Sad indeed were the hearts of the people in Marble Falls last Friday morning when the news went out that Uncle George Roper was dead.  At 5 o'clock  in the morning he awoke from a peaceful night's rest, arose and went to his garden in Frank Clarke's yard to do a little work before the hot sun came up.  About 6:30 his daughter, Mrs. F. D. Clarke found him on the ground cold in death, due to a sudden attack of heart failure.  Thus tells the sad story of the sudden demise of another good man.

"Uncle George," as he was familiarly known, was one of the best citizens the town has ever known.  To know him was to be a friend of his, and every man, woman and child throughout this entire section knew him.  He was especially popular among the traveling men.  He was kind, liberal, and ever ready to help those in trouble.  No man ever applied to "Uncle George" for a favor that did not receive it, be it great or small.

Mr. Roper was born in Georgia June 12th, 1838.  He was buried on his 72nd birthday.  He was married Sept. 18th, 1856, and is survived by his good wife.  On Dec. 31st, 1876, he came to Texas and located in Pleasant Valley, where he spent 3 years of his life and then moved to Spring Creek, near Burnet.  He had been a consistent member of the Methodist church 53 years.  Mr. Roper leaves 7 children,  2 sons and 5 daughters to mourn his death.  They are Mrs. Robertson of Gaines county; Mrs. Carleton, New Mexico; Mrs. Banks, Kingsland; Mrs. Myrtle Gallagher, Denver, Colo., Mrs. Frank Clarke of this city; W. A. Roper, Denver, and John Roper of Arizona.  He has four children dead.

Mr. Roper served through the Confederate war in the 52nd Georgia Regiment under General Bragg.  He made a good soldier and was a favorite with the men and officers.

"Uncle George" was a Mason, having taken the Master's degree in 1849, and later the Royal Arch degrees.  He was ever true to his obligation in all his dealings with his fellow man.  He always acted "On the square."

Mr. Roper was among the first settlers in Marble Falls, in fact when he located here, there were only two other buildings: the old Alliance Hall and the log hut across the creek from Alex Crownover.  He engaged in the hotel business and continued in it up to the day of this death.

On last Sunday afternoon great crowds gathered at the city cemetery to pay the last tribute to this good man.  Pastor Wilkes read the Scripture lesson and made some appropriate remarks and then the service was turned over to Masonic fraternity, who consigned the body to the grave and held the service as laid down by our ancient brothers.

The Messenger joins the entire population of the town in extending condolence to the grief-stricken wife, children and friends.

[A long tribute from a friend follows; not transcribed.]