Roop Family Ties

My name is Rick Roop and I collect Jacob Roop and Jacob Roop, Jr. rifles and pistols. 

 My interest began in the 1960’s when my brother, neighbor boys, and I wore coonskin hats and hunted near a creek mimicking Daniel Boone.

Fast forward several decades and I am buying my first antique flintlock at a local gun show. The man I purchased it from asked me if I was aware of the gunsmith named Jacob Roop. I was not, but after researching a little bit, and watching for the opportunity, I bought my first Roop long rifle.

Owning a 200- year old muzzleloader signed by a gunsmith with the same last name as my family was exciting. I was hooked.

I, with the help of several expert genealogists, continue to search how my Roop family, whose earliest known ancestor, Frederick Roop from Huntingdon County, PA, is related to Jacob Roop’s family, from Lancaster County subsequently sectioned off into Dauphin County.  I know I am not a direct descendant but believe Jacob and Frederick have a common ancestor.  I am, at best, a distant cousin or nephew.

Enough about me.  This website is devoted to the gunsmiths, pioneers, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs named Jacob Roop and Jacob Roop, Jr.,  and their families. This website is a work in progress. I will continually be adding photos, history, and other information about these talented men.