as well as "Mary BASTIAN," age 77, born in Virginia (b abt 1783)!

See: "United States Census, 1860," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MHZQ-G43 : accessed 28 Mar 2014), Hariet Thorp, Prairie Township, Howard, Missouri, United States; citing "1860 U.S. Federal Census - Population," Fold3.com; p. 45, household ID 302, NARA microfilm publication M653; FHL microfilm 803623.

John V. BASTIN/BASTIAN, age 52, and his large family is enumerated in Howard County, as well.

See: "United States Census, 1860," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MHZ7-8GR : accessed 28 Mar 2014), Jno U Bastian, Chariton Township, Howard, Missouri, United States; citing "1860 U.S. Federal Census - Population," Fold3.com; p. 89, household ID 611, NARA microfilm publication M653; FHL microfilm 803623.

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Mary A. CASH, age 46, born in Kentucky, and her family is enumerated residing in Madison Township, Grundy, Missouri, in the 1860 Census.

See: "United States Census, 1860," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MHZW-JPJ : accessed 28 Mar 2014), Mary A Cash, Madison Township, Grundy, Missouri, United States; citing "1860 U.S. Federal Census - Population," Fold3.com; p. 116, household ID 838, NARA microfilm publication M653; FHL microfilm 803621.

* *

In 1860, Jesse ROPER, age 79 and born in Virginia (b abt 1781 - VA), is enumerated residing within the household of Joseph ROPER, age 45, in City of Glasgow, Chariton Township, Howard County, Missouri.

See:

"United States Census, 1860," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MHZ7-CXS : accessed 28 Mar 2014), Jessy Roper in household of Goseph Roper, The City Of Glasgow, Chariton Township, Howard, Missouri, United States; citing "1860 U.S. Federal Census - Population," Fold3.com; p. 75, household ID 511, NARA microfilm publication M653; FHL microfilm 803623.

* * *

So let us quickly review the evidence.

1. The DATES FIT. There is only ONE Jesse ROPER in America born within the date range implicit in Shadrach ROPER's Will.

2. Both William P. ROPER and Mary Ann ROPER marry in Powhatan County, the precise place where Shadrach ROPER died leaving a Will expressly naming them.

3. Jesse ROPER and William P. ROPER migrate to Kentucky and settle not merely in the same County, but on the SAME Census page. Their sister Mary Ann "Polly" Roper BASTIN resides in the adjacent county in Kentucky.

4. Jesse ROPER and Mary Roper BASTIN migrate to Missouri about the same time settling in the same County. Jackson THORP, the young man who marries Harriet BASTIN, Richard and Mary ROPER's daughter is enumerated on the very same Census page as Jesse ROPER in 1830.

5. Jesse ROPER names his eldest son after his older brother, William P. ROPER.

6. Jesse ROPER's son Alfred William ROPER names a son Jesse Mims ROPER, honoring both his father and the mother (Sarah MINS) of his aunt's deceased husband (Richard BASTIN).

7. Mary Ann "Polly" Roper BASTIN names her second son Jesse Roper BASTIN after her older brother, Jesse ROPER. Mary's daughter Harriet names a son Jesse Roper THORP after her uncle.

8. Jesse ROPER is shown to be a shoemaker, which is precisely the SAME occupation as his eldest half brother Samuel ROPER.

9. The ABSENCE of ANY evidence that there existed a SECOND Jesse ROPER of similar age also supports the ascription as does the ABSENCE of any evidence that there ever EXISTED the fictional Joseph ROPER to whom researchers want to ascribe Jesse as a son.

In my view, the evidence supports a very strong inference (a) that Jesse ROPER and Mary Ann Roper BASTIN are brother and sister, (b) that the William ROPER shown on same Census page as Jesse ROPER in Jessamine, KY, is the brother named in Shadrach ROPER's Will and (c) that Jesse ROPER, of Howard, MO, had a brother named William P. ROPER, and that Jesse ROPER, of Howard, MO, is the half-brother of shoemaker Samuel ROPER, of Powhatan and later Chesterfield, VA.

* * *

If someone thinks they can make an actual case for another different ascription based upon PRIMARY EVIDENCE, I would be delighted to hear of it. But the evidence in support of an ascription of Jesse ROPER as Shadrach ROPER's son is really simply overwhelming! There is NO EVIDENCE that this Jesse ROPER was born to a Joseph ROPER and are not even any candidate Joseph ROPER households that would present a POSSIBILITY for such an ascription. This is why lazy or dishonest researchers had to INVENT a fictional Joseph ROPER to suit this specious ascription.

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It is time to put the "Mims" falsely ascribed to the elder Jesse ROPER to bed. It is time to put the fictional ancestor "Joseph ROPER" to bed. We really need to rid ROPER genealogy of these fantastic constructions for which there exists NO SUPPORTING EVIDENCE.