Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1903-09-05
SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 1903.

Reunion and History of the Roper Family
The Third annual reunion of the
Rope, family has recently been cele-
brated at Edgemere, Mass, and below
we publish an article from the Wor-
cester Telegram relating to the
origin, branches and reunion. Two
members of the Roper family, F, H.
and S. G. Roper, reside In this city.
There were five brothers living in
this section, and all having reached
the allotted aged of manhood, were
hale and hearty until last July, when
the youngest brother passed away.
These five brothers had decided to
attend this notable gathering, as their
are but few exceptions of this kind,
but owing to the death in the family
they were not present.
The feature of the third annual re-
union of the Roper family at Edgemere,
yesterday, was the afiliation of six new
branches of the historic line with the
cid family increasing the number OF
branches of Roper descendants to 16.
These new branches have been
styled the Rutland division OF the
Roper family, for the old branches
trace their line to Sterling, were the
first of the known Ropers settled,
Fifteen branches were represented
yesterday, and in the number were all
sizes and ages of Ropers and their de-
scendants. It was the day Of the year
for this family, whose history places it
on record as one OF the most interest
ing and oldest family lines in Massa-
chusetts. About 200 busted themselves
discussing the long line from which
they are descended. and in becoming
acquainted with new members OF the
old stock.
While the other people were repeat
ing to each other the stories OF the
old Ropers which they have been told
by their parents, the younger element
made merry day out OF it, INDUCING
in the delights of chasing each other
About the Woods near Edgemere.
In the gathering yesterday were re-
pr esentatives from all over New Eng
land, Worcester county figuring as the
center, and Minnesota the western
limit of the territory that was repre-
scented yesterday. Letters of regret
were read from Roper people in Penn
sylvania, who were unable to attend,
and The. Telegram received a message
last night from George H. Roper OF
Steubenville, O., who lamented his alb
sence from the general assembly OF his
relatives. The atte ndancs yesterday
represents but fraction of the descen-
dants of the original branches, for
within few years, many members OF
the varions branches, have gone West,
married and settled there.
1t was noon when the descendants OF
the old stock reached the scene OF the
reunion, and after partaking of basket
dinner and exchanging greetings and
congratulations, all repaired to the
dance hall, where program prepared
for the occasion was given. Rev. G.
Fremont Roper of Winchester, N. H.,
preside lent of the Roper association,
formally opened the meeting,
and in brief survey Of the years
events in which members Of the cele-
brated line figured, pointed out the
significance of the association, and
urged every one present to make sure
that any missing Roper should be
rounded up and brought within the
fold.
He claimed to the fact that the re-
union brought. together members of
a branch whose record places them
among the most unique of families
holding reunions within the country
today. Congratulations were shower
ed upon the attendants for belonging
to line that had done the service that
the various individuals of the associa-
tion had performed for the country,
and society in general, and for them
selves in particular. The presidents
address also included special remarks
bearing upon the work of the historian
of the asso citation, Miss Ella E, Roper
of Sterling, who has been hustling the
past few years endeavoring TO record
the correct branch to which each in
dlvidual member of the association be-
longs.
After singing of the hymn by the