The ROPERs Pull Out of Maryland and Arrive in North Carolina
Replies: 1
The ROPERs Pull Out of Maryland and Arrive in North Carolina
| William A. Roper, Jr. (View posts) | Posted: 2 Mar 2003 5:15AM GMT |
Classification: Query
Surnames: Roper, Raper, Davis, Clarke, Duvall, Warren, Jones, Lawson, Mosely Glover, Poole
Thomas ROPER (b 8 Nov 1679 - Anne Arundel, MD), son of William and Alice ROPER, seems to have been a bricklayer. His birth is recorded in the Parish Register of All Hallow's Parish, South River, Anne Arundel. (See my Post "ROPER Entries in the All Hallow's Parish Register, Anne Arundel, MD", 10 Aug 2002 5:12 PM GMT, at http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p... )
Thomas ROPER, of Anne Arundel, is rather clearly identified as a bricklayer in several transactions in Maryland:
folio 108 o Indenture, 17 Apr 1702, in the 14th year of the reign of Lord King William III
From: Thomas ROPER, bricklayer of Prince George's County
To: Richard CLARKE of Anne Arundel County, Gent.
For 170 pounds a 200 acre part of a larger tract called "Roper's Range" lying in Prince George's County between Western Branch and Collington Branch; bounded by land of Samuel DUVALL and Richard BUTTS.
Signed: Thomas ROPER (mark)
Witnessed: Jno PRICE and William TAYLARD
Memorandum: 17 Apr 1702 Thomas ROPER acknowledged before Charles GREENBERRY and Amos GARRETT.
Alienation: 17 Apr 1702 the sum of 8s paid by Richard CLARKE.
Certification: At the time of the acknowledgement above Charles GREENBERRY and Amos GARRETT were justices of the Peace of Anne Arundel County; acknowledged by Prince George's County Court 18 Sep 1704.
*
folio 109 o Indenture, 6 Jul 1703
From: Richard CLARKE of Anne Arundel County, Gent.
To: Aaron Rawlins, planter of Anne Arundel County
Thomas ROPER of Prince George's County by indenture 17 Apr 1702 did convey unto Richard CLARKE 200 acres of land part of a greater tract called "Roper's Range"; Richard CLARKE sold this land for 243 pounds to Aaron RAWLINS; Bounded by land of Samuel DUVALL and Richard BUTTS.
Signed: Richard CLARKE
Witnessed: Edward MERIARTE and Mareen DUVALL
Memorandum: 26 Jul 1703 Elizabeth CLARKE was examined by Richard JONES, Jr. and Samuel CHAMBERS.
Alienation: 10 Nov 1703 the sum of 8s for 200 acres paid by Aaron RAWLINGS
Certification: Richard JONES and Samuel CHAMBERS, Justices of the Peace in Anne Arundel County, acknowledged this deed before J. BOARDLEY, Cleark for Anne Arundel County.
Recorded: 18 Sep 1704
["Land Records of Prince George's County, Maryland, 1702 to 1709", Abstacted by Elise Greenup JOURDAN from the Microfilm CR 49,514-2 Prince George's County Court Records Liber C, Archives of Maryland, at pp. 25, 26]
* * *
Here we find the ROPERs appearing in Colonial North Carolina...
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 67
Jan. 8, 1706/7 - Bath Town - Joel MARTIN, Senior; and John LAWSON to Thomas ROPER of Maryland - 20 shillings - quarter half acre and 4 pole lot "with the front" with dwelling house thereon, on front street of Bath Town, known by name of David PERKIN's lot.
Witness: Chr. GALE, Hanna SMITH
Acknowledged at court held in Bath Town, May 1706/7.
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 69
Jan. 8, 1706/7 - Bath Town - Joel MARTIN, Senoir and Jno. LAWSON, Precinct of Pamtico, Gentleman, to Thomas ROPER of Maryland - 20 shilling quarter half acre and 4 pole lot with a dwelling house thereon "with the front," on front street in Bath Town known by name of David PERKINS' lot.
Witness: Chr. GALE, Hanna SMITH
Acknowledged at court held for Bath Town, Jan. 8, 1706/7.
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 69
Feb. 21, 1706/7 - Thomas ROPER resigns interest to house, lot, etc. to Captain John BRYLY of Philadelphia.
Witness: Jno. LAWSON, Hanna SMITH
Acknowledged in open court, 1st Tuesday in May 1707.
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 90
Mar. 7, 1705/6 - Thomas CARY (same wording as grant,p.70) Deputy Governor of N.C., to Henry WARREN - 6 pence per 100 acres - grant of 361 acres beginning Fork of Old Town Creek. Mentions Captain BARROW's line. Signature as grant, p.70. "I do hereby assign within mentioned land (except what is already sold to the Honorable Major Christopher GALE) to John ROPER.." - Jan. 7, 1707/8.
Witness: Giles SHUTE, Daniel MATHEWS
Acknowledged at court at Bath Town, Jan. 7, 1707/8.
The mention of WARREN is noteworthy. I have long suspected that what is now Warreny Swamp" in New Kent County, adjacent to the amcient ROPER tract in Blissland Parish, New Kent, near what is now ROPER Church Road may have once been "Warren I. (Island) Swamp".
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 93
July 21, 1708 - John LAWSON, Bath Town, Province of North Carolina, to daughter Isabella LAWSON, same - "love and affection" (Isabella now a minor) - 320 acres on the bridge creek and purchased of Mr. Collingswood WARD - "if said Isabella LAWSON die before she marries or arrives at the age of 14 years, that then the land shall return to me. "I give to the said Isabella my right and title of an entry of land thereunto joining.."
Signed: John LAWSON
Witness: William FRILIE?, Tho. ROPER, Hannah SMITH
(See WARD's conveyance page 18-67)
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 117
"Warren's patent and so assigned to John ROPER is in Page 50 (90)"
Jan. 29, 1708/9 - John ROPER assigns above mentioned land except what already sold to Honorable Major Christopher GALE, to John CARY, Esquire.
Witness: Daniel MATHEWS, Emanual CLEAVES
Acknowledged at court at Bath Town first Tuesday in April 1709.
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 143
July 6, 1709 - Thomas ROPER to Hon. Thomas CARY, Esq. - land up bear creek, conveyed to ROPER by Thomas TAYLOR "the last court held for this county"
Wit: Levi TRUEWHITT
Acknowledged at Court, 1st. Tues. in July, 1709
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 148
Sept. 10, 1707 - Thomas DAVIS' patent of 320 acres in Matchapongo, in DAVIS' Cr., beginning mouth of Creek.
Signed: Tho. CARY, Sam. SWANN, Ed MOSELEY, Wm. GLOVER, Francis FOSTER
Oct. 7, 1709 - Thomas DAVIS and Thomason (?), my wife, to John ROPER 320 acres, above patent land.
Wit: Emanuel CLEAVES, Swann SWANSON
Acknowledged Court held 1st. Tues., Oct., 1709
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 267
Nov. 13, 1711 - John ROPER, Bath Co., to William CORDING, same - 170 acres, "all neck of land lying betwixt the creek that runs by my house, to the head of said creek. Mentions Matchapongo River.
Wit: DAW, HARVEY, Wm. WEBSTER
Acknowledged Nov. 13, 1711
*
"The Colonial Records of NC, V.1, 1662-1712: p.869: Council Journal: Att a meeting of LdsProprs eptys at ye house of ye Honble Majr Genl Pollock in Chowan on the 12 day of Sept Ani Dni 1712 here...Upon Petition of Thos ROPER Showing that his bror Jno ROPER is Dead without will and that he Said Jnos Widdow is a Distracted person and not Capable of taken out Administration on her decd husband Estate therefore prays Administration may be granted to him on behalf of ye said Widdow & Children. Ordered that Administration be granted to ye Said Thos on behalfe of ye said Widdow & Children accordingly."
Here, it appears to me that John ROPER (b 8 Feb 1681 - Anne Arundel, MD), son of William and Alice ROPER and brother of Thomas ROPER of Anne Arundel, DIES. I suspect that this John ROPER had already also settled in NEW KENT County, but had land in both New Kent and on the Albemarle. John ROPER's widow is "distracted" in that she has small children whose births are shown in the St. Peter's Parish Register.
This transaction is viewed by the RAPER family as another RAPER document:
"1718 Jul 15 Pasquotank Precinct, Albemarle Co., NC John Raper (JR) " John RAPIER son and heir apparent of John RAPIER deceased late of Pasquotank..........sold 60 acres to Solomon Pool."
I believe that it reflects the sale of Pasquotank land by John ROPER the SON of John ROPER (b 8 Feb 1681 - Anne Arundel, MD, d abt 1712). And given the coinciding Charles City Coutny Patent of 16 Jun 1714, which expressly mentions both John ROPER and a Thomas RAPER, this constuction conforms to all available data! See "Transcription of Charles City Co Patent of John ROPER dated 16 Jun 1714" (28 Apr 2002 5:12 PM GMT) at http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p... .
*
"Colonial Records of NC: V.2, p.68: Council Journal: Att a Councill holden at ye house of Capt Thos Lee in Chowan on Wednesday ye 4th day of Novr Ano Dni 1713...Thos ROPER having made appeare to this Board that he hath a right to pd17 13d out of the Claime Due to Jno Toby who was killed in Warr agt ye Indyan Enemy by a note under ye said Tobys hand which said note is either lost or mislaid amongst ye papers of ye Assbly. Whereupon It is ordered that ye said Thos ROPER have ye afsd sume of pd7 13d out of ye publick Treasury if soe much of ye Said Tobeys there found to be Due & unpd.
p.181: Council Journal: Att a council holden at ye house of Captn Fred JONES in Chowan"
*
"June 7th 1715...Upon Petition of Thos ROPER shewing that Captn Cornelius Swillivan had Rece'd ye Wages of one Anthony Morrall which was due to ye said Morrall for his services in the Warr againt the Indian Enemie and that the said Morral at ye same time was an Indented Servent to the said ROPER and therefore his said Wages was due to him and prayes whereas the said Swillivan has some money due to him in the publick Treasurie here he may have so much money of what is due to ye said Swillivan as ye said Morrall Wage Amounted to. Ordered that if there be moneys Sufficient in the Treasurie of the said Swillivan as will answer ye Said Morralls Claims or so much as there shall appear to be the same shall be stopped or Lodged in the hands of Coll Edward Moseley Treasurer and paid to ye said Thos ROPER provided the said Swillivan Shew no Cause to ye Contrary within one yeare from ye Date hereof. Whereas by an ordr of Council dated ye Eleventh day of Novbr 1713 Thos ROPER was Impowered to receive the sum of seven pounds Thirteen Shillings out of the Claimes due to John Toby being due to him and it now appears to this board that Captn Cornelius Swillivan under pretence of being Admintr to said Toby has received all ye claims to ye sd Toby. Wherefore it is hereby Ordered that if there be any money of the said Swillivan in the Treasurie that the Treasurer do pay to the said ROPER ye Above said Sum out of ye said Moneys."
*
The first appearance of a ROPER on the Tax Lists in Perquimans County, NC, was in 1715-1716.
Recusants returned to the Governr by the Receivers of the Corne Levy (no date) [1715-1716]
Tho ROPER
http://perqtax.homestead.com/files/corn3a.jpg
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 169
Mar. 16, 1715 - Thomas CARY, Bath Co., Esq., to Edward CARSON, Bath Co., planter - 25 pounds - by authority of "act confirming the titles of sundry persons who have already or hereafter may purchase lands of Col. Thomas CARY in Bath Co." - 300 acres in easternmost branch of Old Town Creek in Bath Co., lately belonging to ROPER, purchased of Henry WARREN, remainder of tract of land formerly surveyed for Henry WARREN, 361 acres, which other part was sold by said Henry WARREN to Col. Chr. GALE and divided or separated from this by a branch.
Wit: Ed'd. MOSELEY, Jno. LILLINGTON
Acknowledged by Col.Thos. CARY, Mar. 17, 1715
So by 1715, there was already a tract "lately belonging to ROPER" in Bath County.
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 192
Oct. 6, 1716 - "By act of assembly . . . and every person holding a front or front lot in the said town shall purchase the front lying before the same at the rate of 10 shillings for each front" - Thos. HARDING and John DRINKWATER, Commissioners, to Thomas ROPER, Bath Co., Bricklayer - 40 shillings - Lot #26 - front lot in Bath Town, not improved, formerly conveyed to Thomas DAVIS who did not comply as law directed. Lot bounded on north by Beaufort Street, south by a lot of Edmond PORTER's, west on Bay St., east on lot of Rhoda MARSH "together with front thereto belonging, lying on the creek side, betwixt Bay Street and the creek and parallel to said lot." ROPER to build house of required dimensions within one year after date or deed void.
Wit: Robert R. ALDERSHIRE, Jno. SWINSON
Acknowledged Jan. Court, 1716/17
Here we see in 1716, Thomas ROPER, of Bath County, bricklayer!
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 194
Oct. 6, 1716 - "Act of Assembly . . .", Thomas HARDING and John DRINKWATER, two of Commissioners, to Rhoda MARSH - 30 shillings - Lot #40 - back lot in Bath Town, not improved, bounded on north on Beaufort Street, west, by lot #26 now in possession of Thomas ROPER, south by lot #41 - to build house of required dimensions within one year from date, otherwise deed void.
Wit: Robert R. ALDERSHIRE, John SWINSON
Acknowledged Apr. Court 1717
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 224
Mar. 25, 1717 - Thomas HARDING and John DRINKWATER, Bath Co., Commissioners of Bath Town - to Edmond PORTER, Bath Co., Merchant - 20 shillings - fronts of two lots in Bath Town, #24, 25 bounded to North on lot #26 now belonging to Thomas ROPER, South on lot #23 belonging to Charles EDEN, Esq., West on Bay Street, said front lots lying between Bay Street and the Creek down to the low water mark and runs parallel to said lots.
Wit: C. GALE, Pat. CAVEN
Acknowledged Mar. 25, 1717
Registered Nov. 13, 1717
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 338
Feb. 6, 1717 - Thomas HENNAN (HENMAN?), Bath Co, Gentleman, to Thomas ROPER, Bath Co., Bricklayer - 20 shillings - "within mentioned 2 lotts of land."
Wit: John HATTON
Acknowledged Apr. Court 1718
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 346
Feb. 6, 1717 - Thomas HENMAN (?), Bath Co., Gentl., to Thomas ROPER, Bridcklayer - 20 shillings - all interest in above land.
Wit: John HATTON
Acknowledged Apr. Court 1718
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 348
Sept. 9, 1718 - John LILLINGTON, Beaufort Precinct, Bath Co., Province of N. C., Gentl., to Stephen ELSEY and James ROBINS (ROBBINS), same planters. Consideration of 3 male negroe slaves, Sardue (?), Lawrence, John - 400 acres upper side of Bath Town Creek, Beaufort Precinct, bounded by land "now or late" of Col. Robert DANIEL on the one side and land commonly called Beards Land formerly belonging to Collingwood on other side. (There was a Collingwood WARD at this time.) Usual
quit rents due Lords Proprietors.
Wit: Thomas ROPER, John HATTON
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 358
Apr. 6, 1719 - John HATTON, Town and County of Bath, Province of N. C. Attorney of Edmund PORTER, Albemarle Co., said Province, Merchant, by latter of Attorney March 3, 1718/19, sells to James STONER, Gentl. - 10 pounds - two front lots in Bath Town, #24, #25, bounded on west (?) by Lot #26, now of late belonging to Thomas ROPER, to south by lot #23 belonging to Charles EDEN, Esq., west (?) on Bay Street, lots lyig between "Bay Street and creek down to low water mark and runs parallel to said lotts."
Wit: Thomas HARDING, Edward TRAVIS
Acknowledged Apr. Court 1719
*
"Deed Book C #1 #1300 p.56: Laurence Sarson of Chowan Prect. to Thomas West of the Province of
N.C. 14 Jul 1720 110 lbs lawfull money of the Province. 120 acres more or less at the mouth of black Wallnutt Swamp, joing William Duckinfield, the sound side at Wallnutt Point, Jonathan Jeacocks, the sd. Sarson and the swamp. Wit.: Joseph Young, Thomas ROPER. Ack. ye 19 Nov 1720 before me Fred. Jones, Ch. Just."
* * *
Here we pick up with another transaction identifying Thomas ROPER as a bricklayer:
"Deed Book C #1 #1320 p.163: Thomas ROPER of Albemarle Co., Bricklayer to Richard Skinner Jr. of Perquimans Prect. 1 Mar 1720 18 pds assignment of a Pattent for 640 acres in Beufort Prect. in Bath Co. dated 10 ___ 1720 and is on the north side of Pampticough river. Wit: Denis Riordane, John Simons, Rt. Hicks. Ack: ye 4 Apr 1721 by Rt. Hicks before me Fred. Jones, Ch Just. Reg. 16 Jun 1721"
*
"Deed Book F #1 #597 p.202: Thomas Henman of Chowan Prect., Gentleman to Thomas ROPER of Chowan Prect. 7 Nov 1721 for 20 shillings per Lott. Lott #52 at the Fork of Queen Ann's Creek designed for the building of a Towne. Wit: Christian Heidleberg, W. Badham. Reg. Chowan Ct. 19 Jan 1721. Test.: Wm. Badham C.C. Ct."
This places Thomas ROPER at the site of Edenton, NC, in 1721.
*
"Province of NC 1663-1729 Abstracts of Land Patents: p.116: 1247 p.305: Thomas ROPER 10 Aug 1720 640 acres in Beaufort Precinct on the N. side of Pamlicough river and the West side of Grindal creek, joining the river pocoson-which Land was formerly Surveyed for Richard Skinner and by him Elapsed. Wit: C. Eden, Wm. Reed, Fred JONES, Fra. Foster, J Lovick"
*
"1248 p.306: Thomas ROPER 10 Aug 1720 640 acres in Beaufort Precinct on the N. side of Pamlico river and on the West side of Grindal creek, joining the river pocoson and the sd. Roper which land was Surveyed for William ROPER and by him Elapsed. Wit: E. Eden, Fred JONES, Wm. Reed, Fran. Foster, J. Lovick"
*
"NC Genealogist: p.2556: Chowan Co. tax list for 1721: Tho. Roper 1280 acres"
*
"Colonial Records of NC: v.2: Council Journal: Att a Council held at the House of Wm Badham March the 30th 1721...It is commanded the Marshall that he cause to Come twelve...Thos. Roper..."
*
"NC Historical Review 44, p.111: Factors in the Economy of Colonial Beufort: 22 of 39 lots sold before 1723 were later resold by the town...The remaining 17 lots were owned by Thomas ROPER,..."
*
"NC Historical Review V.47, p.370: Lot No.4 was first owned by Thomas ROPER, but he too seems to have lived in the area around Bath at that time."
* * *
I believe that these transactions, taken together, rather clearly indicate that the Thomas ROPER, bricklayer, involved in numerous transactions on the Albemale and Pamlico Sounds, was one and the same as Thomas ROPER, bricklayer, of Maryland.
Thomas ROPER, of Anne Arundel, is rather clearly identified as a bricklayer in several transactions in Maryland:
folio 108 o Indenture, 17 Apr 1702, in the 14th year of the reign of Lord King William III
From: Thomas ROPER, bricklayer of Prince George's County
To: Richard CLARKE of Anne Arundel County, Gent.
For 170 pounds a 200 acre part of a larger tract called "Roper's Range" lying in Prince George's County between Western Branch and Collington Branch; bounded by land of Samuel DUVALL and Richard BUTTS.
Signed: Thomas ROPER (mark)
Witnessed: Jno PRICE and William TAYLARD
Memorandum: 17 Apr 1702 Thomas ROPER acknowledged before Charles GREENBERRY and Amos GARRETT.
Alienation: 17 Apr 1702 the sum of 8s paid by Richard CLARKE.
Certification: At the time of the acknowledgement above Charles GREENBERRY and Amos GARRETT were justices of the Peace of Anne Arundel County; acknowledged by Prince George's County Court 18 Sep 1704.
*
folio 109 o Indenture, 6 Jul 1703
From: Richard CLARKE of Anne Arundel County, Gent.
To: Aaron Rawlins, planter of Anne Arundel County
Thomas ROPER of Prince George's County by indenture 17 Apr 1702 did convey unto Richard CLARKE 200 acres of land part of a greater tract called "Roper's Range"; Richard CLARKE sold this land for 243 pounds to Aaron RAWLINS; Bounded by land of Samuel DUVALL and Richard BUTTS.
Signed: Richard CLARKE
Witnessed: Edward MERIARTE and Mareen DUVALL
Memorandum: 26 Jul 1703 Elizabeth CLARKE was examined by Richard JONES, Jr. and Samuel CHAMBERS.
Alienation: 10 Nov 1703 the sum of 8s for 200 acres paid by Aaron RAWLINGS
Certification: Richard JONES and Samuel CHAMBERS, Justices of the Peace in Anne Arundel County, acknowledged this deed before J. BOARDLEY, Cleark for Anne Arundel County.
Recorded: 18 Sep 1704
["Land Records of Prince George's County, Maryland, 1702 to 1709", Abstacted by Elise Greenup JOURDAN from the Microfilm CR 49,514-2 Prince George's County Court Records Liber C, Archives of Maryland, at pp. 25, 26]
* * *
Here we find the ROPERs appearing in Colonial North Carolina...
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 67
Jan. 8, 1706/7 - Bath Town - Joel MARTIN, Senior; and John LAWSON to Thomas ROPER of Maryland - 20 shillings - quarter half acre and 4 pole lot "with the front" with dwelling house thereon, on front street of Bath Town, known by name of David PERKIN's lot.
Witness: Chr. GALE, Hanna SMITH
Acknowledged at court held in Bath Town, May 1706/7.
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 69
Jan. 8, 1706/7 - Bath Town - Joel MARTIN, Senoir and Jno. LAWSON, Precinct of Pamtico, Gentleman, to Thomas ROPER of Maryland - 20 shilling quarter half acre and 4 pole lot with a dwelling house thereon "with the front," on front street in Bath Town known by name of David PERKINS' lot.
Witness: Chr. GALE, Hanna SMITH
Acknowledged at court held for Bath Town, Jan. 8, 1706/7.
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 69
Feb. 21, 1706/7 - Thomas ROPER resigns interest to house, lot, etc. to Captain John BRYLY of Philadelphia.
Witness: Jno. LAWSON, Hanna SMITH
Acknowledged in open court, 1st Tuesday in May 1707.
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 90
Mar. 7, 1705/6 - Thomas CARY (same wording as grant,p.70) Deputy Governor of N.C., to Henry WARREN - 6 pence per 100 acres - grant of 361 acres beginning Fork of Old Town Creek. Mentions Captain BARROW's line. Signature as grant, p.70. "I do hereby assign within mentioned land (except what is already sold to the Honorable Major Christopher GALE) to John ROPER.." - Jan. 7, 1707/8.
Witness: Giles SHUTE, Daniel MATHEWS
Acknowledged at court at Bath Town, Jan. 7, 1707/8.
The mention of WARREN is noteworthy. I have long suspected that what is now Warreny Swamp" in New Kent County, adjacent to the amcient ROPER tract in Blissland Parish, New Kent, near what is now ROPER Church Road may have once been "Warren I. (Island) Swamp".
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 93
July 21, 1708 - John LAWSON, Bath Town, Province of North Carolina, to daughter Isabella LAWSON, same - "love and affection" (Isabella now a minor) - 320 acres on the bridge creek and purchased of Mr. Collingswood WARD - "if said Isabella LAWSON die before she marries or arrives at the age of 14 years, that then the land shall return to me. "I give to the said Isabella my right and title of an entry of land thereunto joining.."
Signed: John LAWSON
Witness: William FRILIE?, Tho. ROPER, Hannah SMITH
(See WARD's conveyance page 18-67)
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 117
"Warren's patent and so assigned to John ROPER is in Page 50 (90)"
Jan. 29, 1708/9 - John ROPER assigns above mentioned land except what already sold to Honorable Major Christopher GALE, to John CARY, Esquire.
Witness: Daniel MATHEWS, Emanual CLEAVES
Acknowledged at court at Bath Town first Tuesday in April 1709.
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 143
July 6, 1709 - Thomas ROPER to Hon. Thomas CARY, Esq. - land up bear creek, conveyed to ROPER by Thomas TAYLOR "the last court held for this county"
Wit: Levi TRUEWHITT
Acknowledged at Court, 1st. Tues. in July, 1709
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 148
Sept. 10, 1707 - Thomas DAVIS' patent of 320 acres in Matchapongo, in DAVIS' Cr., beginning mouth of Creek.
Signed: Tho. CARY, Sam. SWANN, Ed MOSELEY, Wm. GLOVER, Francis FOSTER
Oct. 7, 1709 - Thomas DAVIS and Thomason (?), my wife, to John ROPER 320 acres, above patent land.
Wit: Emanuel CLEAVES, Swann SWANSON
Acknowledged Court held 1st. Tues., Oct., 1709
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY DEED BOOK 1, Page 267
Nov. 13, 1711 - John ROPER, Bath Co., to William CORDING, same - 170 acres, "all neck of land lying betwixt the creek that runs by my house, to the head of said creek. Mentions Matchapongo River.
Wit: DAW, HARVEY, Wm. WEBSTER
Acknowledged Nov. 13, 1711
*
"The Colonial Records of NC, V.1, 1662-1712: p.869: Council Journal: Att a meeting of LdsProprs eptys at ye house of ye Honble Majr Genl Pollock in Chowan on the 12 day of Sept Ani Dni 1712 here...Upon Petition of Thos ROPER Showing that his bror Jno ROPER is Dead without will and that he Said Jnos Widdow is a Distracted person and not Capable of taken out Administration on her decd husband Estate therefore prays Administration may be granted to him on behalf of ye said Widdow & Children. Ordered that Administration be granted to ye Said Thos on behalfe of ye said Widdow & Children accordingly."
Here, it appears to me that John ROPER (b 8 Feb 1681 - Anne Arundel, MD), son of William and Alice ROPER and brother of Thomas ROPER of Anne Arundel, DIES. I suspect that this John ROPER had already also settled in NEW KENT County, but had land in both New Kent and on the Albemarle. John ROPER's widow is "distracted" in that she has small children whose births are shown in the St. Peter's Parish Register.
This transaction is viewed by the RAPER family as another RAPER document:
"1718 Jul 15 Pasquotank Precinct, Albemarle Co., NC John Raper (JR) " John RAPIER son and heir apparent of John RAPIER deceased late of Pasquotank..........sold 60 acres to Solomon Pool."
I believe that it reflects the sale of Pasquotank land by John ROPER the SON of John ROPER (b 8 Feb 1681 - Anne Arundel, MD, d abt 1712). And given the coinciding Charles City Coutny Patent of 16 Jun 1714, which expressly mentions both John ROPER and a Thomas RAPER, this constuction conforms to all available data! See "Transcription of Charles City Co Patent of John ROPER dated 16 Jun 1714" (28 Apr 2002 5:12 PM GMT) at http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p... .
*
"Colonial Records of NC: V.2, p.68: Council Journal: Att a Councill holden at ye house of Capt Thos Lee in Chowan on Wednesday ye 4th day of Novr Ano Dni 1713...Thos ROPER having made appeare to this Board that he hath a right to pd17 13d out of the Claime Due to Jno Toby who was killed in Warr agt ye Indyan Enemy by a note under ye said Tobys hand which said note is either lost or mislaid amongst ye papers of ye Assbly. Whereupon It is ordered that ye said Thos ROPER have ye afsd sume of pd7 13d out of ye publick Treasury if soe much of ye Said Tobeys there found to be Due & unpd.
p.181: Council Journal: Att a council holden at ye house of Captn Fred JONES in Chowan"
*
"June 7th 1715...Upon Petition of Thos ROPER shewing that Captn Cornelius Swillivan had Rece'd ye Wages of one Anthony Morrall which was due to ye said Morrall for his services in the Warr againt the Indian Enemie and that the said Morral at ye same time was an Indented Servent to the said ROPER and therefore his said Wages was due to him and prayes whereas the said Swillivan has some money due to him in the publick Treasurie here he may have so much money of what is due to ye said Swillivan as ye said Morrall Wage Amounted to. Ordered that if there be moneys Sufficient in the Treasurie of the said Swillivan as will answer ye Said Morralls Claims or so much as there shall appear to be the same shall be stopped or Lodged in the hands of Coll Edward Moseley Treasurer and paid to ye said Thos ROPER provided the said Swillivan Shew no Cause to ye Contrary within one yeare from ye Date hereof. Whereas by an ordr of Council dated ye Eleventh day of Novbr 1713 Thos ROPER was Impowered to receive the sum of seven pounds Thirteen Shillings out of the Claimes due to John Toby being due to him and it now appears to this board that Captn Cornelius Swillivan under pretence of being Admintr to said Toby has received all ye claims to ye sd Toby. Wherefore it is hereby Ordered that if there be any money of the said Swillivan in the Treasurie that the Treasurer do pay to the said ROPER ye Above said Sum out of ye said Moneys."
*
The first appearance of a ROPER on the Tax Lists in Perquimans County, NC, was in 1715-1716.
Recusants returned to the Governr by the Receivers of the Corne Levy (no date) [1715-1716]
Tho ROPER
http://perqtax.homestead.com/files/corn3a.jpg
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 169
Mar. 16, 1715 - Thomas CARY, Bath Co., Esq., to Edward CARSON, Bath Co., planter - 25 pounds - by authority of "act confirming the titles of sundry persons who have already or hereafter may purchase lands of Col. Thomas CARY in Bath Co." - 300 acres in easternmost branch of Old Town Creek in Bath Co., lately belonging to ROPER, purchased of Henry WARREN, remainder of tract of land formerly surveyed for Henry WARREN, 361 acres, which other part was sold by said Henry WARREN to Col. Chr. GALE and divided or separated from this by a branch.
Wit: Ed'd. MOSELEY, Jno. LILLINGTON
Acknowledged by Col.Thos. CARY, Mar. 17, 1715
So by 1715, there was already a tract "lately belonging to ROPER" in Bath County.
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 192
Oct. 6, 1716 - "By act of assembly . . . and every person holding a front or front lot in the said town shall purchase the front lying before the same at the rate of 10 shillings for each front" - Thos. HARDING and John DRINKWATER, Commissioners, to Thomas ROPER, Bath Co., Bricklayer - 40 shillings - Lot #26 - front lot in Bath Town, not improved, formerly conveyed to Thomas DAVIS who did not comply as law directed. Lot bounded on north by Beaufort Street, south by a lot of Edmond PORTER's, west on Bay St., east on lot of Rhoda MARSH "together with front thereto belonging, lying on the creek side, betwixt Bay Street and the creek and parallel to said lot." ROPER to build house of required dimensions within one year after date or deed void.
Wit: Robert R. ALDERSHIRE, Jno. SWINSON
Acknowledged Jan. Court, 1716/17
Here we see in 1716, Thomas ROPER, of Bath County, bricklayer!
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 194
Oct. 6, 1716 - "Act of Assembly . . .", Thomas HARDING and John DRINKWATER, two of Commissioners, to Rhoda MARSH - 30 shillings - Lot #40 - back lot in Bath Town, not improved, bounded on north on Beaufort Street, west, by lot #26 now in possession of Thomas ROPER, south by lot #41 - to build house of required dimensions within one year from date, otherwise deed void.
Wit: Robert R. ALDERSHIRE, John SWINSON
Acknowledged Apr. Court 1717
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 224
Mar. 25, 1717 - Thomas HARDING and John DRINKWATER, Bath Co., Commissioners of Bath Town - to Edmond PORTER, Bath Co., Merchant - 20 shillings - fronts of two lots in Bath Town, #24, 25 bounded to North on lot #26 now belonging to Thomas ROPER, South on lot #23 belonging to Charles EDEN, Esq., West on Bay Street, said front lots lying between Bay Street and the Creek down to the low water mark and runs parallel to said lots.
Wit: C. GALE, Pat. CAVEN
Acknowledged Mar. 25, 1717
Registered Nov. 13, 1717
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 338
Feb. 6, 1717 - Thomas HENNAN (HENMAN?), Bath Co, Gentleman, to Thomas ROPER, Bath Co., Bricklayer - 20 shillings - "within mentioned 2 lotts of land."
Wit: John HATTON
Acknowledged Apr. Court 1718
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 346
Feb. 6, 1717 - Thomas HENMAN (?), Bath Co., Gentl., to Thomas ROPER, Bridcklayer - 20 shillings - all interest in above land.
Wit: John HATTON
Acknowledged Apr. Court 1718
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 348
Sept. 9, 1718 - John LILLINGTON, Beaufort Precinct, Bath Co., Province of N. C., Gentl., to Stephen ELSEY and James ROBINS (ROBBINS), same planters. Consideration of 3 male negroe slaves, Sardue (?), Lawrence, John - 400 acres upper side of Bath Town Creek, Beaufort Precinct, bounded by land "now or late" of Col. Robert DANIEL on the one side and land commonly called Beards Land formerly belonging to Collingwood on other side. (There was a Collingwood WARD at this time.) Usual
quit rents due Lords Proprietors.
Wit: Thomas ROPER, John HATTON
*
BEAUFORT COUNTY, NC, DEED BOOK 1, Page 358
Apr. 6, 1719 - John HATTON, Town and County of Bath, Province of N. C. Attorney of Edmund PORTER, Albemarle Co., said Province, Merchant, by latter of Attorney March 3, 1718/19, sells to James STONER, Gentl. - 10 pounds - two front lots in Bath Town, #24, #25, bounded on west (?) by Lot #26, now of late belonging to Thomas ROPER, to south by lot #23 belonging to Charles EDEN, Esq., west (?) on Bay Street, lots lyig between "Bay Street and creek down to low water mark and runs parallel to said lotts."
Wit: Thomas HARDING, Edward TRAVIS
Acknowledged Apr. Court 1719
*
"Deed Book C #1 #1300 p.56: Laurence Sarson of Chowan Prect. to Thomas West of the Province of
N.C. 14 Jul 1720 110 lbs lawfull money of the Province. 120 acres more or less at the mouth of black Wallnutt Swamp, joing William Duckinfield, the sound side at Wallnutt Point, Jonathan Jeacocks, the sd. Sarson and the swamp. Wit.: Joseph Young, Thomas ROPER. Ack. ye 19 Nov 1720 before me Fred. Jones, Ch. Just."
* * *
Here we pick up with another transaction identifying Thomas ROPER as a bricklayer:
"Deed Book C #1 #1320 p.163: Thomas ROPER of Albemarle Co., Bricklayer to Richard Skinner Jr. of Perquimans Prect. 1 Mar 1720 18 pds assignment of a Pattent for 640 acres in Beufort Prect. in Bath Co. dated 10 ___ 1720 and is on the north side of Pampticough river. Wit: Denis Riordane, John Simons, Rt. Hicks. Ack: ye 4 Apr 1721 by Rt. Hicks before me Fred. Jones, Ch Just. Reg. 16 Jun 1721"
*
"Deed Book F #1 #597 p.202: Thomas Henman of Chowan Prect., Gentleman to Thomas ROPER of Chowan Prect. 7 Nov 1721 for 20 shillings per Lott. Lott #52 at the Fork of Queen Ann's Creek designed for the building of a Towne. Wit: Christian Heidleberg, W. Badham. Reg. Chowan Ct. 19 Jan 1721. Test.: Wm. Badham C.C. Ct."
This places Thomas ROPER at the site of Edenton, NC, in 1721.
*
"Province of NC 1663-1729 Abstracts of Land Patents: p.116: 1247 p.305: Thomas ROPER 10 Aug 1720 640 acres in Beaufort Precinct on the N. side of Pamlicough river and the West side of Grindal creek, joining the river pocoson-which Land was formerly Surveyed for Richard Skinner and by him Elapsed. Wit: C. Eden, Wm. Reed, Fred JONES, Fra. Foster, J Lovick"
*
"1248 p.306: Thomas ROPER 10 Aug 1720 640 acres in Beaufort Precinct on the N. side of Pamlico river and on the West side of Grindal creek, joining the river pocoson and the sd. Roper which land was Surveyed for William ROPER and by him Elapsed. Wit: E. Eden, Fred JONES, Wm. Reed, Fran. Foster, J. Lovick"
*
"NC Genealogist: p.2556: Chowan Co. tax list for 1721: Tho. Roper 1280 acres"
*
"Colonial Records of NC: v.2: Council Journal: Att a Council held at the House of Wm Badham March the 30th 1721...It is commanded the Marshall that he cause to Come twelve...Thos. Roper..."
*
"NC Historical Review 44, p.111: Factors in the Economy of Colonial Beufort: 22 of 39 lots sold before 1723 were later resold by the town...The remaining 17 lots were owned by Thomas ROPER,..."
*
"NC Historical Review V.47, p.370: Lot No.4 was first owned by Thomas ROPER, but he too seems to have lived in the area around Bath at that time."
* * *
I believe that these transactions, taken together, rather clearly indicate that the Thomas ROPER, bricklayer, involved in numerous transactions on the Albemale and Pamlico Sounds, was one and the same as Thomas ROPER, bricklayer, of Maryland.