John the 2nd child of Yewell and Mary (Pool) Roper was born June 13, 1840 north of Mansfield, MO. In his childhood, he was raised around Mansfield and also in the country near Berryville, AR.

In about 1860, the Ropers moved back to Wright Co. MO with rumors of war. John enlisted July 30, 1861 in Co. I, 24th MO Infantry at Springfield, MO.  He mustered in service November 30, 1861 at Weston, MO. He was promoted Corporal January 1, 1863. He was wounded at the Battle of Pleasant Hill, LA. The Rebels had mercy on him and paroled him at Red River Landing, LA June 16, 1864. He reported to New Orleans, LA. He then reported to Benton Barricks July 23, 1864 at St. Louis, MO.

Union Soldier J.H. Roper

He was mustered out with full honors- October 17, 1864. He also served earlier with Co. B, of Stone Co. Home Guards May 25, 1861 Stone Co. MO .....

Roper Family 1886

He went home to Mt. Grove where he later met Miss Laura Eveline Green daughter of Daniel P. and Malinda (Montgomery) Green. They married February 24, 1869 in Texas Co. MO. For awhile they lived at Mt. Grove but later bought lands in Texas Co.  To their union: John B. Roper b. 1869 d.1870, Stella Roper Kreller b. 1874 d. 1958 OR, Una Roper Amick b. 1877 d. 1931-MO, Vincent Roper b. 1879 d. 1951 OR, Nora Roper Lybyer b. 1887 d. 1964 MO.

 

John and Laura's homestead was near Huggins, MO. where they lived until John's death in 1909. After a time Laura decided to move back in Mt. Grove. She lived another 22 years of service and passed away in 1931. Both John and Laura are buried in Dykes Cemetery east of Duggins, MO...

Gravesite at Dykes Cemetery

John Henry Ropers granddaughter Doris Greenhaw of Modesto, CA furnished much of the information as well as Mrs. Francis Barnett now deceased formerly of Amory, MS. Mr. Robert Caudle of Mt. Grove, MO recently featured John Henry Roper in his newsletter called: The Ozark Unionist. This is the Union group of re-enactors in the Ozark area.

contributed by: C.M. Writecjc@aol.com

©2007-2008 Rhonda Darnell