Education
Born at Glasgow, Missouri, Roper was appointed midshipman in June 1868 and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1872.
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Jesse Roper
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Commissioned lieutenant commander in 1899, he assumed command of United States Ship Petrel (Procter and Gamble-2) shortly thereafter. On 31 March 1901, while Petrel was moored at Cavite, Philippine Islands, fire broke out in the sail room, adjacent to the magazines. Lieutenant Commander Roper went down into the burning area twice to rescue trapped seamen.
Lieutenant Commander Roper was overcome by smoke on his second descent and suffocated before help could reach him.
The destroyer United States Ship Roper (Doctor of Divinity-147) was named in his honor.
