ROPER: In 1840 John C. Roper, was listed in Polk Co., Missouri, on p. 169 in Washington Twp.  He was in Dallas county in 1850.  He had a large household in 1840 consisting of 1 male under 5, 1 male 5-10, 1 male 10-15, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 20-30, 1 male 40-50; 1 female under 5, 2 female 5-10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 30-40.

        In 1850, John C. Roper was head of household in Dallas County #515.  He as a farmer worth $600. He was 54 years old, b. VA, Hannah, age 48 b. VA, James H., age 20 b. KY, Permelia, age 15 b. KY, Edward F., age 13 b. KY, Patsy A., age 11 b. Missouri, Susan, age 7 b. Missouri and Hollina age 5 b. Missouri.

        He is said to have migrated from Kentucky in 1837, supposedly from Cumberland Co., KY. Annie Roper was living in Conway, Dallas Co., Missouri ,on 31 May 1887 when she applied for a widow's pension. She stated her husband had served in Capt. Dollison's Company, 5th Rgt in the War of 1812.  Her claim was rejected as the Auditor could find no record of his service.  The application reported that John C. Roper had died 16 December 1876.

        Her application stated that she was 70 years old in 1887.  She stated that her husband was 21 years old at the time of his enlistment for a 6 months duty. She did not know the date of enlistment or the date of discharge. She stated he was a farmer, born in Virginia, about 5'10" tall, black hair, blue eyes and fair complexion. She married John C. Roper in Dallas County on 18 April 1869 and they were married by James Jones, Minister.  Her name before her marriage was Anna Nave and she was the widow of John H. Nave who was killed December 24 1863.  She had remained in Dallas County ever since her second marriage and had not remarried. G.W. Baker, age 62, and Mrs. E.V. Vincent, age 29 also appeared. 

        Since it seemed mysterious that Roper's name could not be found, a search for Abraham Baker was made.  Apparently, he and Roper were said to have served in the same company.  That search revealed the only entry for a man of that name was in Capt. Memorial Forrest's Company of the 16th Regt. with the comment “Never joined.” Although John C. Roper was said to have marched from the Cumberland and served in the Battle of New Orleans, no confirmation could be found.[1]

        A John A. Roper age 20-30 was listed in Cumberland Co,. Kentucky, p. 128. He was living on the south side of the Cumberland river.   He was the only one of the surname.