Family Tree Girl

Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy

52Weeks 52Ancestors-Lucky-James Roper

Was James Roper lucky to be born a mulatto and the only child of his father?

Let me introduce you to James Roper who was born 12 May 1783 in Jefferson County, Virginia. James died 8 Dec 1867 in Jefferson County, Virginia.  His father is Nickolas Roper who was born 22 Jan 1739 in Suffolk, England. Nicholas died 13 Jan 1817 in Jefferson County, Virginia. James’ mother was a slave owned by Nicholas Roper. We do not know her name.

An interesting fact about James Roper, he is the only known and illegitimate son of Nicholas Roper. He freed his mulatto son at the age of 11, who becomes the largest landowner in Jefferson County, Virginia, which is now West Virginia. (Jefferson County becomes Jefferson County in 1801, and the state becomes West Virginia in June 1863. Nicholas also gave James a 99-year lease on all his holdings. So what that also means is James becomes a slave owner as well, just like his father. Was James, born as a slave-lucky? He is freed and inherits land and becomes well respected. Hmmm…

My connection to the Roper’s is three of my 2x great grandmother Mary Catherine Goens/Goings/Goins siblings married three of James Roper’s grandchildren.

Visit the website to see a photo of James, his emancipation paper, deeds for the buying and selling land, etc.: http://nicholasroper.com/index.html The website was developed by distance cousins Jacqueline Milburn and Judy Meade.

 

 

 

 

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5 responses to “52Weeks 52Ancestors-Lucky-James Roper”

  1. Eilene Lyon Avatar
    Eilene Lyon

    Sounds like he was pretty fortunate.

    Reply
    1. familytreegirl Avatar
      familytreegirl

      Yes that is a way to look at it. But he also took on what his father did. Thanks for reading.

      Reply
  2. kristin Avatar
    kristin

    I would have been happier if he had set his enslaved people free. Hope he freed his mother.

    Reply
  3. deadfolxfarm Avatar
    deadfolxfarm

    Thanks for sharing this information. I recently discovered I am connected to this line through my maternal grandmother.

    Is there any chance of finding out more about James’ Mom? It feels like such a complicated story with Nickolas emancipating James at age 11 and setting him up for success with all of his land – and then James going on to enslave people. Also, his son-in-law Charles WH Cooper was a Sgt in the Confederate army. I feel like James’ mom gets lost in all that and I am trying to find out what I can about her.

    Thanks so much,

    Anna

    Reply
  4. Jessi J Gurley Avatar
    Jessi J Gurley

    Good Evening,

    I recently found out about Nicholas and James Roper. I am a descendant through Washington Albert Roper, Ariadne Melissa Roper (Dove), Myrtle Rebecca Dove(Kuster), Ramona Kuster (Jones), and Jessi Jones (Gurley). I think that he was lucky to be emancipated. I read that document. I was unaware that he continued to keep slaves. That fact is disappointing.

    Reply

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