Roper researchers, Pollyanna's post regarding Wiley B. Roper and wife Manerva being in Benton County, Ark., in 1870 caught my attention as my Roper ancestors were in the same county at the same time, but I show no Wiley B. in my database. My great-grandfather was Phillip Maulkey Roper, who was born in Richardson County, Neb., 18 April 1869, and died 28 May 1950 at Highfill, Benton County, Arkansas. At times he lived at Elm Springs on the Benton/Washington county line in Arkansas, as well as Gentry County, Mo., and Peggs, Okla. P.M.'s parents were Minerva Jane Penrod, born 4 October 1845, possibly in Blackford, Nebraska, died 4 January 1920 at Elm Springs, Arkansas; and James Henry Roper, born 25 December 1829, Monroe County, Kentucky, probably to Hannah B. Martin and John C. "Jackie" Roper, died 3 January 1926 at Elm Springs, Washington County, AR. The similarity of names strikes me. Additionally, James Henry and Minerva Jane may have had triplets, sex and birthdates unknown. James Henry appears to have also been married to a Melrina, probably around 1861 in Illinois, who died young. Children of James Henry and Minerva include siblings Frances Cenia Roper born 26 September 1864; Samuel J. Roper born 1867; Phillip Maulkey Roper born 18 April 1869; Hilford G. Roper born July 1871; Tearl Bealy Roper born 15 July 1873; Elizabeth Emily Roper born 16 May 1875; Phleming T. Roper born 17 July 1877; Pamela Ann Roper born 3 August 1879; Ophelia Roper born 17 January 1884; and Luna Wilford Roper born 25 September 1889. Does anyone know if Wiley B. ties in to this family? E. Alan Long Holiday Island, Arkansas Surnames: Cowden, Burch, Roper, Moore, Penrod, Jennings, DeWitt, Matren/Martin, Thomas In a message dated 12/6/02 2:01:40 AM, Pollyanna King Brown writes: << I thought I'd let you know my latest rush of adrenaline which led to naught for me, but might help someone else. I found Wiley B. ROPER with wife Manerva in 1850 in GilesCo, TN. Children are Dewit, Margaret L., David R.; Jane SIMS(age 25) lives with them. Wiley B. ROPER is in BentonCo, AR, with wife Minerva in 1870. Children are John 18(b. TN), William 16 (MO), Geiorge 14 (MO), Wiley 12 (MO), Lula 10 (TX), Mary 7 (TX) and Myrtle 2 (AR). Really thought this might be them! Maybe Myrtle was "Myrtle Lillia'! However, I found Wiley and Minerva in 1880 with almost all their children (minus Dewit,David R., and Mary ) in Harrison, Chautauqua, Kansas. >>