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William F. ROPER, one of the old and honored citizens of Lawrence County, Mo., is a native of Tennessee, born on May 10, 1819. His parents, David and Rebecca (CANNON) ROPER, were natives of South Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. David Roper was born of English parentage. He became a mechanic, settled in St. Louis Co. in 1830, where he resided until 1832. William F. Roper was reared on a farm and started in life poor. By his own efforts he accumulated considerable property, and previous to the war was engaged in a prosperous mercantile business, but like so many others he sustained heavy losses on account of the war. He is now the owner of 160 acres of excellent farm land, all under a good state of cultivation. On November 5, 1865, he was united in marriage with Ruth J. SNOW, a daughter of Martin and Mary SNOW. Both Mr. and Mrs. Roper are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are the parents of eleven children, all of whom are living, viz.: George K., William M., James D., John W., Mary E., Thomas A., Burchard N., Elizabeth J., Rebecca A., Minnie E. and Medie E. Mr. Roper is public-spirited, and has always been a liberal supporter of schools and churches. For six years he held the office of justice of the peace of his township. During the Civil War he served in the Home Guards, first as captain and later as major, and participated in the battle of Wilson's Creek; was also captain of cavalry.
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