James Henry Roper (1835 - 1883) was an educator, state senator and school founder in Florida.

He moved to Gainesville in 1856.[1] He represented Alachua County in the Florida Senate. He built Gainesville Academy in 1858. A few years later he offered it as a new site for East Florida Seminary and served as the school’s principal after its move.[2] Gainesville competed with Lake City, home of Florida Agricultural College, for the newly organized University of Florida.[3]

Gainesville’s Roper Park is named for him.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 "Roper Park / Old City Park – Explore Historic Alachua County". www.explorehistoricalachuacounty.com.
  2. ↑ "Past Prologue: East Florida Seminary Documents". www.dmarlin.com.
  3. ↑ "University of Florida: A Brief History". May 11, 2020.


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