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HOWARD E. ROPER.
The enviable reputation that the Napa State Hospital has gained among public institutions as being one of the best
managed and best maintained institutions of its kind in the west is without question attributable to the fact that
great care has been exercised in the selection of its personnel. Among those who have been important factors in
the fine record of the hospital, specific mention should be made of Howard E. Roper, who for many years has been
in charge of all construction and repair work in connection with the institution. Not only is he technically competent,
but he also takes a deep interest and pride in his work, and he enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know
him and of what he has done.
Mr. Roper is a New Englander by nativity, having been born in Boston, Massachusetts; on the 24th of September,
1866, a son of Foster and Sophia W. (Peale) Roper, the latter of whom was a relative of the noted artist, Wilson
Peale, whose portrait of General Washington hangs in the national capitol at Washington. Foster Roper came to California
in 1882, with a daughter, in search of health. They became so attached to this section of the country that Mr.
Roper returned to his home city and disposed of his business, the Boston Chair Company, and in 1883 came to this
state to reside permanently. For a time he was engaged in ranching, but he had been retired from active business
pursuits for several years prior to his death, which occurred January 20, 1908. He was survived for a number of
years by his widow, who passed away October 11, 1922. They were a worthy couple and enjoyed the respect and esteem
of all who knew them.
Howard E. Roper received his educational training in the public and high schools, and on coming to Napa he entered
the employ of Corlett Brothers, with whom he remained until September 21, 1891, when he was appointed foreman of
construction work at the Napa State Hospital, and he has held that position continuously to the present time, a
period of over thirty four years. His long retention in that important capacity stands in marked testimony to his
competency and faithfulness.
Mr. Roper was married to Miss Julia M. Poston, who was born and reared in Napa county and was a resident of Napa
at the time of her marriage. They are the parents of a son, Edwin E., who is a senior in the University of California.
Fraternally Mr. Roper is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks, being a charter member of the local lodge, and the Order of the Eastern Star. He is a
trustee and director of the Napa Building and Loan Association. Mr. Roper has long been interested in educational
affairs and for twenty years has served as a member of the Napa union high school board, where he has rendered
very effective and appreciated service. He is never happier than when contributing in some way to the happiness
or comfort of children, and he is fond of flowers, enjoying nothing better than to spend his leisure time in flower
and vegetable gardens, where he can keep in close touch with nature. A man of broad and intelligent views on the
leading questions of the day, he votes in accordance with the dictates of his own judgment as to men and measures.
He is a good citizen in the best sense of the term and holds an enviable place in the respect and good will of
his fellowmen.
From:
History of Solano County, California
BY: Marguerite Hune
and
Napa County, California
BY: Harry Lawrence Gunn
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Chicago 1926
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