My Genealogy Hound

JOHN P. CROPPER, farmer, P. O. Russellville. Handy J. Cropper, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Maryland in June, 1804. His parents were John and Eliza Cropper, who emigrated from Maryland to Adams County, Ohio, and settled in Sprig Township about the year 1819. When a mere infant, his mother died. He received but a limited education, and on April 15, 1830, married Jane Boyls, daughter of Thomas and Annie Boyls, by whom he had seven children — Thomas B., John P., Sarah A., Nancy J. (deceased), Emeline, Lucinda and Reuben O. He was a man of industrious habits and of an energetic nature. In political issues, he cast his lot with the Democratic party. He was a member of the M. E. Church, and died December 9, 1876. John P., second child of Handy J. Cropper, and subject of this sketch, was born in December, 1832, in Adams County, and received but a rudimentary education. In October, 1852, he married Hester J. Ellis, born March 11, 1833, a lady of culture and rare intelligence, and a daughter of Walker and Evaline Ellis, of Pleasant Township, Brown County. This union has been blessed with nine children, viz.: Eva J., Lucy F., Walker R., Handy J., Wilson M., Samuel R., John M., Martha E. (deceased) and Thomas W. Eva J. is the wife of Dr. James H. Williamson, of Higginsport, Brown County. Lucy P., officiates as Organist in the Presbyterian Chapel at Russellville. In the spring of 1864, Mr. Cropper bought 115 acres of land where he at present is located, and by his good management, economy and industry has added to his first purchase sufficient land to include in all 200 acres. He has served for three years as Justice of the Peace for Jefferson Township, has been Township Trustee, and was elected Land Appraiser for 1880. He has been a member of the Board of Agriculture for Brown County, and is a member of the F. & A. M., Lodge, Russellville, Ohio.