Roper
Families in
L.
David Roper
roperld@vt.edu
(www.roperld.com)
18 December, 2004
The
First Century of Ropers in
Historical Southern Families, p. 88: Crispe of Oxfordshire and Kent, England ancestors of Thomas Warren of Smith's Fort Plantation, Surry, VA: John Crispe of Quex, died 1583, married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Roper; whose son was Sir Henry Crispe of Quex; subscribed the 1619 pedigree.
Founders and Patriots of American
William Roper (1606-1670) m 1643 Catherine VA.
Lineage Charts of SC Gen. Soc., V.2: William Cook b 25 Mar 1613 Bristol, Eng. d c1677 Surry Co., VA: Child: William Cook d 1698 m Jane Roper: Child: John Cook b Surry Co., VA m Hannah Jones.
Passenger and Immigration Lists Index:
The following were emigrants by ship into
1618 Phillipp Roper Hogg Island
and James Island, on ship William & Thomas
1622-4
1636
1656
Ransom B. True's Biographical Dictionary of Early
Virginia lists:
Clement Roper born about 1599 place not known present in VA
about 1625 Prince George Co.
servant 1625 Prince George Co.
Mr. Rooper granted a patent from 1623
Thomas Roper arrived in
William Roper confessed judgement 1633 Accomack Co.; payment
ordered to 1634
Accomack Co.; received headright 1635
Accomack Co.; nominated for Sheriff 1636
Accomack Co.; mem. House Burgesses 1636-1637
Accomack Co.; Lieutenant received headright 1637 Accomack Co.; Lieutenant married man 1637 Accomack Co.; 1637-Lieutenant commissioner (J.P.) 1637-1642 Accomack Co.;
inventoried an estate 1638 Accomack
Co.; Junior commissioner (J.P.) 1640
Accomack Co.; named in a will 1640
Northampton Co.; ordered to inventory 1640 Accomack Co.; made a deposition 1640 Accomack Co.; witness to a bond 1640 Accomack Co.; arbitrator 1640 Accomack Co.; debtor 1641 Accomack Co.; had a house 1641 Accomack Co.; named in deposition 1641 Accomack Co.; ordered to perf. act
1641-1642 Accomack Co.;
testified 1642 Accomack Co.;
witness to a mortgage 1642 Accomack
Co.; commissioner (J.P.) 1642 Northhampton
Co.; mem. House Burgesses 1644
Northhampton Co.; married man 1653
Northampton Co.; deceased 1653
Northampton Co.; married man 1654
Northampton Co.;
Captain Roper collector of taxes 1646 Northampton Co.
Katherine
Roper widow William Roper 1650 Northampton
Co.; named in a will 1650 Northampton
Co.; widow Thomas Spriggs 1651 Northampton Co.; widow William Roper 1651 Northampton Co.; mother Verlinda Roper 1651 Northampton
Co.; Virlinda Roper daughter William Roper 1651 Northampton Co. ;dau.
Kathryne Roper 1651 Northampton
Co.
The Minutes of Council and General Court for 1624 states: The oathes of Supremacy & aleg' To these whose names are underwritten of the A[nn] Thomas Fairlay of Worcester in Worcestershire gent which arrived at James Owen Dawson of St. Martin in the fields Cittye the 5 of Sept' jovner and fren Thomas Roper of Milden in the Co. of bedfordshire, gen' (arived in the Southampton 1623)
Virginia Historical Magazine 19 131 states:
These emigrants came before Feb 1623-24,
for many of the names appear in the census taken in that month. ... p. 132:
Between July, 1622 and May, 1623, the Virginia Company issued
a patent for land to Mr. Roper, Mr.
Fitz Jeffreys and others." Thomas
Roper died at
A list of the names of the dead in Virgna since Aprill last, feb 16: 1623. At James Cittie: Thomas Roper
Virginia Historical Magazine 6 372 states: Mr. Rooper was granted a land patent in 1623 by the Va. Company.
Records of the Virginia Company, p. 340 states:
At a Court held for
Clement Roper
is listed in the muster of the inhabitants of VA 20 Jan-
The Minutes of Council and General Court for 10th day of Jan 1626 at
Virginia Gleanings in England, p 487 states: Mr. Thomas Roper [no place] [Parts
beyond the Seas] No date. Proved 5 Feb
1626-7 I desire that John West my servant maie bee sett free and likewise
Alexander Gill Servant to Captain Pierce or else if he refuse to release him
then the said Alexander Gill to 200lb of tobacco from Captain Pierce. All tobaccoes due to me in
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 856
279 states:
...during the late 1620s and
early 1630s ... Captain William Roper, who was engaged in mainly mercantile
interests, plied a profitable trade in
VA Settlers and English Adventurers by N.
Currer-Briggs:
p.363: Ellen Harris
Mistress
Francis Rooper, widow;...
p.191: Thomas Gosnold
Wit: ...James Roper...
Virginia's Eastern Shore by R. T. Whitelaw:
p.126: N22. 1636. Patent to William Roper for 150 acres. When Capt.
Roper came to the Shore is unknown,
but he appeared in the records as early as Sep
1633. Soon after that he was one of the commissioners and later served as
commander of the plantation of Accomack. At one time he also was a
burgess from the Shore. He married Katherine,
a daughter of Thomas Graves (N30).
He died intestate at some unknown date, but in 1653 an entry disclosed that his widow was then the wife of Thomas Sprigge; nothing further was
found in the records about either of them.
Co. Court Records of Accomack-Northampton, VA
1633-1640, S.M.Ames
p.5: 20 Sep 1633 William Roper doth
acknowledge to owe unto our soveraigne lord king Charles tow hundred and fifty
pounds of Corrent monies of England to be levied upon his goods and Chattles.
p.13: Apr 1634 On the petition of William Roper against Henry Bagwell for [55 lbs.] of tobacco which he receaved of mr. Roper to the use of Capt. Richard Stephens for a paire of shoes for which shoes Peter Hull demanded payment of the said mr. Roper for Capt. Stephens the 8th day of January last which debt he was forced to satisfie againe, and received his acquittance for the same In regard wher of, It is ordered that Henry Bagwell shall pay unto Mr. Roper the said 55 lbs. of tobacco, and his Charges in the suite.
p.36:
p.58:
p. 63: These presents shall witness that I Elizabeht Caursley ... set my hand
and seale this 26th day [of] November
1635 ... in the prsents of George Travelor william Roper
These witnesseth that I william Berriman ... set my hand and seale this 26th [day of Novem]ber Anno Domini 1635
... in the presence of us George Travellor william
Roper
According to an order of Court from the Governor and counsell for the Elexion
of Burgasses out of this Co., the commander with the consent of the
commissioners appoynted the inhabytants of this Co. to meete togeather at the
Sheriffs house wher 15th day of February
were come togeather and made choyse of mr. John How and mr. william Roper for Burgasses and for their charges it was then
agreed on that they should have 1500 lbs. of tobacco.
Ext. Henry Bagwell Clerricus (1636[1637])
p.71:
upon the complaint of mr. william Roper
against John ford for abusing the cunstable in bending his fist and offering to
stry[k]e him neere the church on the sabouth day which upon dew examination It
is ordered that the said John Ford for the said offence byld a pare stocks by
the first of July next compleat and to bringe them to mr. neales house syde and
pay all charges.
p.76:
p.81: 1 Aug 1637 Whereas Lieftenante William Roper hath made it
appeare unto this Courte that there is one hundred acres of Land due unto him
Itt is thereupon thought fitt and soe ordered that the said land bee granted
and confirmed unto the said Roper
beinge due for the transportation of his wife
and servante viz. William Sterlinge.
p.84:
p.89:
The deposition of Mr. John Neale had and taken before Captayne John Howe and Capt. William Roper onely ...
p.91:
p.95: Whereas Edmond Scarborough stands indebted unto Mr. Holmes ... The same
to bee appraysed and valued by Mr. Littleton Mr. Burdett and Capt. Roper and upon theire
appraysement and valuation, the said Holmes to bee satisfied his said debte out
of the same.
p.96:
It is ordered that Capt. William Roper
and Mr. Stephen Charleton shall take an Inventory of all the goodes and estate
of Henry Charleton deceased and retourne the same to the next monethly Courte
p.101:
p.104: Wheras Mary Bibby Widdow lately deceased lefte behind her a small estate
in goodes and chattells and whereas her husband a yeare since deceased upon his
death bedd made Capt. William Roper
and George Traveller his overseers, Nowe Forasmuch as hee Beinge dead and
leaveing her said estate dispersed and undisposed of the said overseers
formerly appoynted out of charity to her children tooke upon them to be
Guardyans of the said estate and procured the same to bee sould by the advise
of some of the most judiciall neighbours adjacent and neere inhabitinge for the
best behoofe of the said children And the said Overseers performeinge the same
this Courte doth approve thereof and allsoe conceave them to bee the
ittestadministrators of the said estate and the same to be a just and legall
proceedinge All which is hereby humbly certified etc.
p.105:
p.108: It is ordered that Capt. Roper
shall have one hundred and fifty poundes tobacco out of Capt. Howes estate due for the wages of James Small deceased as
hath appeared to this Court. It is ordered that Capt. William Roper shall pay and satisfie twoe hundred pounds of
tobaccoe out of the estate of Henry Charleton unto Edmond Scarborough provided
that hee shall enjoy the said goodes and at the same rate and rates as they are
appraysed at.
p.112:
p.115:
p.115:
p.119:
p.123: A true Inventory of such goodes as belonge to the widow Roach taken and
prized by William Roper and John
Major the 13th day of May 1638.
p.125:
p.126: Whereas it appeareth unto this Court by the testimony of Florentine
Payne beinge in open Court positively produced and deposed that Capt. William Roper hath formerly fully
satisfied and payed whatsoever hath beene formerly due and oweinge from him the
said Capt. Roper unto the estate of
James Cooke deceased and more than hath beene oweinge by him as afforesaid as
allsoe hath further playnely appeared by the said James Cooke his Booke under
his owne hand produced allsoe in open Court.
p.127:
p.131:
p.133: Memorandum that Capt. William
Roper doth promise in Cort to pay to Mr. Roger Wingate nintye eight pounds
of tobacco out of the estate of Marry Bibby before it goes out of his handes.
p.135:
p.142:
p.144:
p.145:
p.148:
p.149:
p.153:
p.154: The deposition of John major. This deponent sayeth that about a yere
sithince Capt william Roper and this
deponent beinge together at [the house] of Thomas Hunt, and the said Thomas
Hunt called [to him his] mayde Elizabeth and tould her that now shee w[as a]
Fine women and did demand of her ho[we longe she] was contented to serve him
soe that she mi[ght have his] man Edward in marriage or to that effect she
answered three yeeres provided that [the said man] Edward and Elizabeth might
bee marr[ied] promecment[?] of the sayd Huntt whereupon [the said Capt.] Roper replied wee hered that she [loved a man on] the other side of
the Baye. The said Huntt an[swered n]owe
for he had inquired and ther was noe such man. And the said Capt. tould the said Huntt that in
three yeeres time they might have Children and then how should the parish be
discharged, So the said Huntt made answer that if he would be bound to the
parish. And further hee this deponent saith not.
The deposition of John Harloe had and taken in open Corte.
This deponent sayeth that he heard Capt.
Roper say he would Clere the servant hee would Cleere the servant which
Thomas Huntt Claymeth of her three yeer service if she did come to him. ...
p.156:
p.159: [ ] Feb 1639[1640]. Captin Roper in court.
p.160:
p.168:
The Virginia Eastern Shore in the 17th Century
states:
...1634... Frances Pott,
Argoll Yeardley, William Roper, John
Stringer, and Edmund Scarburgh were among the
Colonial Life as Revealed by the Court Records in
One of the
Original Shires of
p.4:At a court held in June, 1635,
it was certified to the Govr. And Council that Walter Scott for adventuring six
persons into this country have land. Wm. Drew brought
3, Wm. Roper 2,
...
p.9: At a court held the 28th day of
October, 1638, ...(p.10) The deposition of Alice Wilson widow sayeth, That
she urging Alice Eaton in the time of her travail to declare unto her who was
the true father of her child, she was then delivered of, and she said Wm.
Fisher. It was ordered that Alice Eaton should nurse the child till it be weanable, and that Wm. Fisher shall give such
satisfaction to John Roper as the
Court shall think fit.
p.10: At a Court held in Acchamack 6th
July 1640, Nathl Littleton Esq Commander, The
Court consists of Wm. Burdett, Wm. Andrews, Capt. Wm. Roper, Mr. John Neale, Mr. Stephen Charlton.
p.12: It is thought fit and ordered by this Court that Mr. Philip Taylor, nor
any other person or persons belonging to him, the said Taylor, shall disturb or
molese the Indians, formerly seated at Mattawaman Creek, neigher for any cause
or reason, to cledar or work upon the ground, whereon they are now seated, by
reason that Nathl Littleton, Argol Yardley, Capt. Wm. Stone and Capt. Wm. Roper have especial charge of
the peace. ...
p.15: ...orders establishing the Co. Courts of Northhampton Co.; it took
this name in 1642. It consisted of
Argoll Yardley commander, Obedience Robins and Capt. Wm. Stone of the Quorum,
Wm. Andrews, Wm. Burdett, John Neal, Wm.
Roper, Philip Taylor, John Wilkins and Stephen Charlton.
p.18: William Roper died in 1650, also John Wilkins. His will is
proved 28th January.
Co. Court Records of Accomack-Northampton, VA
1633-1640, S.M.Ames
26 Nov[?] 1638:
p. 129: Whereas John Pope was presented for committing Fornycation with Ollive
Eaton. It is ordered that John Pope shall remayne in the Sherriffes handes
untill he put in sufficient security for to builde a Ferry boate within a
Monthe for the passing of people over the old Plantation Creeke. Otherwise to have 40 lashes upon the backe, and to acknowledge his
Fault before the congregation upon the next Sabboth day followinge.
p.129: The deposition of
... It is likewise ordered that Ollive Eaton shall nurse the child till it be
waynable and that William Fisher shall give such satisfaction to John Pope for the same as the Courte
shall thinke Fitt.
Since no other record for John Roper appears in the early Accomack- Northampton records and several exist for John Pope, I conclude that the first interpreter of the handwriting is mistaken and the record is for John Pope.
Co. Court Records of Accomack-Northampton, VA
1640-1645, S.M.Ames
p.xiii: William Roper first appears
as a commissioner at the May court 1637.
But earlier, in 1636, he had been
elected to the House of Burgesses. He had been listed as a candidate for the
office of sheriff, and had been successively designated lieutenant and captain His patent, only 150 acres and the smallest holding
of any of the commissioners, was on a small neck of land with a water-front
location. There he seemingly carried profitable trade in
p.5:
p.7: It is ordered by this Cort that Capt
William Roper Executor of the estate of Phillip Chapman deceased shall
forthwith satisfy pay and deliver unto Willeam Johnson or his Assignee two
p.11: Whereas Capt. William Roper
hath made it appeare unto this Court that there is justlie due and of right
belonging unto him the said Capt. Roper
100 acres of land for the transportation of John Nicolls and John Whitehead It
is theirfore thought fitt and accordinglie ordered that the same be Certiff
unto the worshipfull Governor and Counsell att James Cittye which Certiff is
hereby accordinglie graunted att the request of the said Capt. Roper.
p.14:
p.20:
p.21:
Whereas Mr. Steephen Charleton hath made complaint unto this Court against John
Holloway for certen Arreres of debts due and unpayed by and from the said
Holloway unto the said Mr. Charleton and upon longe debate of the matter in
open Courte It is thought fitt and accordingely ordered that all the matters in
differ betweene them and alwayes appearinge shall be referred unto the arbitration
and finall ending and determination of Capt.
William Roper Mr. William Jones Mr. John Severne and Mr. John Stringer and
in case that they shall not accomplish the finall end and determination thereof
to give a true report of all proceddings therein unto the next monethlie Court.
p.33:
p.41:
p.56: It is thought fitt and soe Ordered by this Court that Mr. Phillipp Tayler
nor anie other person or persons unto him the said Taylor in anye wise
belonging should presume to disturbe or molest the Indians formerlie seated att
Mattawomes Creeke neither for anie Cause or reson by them stippullated to
cleare or worke upon the ground whereon they are now seated by reson that
Nathaniell Littleton Esquire Argall Yearley Esquire Capt. William Stone Mr.
William Andrewes and Capt. William Roper
have taken an espetiall Veiwe of the place and situation theirof and doe finde
that if the Indians be displaced of the two hundred acres of land which the
said Mr. Taylor doth laye clayme to they in noe wise can subsist, and
furthermore that the plantation of Phillipp Taylor cannot be impaired thereby
he being seated on the one side of A Creeke, and they on the other, and not
hitherto have either built of cleared on that side the Indians
are appointed to dwell on.
p.72:
p.81:
p.92:
p.103:
p.120:
p.124:
p.128:
p.131:
p.138: The deposition of John Johnson had and taken before Nathaniel Littleton
Esquire Commander of Ackowmack the first
day of December Anno Domini 1641. This deponent saith that hee being at the
house of Capt. William Roper the
sayd Capt. Roper tould your deponent
that hee was indebted unto Thomas Dimmar a certaine quantitye of nayles, but
the certaine Number thereof your deponent knoweth not. And that Capt. Roper did tell your deponent that
hee would give a Cowe Calfe for soe many nayles as would give the sayy Dimworth
satisfaction, Whereupon your deponent Replid that hee did beleive that the said
Dimworth would be Willing to accept of a Cowe Calfe, upon which wordes the sayd
Capt. Roper did immediately send for
the said Dimworth, and after such tyme as hee was come, the sayd Capt. Roper did tell him that if hee
would take the First Cowe Calfe that fell
hee having some Cattell or Cowes at present very big with Calfe (by the said Capt. Roper owne Relation) upon which
wordes the said Dimworth was Contented to accept of the firs Cowe Calfe which
should afterwards happen to fall for satisfaction of his nayles, but in Case
the sayd Capt. Ropers Cattle did
bring forth none but bull Calfes upon theire next Calfeing, then his promise
was to procure one for the sayd Dimworth, and more your deponent saith not.
Juratur Coram me. John Johnson. Nathaniell Littleton.
p.141:
[p.70] It appeares to this Court by the Testimony of Nathaniell
Littleton Esquire, Capt. William Roper,...Witness
my hand the 20th day of
January 1641[1642]. Anthony Hodgkins. Signed and delivered in the presence
of William Roper. William Roper.
p.157: [The Award between Mr. Taylor and Mr. Charlton.]...Witnes our hands this
23th of March 1641[1642]. Recordatur
die Aprillis 1642. William Burdett. Teste me Edwyne Conaway Clericus. William Roper.
p.158:
p.166:
p.170:
p.173: The deposition of Richard Lemon sworne and examined deposeth as
followeth (Viz.) This deponent saith that in the beginning of May last past or thereabouts being att Mr. John
Stringars hee the said Mr. Stringar did desire this deponent his opinion in a
busnes betweene John Stringar and Mr. Stubbins soe being relateing the case to
this deponent in the interim there came into the house of Mr. Stringar Capt. William Roper and Mr. Stubbins
and Mr. Stubbins sayde unto them you are the men that wee were just now
discourseing about you and John Stringar and the said Mr. Stubbins answared Mr.
Stringar with these words what your Cosen Cheate soe Capt. Roper desire after this deponent had hard it on being urged
by persuasions sayde the busines was very foule in his opinion whereupon Mr.
Stubins was in a greate Wrath, and sayde that hee was an idle Cheateing Fellow
and came on purpose to Cheate mee of my goods And further sayde where there is
but one Rascall in a Co. hee will have manny other take his parte. Richard
Lemon. Juratur in Curia. Teste me
Edwyne Conaway Clericus Curiae. The deposition of John Stringar sworne
and examined deposeth as followeth (Viz.) This deponent saith that about the
beginning of May Mr. Lemon and this deponent were in discourse about John
Stringar Carpenter and Mr. Stubbins what difference were betweene them and in
the interim the said Stubbins and capt.
Roper came into the house of this deponent and this deponent sayde unto the
said Stubbins and Capt. Roper you
are the men wee were talkeing of, but what reply the said Stubbins made this
deponent doth not remember nor any vilifying speeches to his knowledge. And
further sayeth not. George Vaux.
p.181: An inventory of the goods and Estate of Anthony Lynny
Millwright deceased taken before Mr. Obedience Robins and Capt.
William Roper and Mr. John Wilkins
the 28th day of Aprill Annoeque domini
1642.
p.182:
p.203:
p.208:
p.216:
p.227:
p.248: ...And in Testimony That this is my true Will
and Testament I have hereunto Sealed and Subscribed. The marke of George
Travellor The Seale. Signed and Sealed in the presence
of us. John Rosier. William Roper.
Vera Copia cum original Concor. Exam. per me Edwynn Conaway Clericus Curiae Tres decimo die mensis February Anno 1642
[1643].
p.250: Mary Biby deceased Laft in my Custody two
yeare one of the
p.255: To All etc. I Capt. John West Esquire Governor etc. doe with the consent
of the Counsell of State accordingly give and graunt unto Henry Williams one
hundred and Fiftie Acres of Land Scituate in Co. of Accomack Lying on the old
Plantation Creeke North on the Land of Henry Charlton South West on the Fishing
Point...Sealed and delivered in the presence of William Roper Recordature v[?] Septemo die
September 1644.
p.255:
p.258: It is Ordered by this Court that Capt. William Roper and Mr. Edmund
Scarbrough shall put a period to a difference now depending betweene Henry
Williams Plaintiff and John Dennis Defendant concerning Land.
p.263:
p.264:
p.265:
p.274: From Capt. Ropers this 10th of May 1643. ...differences
betweene the said William Holmes Plaintiff and John Holloway ...
p.275:
p.279: Articles of Agreement betweene William
Roper of thone part and John Boothe both of Accomack of theother part had
made
Covenanted and Agreed upon the First of
November Anno Domini 1640. [Imprimis] It is agreed that the sayde John
Booth shall serve and dwell with the said William
Roper from the date and date hereof for and during the tearme of one whole
yeare. [Item.] That during the tearme and tyme
aforesaid the said John Booth shall delingently and carefully labour and performe all such Lawfull matters and things as
shalbe required of him by his said Master. [Item.]
That the said John Booth shall presently after the date hereof deliver or cause
to bee delivered att the now dwelling house of the said William Roper three barrells of good and well conditioned Indian
Corne. And the said William Roper
doth promise and hereby binde himselfe in manner as followeth. [Imprimis] That
if the above named John Booth shal
well and truly performe all the abovesaid Articles That then the
sayde William Roper shall allow him
the said Booth meate drinke Lodging and washing. [Item.]
That the said William shall Free his said servaunt of and from the Publique taxes during
his said service [Item.] That the said
William shall att the expiration of the tearme aforesaid pay unto the said
booth soe much tobacco as shall bee allowed for the planteing of one head
according to the Acts of Assembly and alsoe Fower barrell of good and well
conditioned Indian Coren. [p.151][Item.] That the said
William shall pay and deliver unto
the sayde booth one blacke heifer called Coaine which said heifer was of the
stock and breede of Mr. William Burdett, And the sayde William doth hereby bynde himselfe His heyres Executors and
Assignes that the said Boothe shall Freely have possesse and enjoye the said
heifer with all her encrease and that for ever without lett hindrance of him
the said William his heyres
executore Administrator or Assignes, And for true performance of all and everye
the promises the said William Roper
and Booth have hereunto sett their hands the day and yeare above written and in
the presence of William Roper
The marke of John Booth. I acknowledg myself fully satisfyed
from William Roper according to this
Covenant witnes my hand this 11th of April
1642.
p.283:
p.284:
p.290: It is ordered by this Court that Capt.
William Roper Mr. John Severne and William Berryman shall with the next
conveniency Arbitrate and put a period to a difference betweene Thomas Hunt
Plaintiff and Thomas Stratton Defendant Concerning a boate. ...
It is ordered by this Court that Humphrey Edwards shall on Saturday next
repayre unto the house of Capt. William
Roper there to give Mr. Alexander Mountney a just Accompt of what hee hath
received and paid for the said Moutney and to rectify his booke.
It is ordered by this Court that Humphrey Edwards shall on Saturday next
repayre unto the house of Capt. William
Roper there to put in security with Nichola Parque for his appearance
before the Majesties Commissioners att the
p.295: (Will of William Burdett) ... Item I give and bequeath unto my three God
Children William Roper William Smyth
and Jane Williams each of them one Cowe Calfe of a yeare old to bee delivered
as soone and Convenient as may bee and Marked [fol. 160] for them and their
Marks with them to bee Recorded in the Court Booke. William Burdett.
Septimo die Augustii Anno Domni 1643.
p.297:
p.325:
p.330: Know all men by these presents that wee Nathaniell Oldis of Kicoughtan
gentleman and William Parry of Kicoughton aforesaid doe by these presents as
our Acts and deeds for us and either of us our heyres and Assignes promise
Assume Covenante and agree to and with Mr. William Cotton Clerk Captayne
William Stone and Capt. Roper and
late Administrators of thestate of John Graves and Thomas Graves deceased upon
their Relinquishing the said Commission of Administration and leaveing the same
unto the sayde William parry and the full power therof to secure save harmles
and at all tymes keepe indemnyfyed the said Mr. Cotton Capt. Stone and Capt. Roper of and from any molestation
trouble dammage and incumbrance that may hereafter grow or Arise or any way
happen unto them or either of them for or by reason of the said Estate or in or
concerning the same or concerning the bond entered into by the said Mr. Cotton
Capt. Stone Capt. Roper
with security for the saveing harmles and indempnifying the Court upon the
graunt of the same For the performance of which our Act and deede wee and
Either of us have hereby firmly bound us our heyres and Assignes in the full
Summe of two hundred pounds sterling upon forfeiture of these presents to bee
paid unto all demaunds unto the said Mr. Cotton Capt. Stone Capt. Roper their heyres or Assignes In
witnes of all which wee have hereunto put our hands this 30th day of Aprill 1640. Nathaniell Oldis. The marke
of William Parry.
p.330: [p.180] Bee it Knowne unto all men by these presents that I Richard
Ingle master of the Recovery formerly called the Reformation and intrusted for
the Sale of severall Goods by Thomas Allen and Company Marchaunts of London I doe
in my owne and theire behoofes Constitute and Ordayne Captayne William Roper gentleman my true and lawwfull Attourney for
to call to Accompt Richard Lemmon and all other debtors in Accomack or Maryland
That are indebted to the said Ingle and Company and doe give to my said
Attourney power to demand Aske levey Recover and Receave by way or course of
law or other wayes And at the Receipt of any such debts to acquitt and freely
discharge all such as shall truely pay their debt to my said Attourney or to his
Assignes,... p.351: 23 Feb 1643[1644].
Capt. William Roper in court.
p.351: ...Whereas it appereth unto this Court That Thomas Parks hath in a most
scandalous manner Affronted Argoll Yardley Esquire Commaunder and the rest of
the Commissioners As by the Testimony of John Rosier Clerke Capt. William Roper and Mr. Edward
Douglas more at large appeareth for which Contempt the Court hath ordered That
the said Thomas Parks shall forthwith have Thirty lashes upon his bare
shoulders as a punishment inflicted upon him for his said offence.
p.357:
p.358: [fol.194] The deposition of Richard Mason taken
before Capt. Roper being sworne and
examined deposeth as followeth (viz.)... Juratur coram me William Roper.
p.359:
p.359: Whereas wee the Comaunder and Commissioners have Received
expresse order from the Governor and the Counsell for Reduceing the stargling
and Remote Plantations into Convenient and defensive bodyes, And by their said
Warrant have ordered and Comaunded All and everye person and persons to bee
obedient and submitt unto the same upon payne of death. These are there to
Certifye all and everye one of the Inhabitants of this Co.e. That it is this daye ordered by this Court That ... those from the south
side of Kings Creeke unto the house of Mr. Edward Douglas bee ordered
and directed by Capt. William Roper
and Mr. Edward Douglas. ...
p.367: Articles of agreement made betweene Capt.
William Roper and Reginald Hawis Boath of
1. Imprimis the said Reginald shall live and remayne with the said William and that for and during the
tyme of the Sherifalty of the said William.
2. Item That during the tyme aforesaid the said
Reginald shall Faythfully execute the office of under sheriffe. 3. Item that
the said Reginald shall so often as hee is thereunto Required by the said William give unto the said William a true and just accompt of all
such Fees as appertaine unto the office of High sheriffe. 4. Item that the said
Reginald shall pay or cause to be paid unto the said William or his assignes the somme of Fower barrells of good Indian
Corne. 5. Item that the said William
shall give unto the said Reginald his dyett during the terme aforesaid. 6. Item
that for and in Consideration that the said Reginald shall Faythfully performe
and doe all and every the promisses, apperteyn- ing unto the office of under
sheriffe the said [p.199] William
shall give and allow the said Reginald the Full Moyety of all such Fees as
appertayne and belong unto the office of High Sherriffe except Imprissonment
and Runawayes and for to testify this to be our Act and Deede wee the above
said William and Reginald have
heereunto interchangeably sett our hands the day and yeerabove written.
Recordatur 12th die
Mensis July 1644. William
Roper Per me Reginald Hawis deputy Clerke. Reginald Hawis p.383:
Whereas it appeareth unto this Court That Mr. Peter Walker detayneth a heifer
and a bull Calfe belonging unto Edmund Bybby which Calfe the said Mr. Walker
hath mark'd on his owne marke. It is therefore ordered
by this Court That the sayde Mr. Peter Walker shall forthwith deliver or cause
to bee delivered the said Cowe and Bull Cafe unto Capt. William Roper Guardian of the said Edmund Bibby for the use
of the said Bibby and the Charges of the Court ewually to be borne betweene the
said Roper and the said Walker. (Jul 1644)
p.388 Capt. Stone and loveing Freind I most hartyly desire you to take of my
business From Tyme to tyme, And if Capt.
Roper whome I have made my Attourney should deceased or be Remiss or
careless in my busines, I doe by these Authorize you to call to Accompt him or
any other as my lawfull Attourney. ...
p.393: This bill byndeth mee Capt. William Hawley Esquire of Northampton
Co.e to pay or cause to bee paid unto Capt. Stone... Sealed and delivered
in the presence of William Roper.
p.411: The deposition of Reginald Hawis and Hannah Mountney taken in open
Court. These deponents saith That being at the house of Phillip Capman about
one day or two before hee dyed the said Chapman desired the deponents beare
Witnes that notwithstanding any thinge in his will by writeing to the contrary
hee the said Chappman did give full power and Authority unto Capt. William Roper to sell or dispose
of his Land and Plantation for the good of his Children....(Mar 1644/5)
p.425:
p.426:
p.427: Whereas it appereth unto this Court That Thomas Dewin his wife nursed
Phillip Chapman his Child three moneths and Keept the eldest Girle of the said
Chapman two Moneths As alsoe that the said Estate doth owe and stand indebted
unto the said Dewin seven quarts of Venigar, It is therefore thought Fitt and
accordingly ordered by this Court That in consideration of all the aforesaid
premisses Capt. William Roper
Executor of the said Phillip Chappman shall satisfy and pay unto the said
Thomas Dewin or his Assignes the quantity of Two hundred pounds of Tobacco and
halfe a barrell of Corne out of the said Estate according to precedency...
p.437: The 10th of Aprill 1645.
Received by me Capt. Richard Ingle of Capt. William Stone for goods hee sold
ofmyne Fiftie Nyne hogs- headss of tobacco and two more on the Account of Capt. Roper and Five on David
Wheateleys Accompt and Fower on Mr. Berryman's Accompt, I say Received. Per me Richard Ingle.
p.441:
p.443: [fol. 234-A] It is ordered by this Court That Capt. William Roper
shall finde and allow to a Childe belonging unto James Ravis sufficient dyett
it being his owne voluntary profer in open Court and that satisfaction shalbe
made unto the said Capt. Roper at
the Cropp out of the Levey.
p.454: This bill byndeth mee William Stevens of the Co. of Northampton
my heyres executors or Assignes to pay or cause to bee payed unto William Roper or his Assignes the full
and just Some of seaventeen hundred pounds of good Merchantable tobacco with
good and sufficient Caske to conteyne the said tobacco at one intire payment at
or upon the 20th day of October next
after the date hereof, And for the better securing of the aforesaid debt to bee
payd as afore- said. I doe by these presents make and bynde over my whole
estate moveables and imoveables of what nature or condition soever unto him the
said William Roper his heyres or
Assignes witnes my hand this 18th day of
Aprill 1645. Signed and delivered in the presence of John Rosier, Reginald
Hawis. The marke of William Stevens.
The Enyclopedia of Virginia Biography states: William Roper was a prominent citizen of the eastern shore, who was burgess in 1636 and a justice in 1637. In the former year he had a grant for 150 acres in Accomac for his own personal advernture and the importation of two servants.
Virginia Land Records states:
William Roper, 100 acres in Accomacke,
being a small neck, lying between the lands of John Dennis and Henry Charlton;
due: 50 for his personal adventure; and 100 for the transportation of two
servants, Wm. Jacob and George Cottington. By West,
Cavaliers and Pioneers states:
William Roper, 150 acres Accomack
Co., 6 Sept. 1636, p. 375 Being
a small neck of land betweene lands of John Dennis & Henry Charlton, S. by
E. upon the maine woods, & N. by W. into the maine Cr. 50 acs. for his own per. adv. & 100 acs. for
trans. of 2 servts. Wm. Jacob, George Cottington.
Northampton Co. records show: 1636. First order for an election. People met at the Sheriff's house Feb 15th & chose John How & Wm. Roper burgesses. They were to have 1500 lbs. Tobacco. Cotton complains constantly about his tithes not being paid.
The following marriage record exists for Accawmack
Co.:
1636 Captain William Roper, Burgess,
m. Katherine Graves, dau. Of Capt. Thomas and
Katherine _____. She m. (2) Thomas Sprigg.
Adventurers of Purse and Person, p. 329 states:
Katherine Graves ([dau of ] Thomas)
married (1) William Roper,
lieutenant and captain of militia, justice of Accawmack, 1637, and Burgess from Accawmack, 1637, and from Northampton, 1644. He died between
Adventurers of Purse and Person, p. 327, states:
Ann Graves, born 1620, married successively three ministers of Hungars
Parish, Accawmack. She married (1) before
The Acts of General Assembly, Jan. 1639 state:
Viewers of Tobacco Crop, 1639. Ackowmack
Co..
From the King's Creek to the old plantation creek on that side: Capt. Wm. Roper, Elias Hastue, Jonathan Gibbs.
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 86
291 states:
His [Cotton's] last recorded transaction was an agreement made
The Virginia Eastern Shore in the 17th Century
states:
In 1640, for instance, at a meeting
of the
Footnote: Northampton Co. Records, Vol. II, p. 43. The commissioners
present were Nathaniel Littleton, Argoll Yeardly, Obedience Robins, William
Andrews, William Burdett, William Roper,
Stephen Charlton, and William Stone.
The one who "trailed far behind with ... 150 acres" was William Roper.
Northampton Co. records show:
1640. ... It is thought fit &
ordered by this Court That Mr. Philip Taylor nor any other person or persons
belonging to him, the said Taylor, shall disturb or molest the Indians,
formerly seated at Mattawaman Creek, neither for any cause or reason, to clear
or work upon the ground, whereon they are now seated, by reason Nath Littleton,
Argal Yeardly, Capt. Wm. Stone, Mr. Wm. Stone, & Capt. Wm. Roper have taken especial charge of the place. ...
William and Mary College Quarterly 5 123
states:
One William Cotton was minister in Accomac Co., and his will was dated
A land patent exists for Accomack Co. for John
Harlow. 200 acres.
A land patent exists for Northampton Co. for
John Harlowe. 200 acres.
Virginia Historical Magazine 23 228 states:
Att the Grand Assemblie holden at James Citty 2d of March 1643 The Names of the Burgesses for the Severall
Plantacons in this Collony. Vizt. ... North'ton Co..
Capt. Wm. Roper. Mr. Edw. Douglas.
... The oath of Allegiance and supremacy in the first place was admnstred unto
them, &c.
A land patent exists for Randall Holt, 710 acs.
Northampton Co. records show:
April, 1644. It was ordered that for
the better protection of the Inhabitants they should be under commands in each
precint. ... From King's Creek to the house of Edward Douglas under Wm. Roper & Edward Douglas, ...
Northampton County
Virginia Record Book V.3 1645-51: Orders, Deed, Wills &c, edited by Dr.
Howard Mackey and
p.1: Present./ Att. At Court
houlden at
p.5: It is ordered by this Court That the differences between Reginald Harris plt & Capt. William Roper deft shalbe referred until Mr John Rosier shall come downe from St Marys and then by he consent of both ptyes the sd difference is referred unto the sayde Mr John Rosier and Mr Edward Douglas as aritrato indifferently both by the plt @ deft for the finall ending & determining thereof./ (Sept-Oct 1645)
p.22: Present
p.30: It is ordered by this Court that Capt William Roper late Sherriff of Northampton Countye shall satisfy and pay unto Reginald Hawis Two hundred pounds of Mrchtable tobacco being in consideration of the full moitye for the Sallary of all Colleccons of tobacco for taxes & Leveyes wthin the sd Countye when the sd Roper was Sherrif or els exec. &c. [1645]
The deposicon of Rebecca the wife of Thomas Peake taken in open Cort/ Saith that Capt William Roper came into Robert Wyard his house and demanded two barrels of Corne for the use of Reginald Hawis and the sd Robert being not at home the wife delivred ye sd Corne unto Capt Ropers men for the use of Reginald Hawis wth Corne being cast away, Capt Roper came unto the deponts husband and sayde I am sorrier fo thy losse more than myne owne. And further not./
The marke of Rebecca [her mark] Peake./ Juratr in apta Curia./ [1645]
p.34: It is ordered by this Cort that Capt Roper shall have an Attachment against Somuch of thestate of Sr Edmond Plowden Knight ass hee shall make appe dew unto him at the next Countye Cort. [1645]
p.40: Att A County Court Houlden att
p.56: (A lease by Obedience Robins) Signed and Sealed & dd in the presence of William Roper
Recordatr 22 die Apr Ano; dm 1646./ p me Edwyn Conaway Cler Cur./
p.58: These three bills agreeth wth the originals executed by mee William Roper
Recordatr 22 die Aprillis 1646 Pr me Edwyn Conaway Cler Cur
p.60: Att a County Court houlden at
p.62: It is ordered by this Court that John Dennis Henry Bagwell & John Harloe shalbe sworne before Capt Willm Roper to appraise thestate of William Hookings deceased./ [1646]
p.72-73: (estate sale of Anthony Lynny June 1646) lit tob: Capt Roper...0095 Capt Roper for ffive yards of ffuze[?] not in ye Invoyce...0250
p.75: Att a County Court houlden at
Capt William Roper
p.84: Present Att A Countye Cort boulden at
Capt William
Roper
p.94: It is ordered by this Court that according to an Act of Assembly Mr Edm: Scarburgh & Mr Edward Douglas shall take an exact list of all ye tythable psons Land Cattle hourses Mares goates & sheep wthin their pr [hole in page] nc [presence?] or appointt some others that may bee careful to doe it. Capt Roper amd Mr William Andrewes for the Middle precinct Capt Stone for his neck of land to Hungars Bridge./ Mr Charlton & Mr Johnson for Nuswattocks./ [Sept-Oct 1646]
p.96: Att A Cort houlden at
p.100: Att a Cort holden at
p.104: The deposicon of Capt Wm Roper taken in open Cort 12th No: 1646 Saith That by a noate under Mr Eatons hand
Capt Wm Stone was authorized to receive of Luke Stubbins 250: pds of tobb: And
further saith not:/ William Roper
p.105: Att a County Court holden at
Capt Wm Rop
[Roper]
p.109: Att a County Court houlden att
Capt William
Rop [Roper]
p.111: (will of William Cotton) And desyre my beloved ffreinde & Brethren in Lawe Capt William Stone & Capt Wiliam Rop [Roper] to bee overseers hereunto Witness my hand this prsent xxth daye of August 1640
p.134: The Deposicon of John Browne taken before Capt Wm Stone & Capt Wm Roper 28th of Aprill 1647
p.139: Upon ye peticon of John Coghan Mrchant It is ordered ye Capt William Roper, Mr Edward Drew & John Harloe bee requested & appoyneted to view certayne hogdes of tobacco wch ye said Mr Coghan recd of John Wilkins gent. [1646]
p.146: ye [sic] 12th of 8ber next ensueinge ye date hereof witne my hand ye 21th of Aprill 1647. Tho: Hunt Test me Wm Roper
p.150: Att a court holden for ye
p.151: (inventory of estate of Phillipp Taylor) upon
oath beinge sworne by Capt William Roper
one of his Maties Comissionres for ye Coun [sic] of
p.186: Att a Court holden for ye
Capt Wm Roper
p.197: 29th of Decem: Ano 1646 prsent Capt Wm Roper
p.198: Att a Court holden for ye
p.228: Att a Court holden for
p.235: It is ordered ye Mr Edwyn Connawaye & Edmund Mathewes (wth their Consent in Court) shall upon monday next att ye howse of Capt Wm Roper or Mr George Clarke come to Accott & devide ye remayndr of the Bills and Accottes in ye said Mathewes hands./ [1647]