George Ropes

[1][2][3][4] The son of a sea captain, and the nephew of a ship owner (Jerathmiel Peirce), in Salem, Massachusetts, George Ropes Jr. was a deaf-mute.

He lived in Salem all his life, except for the years 1798–1801, when his father tried his hand at farming (but later went back to sea).

[5] George Jr. received training in painting as a boy from Michele Felice Corne (1752-1845), and demonstrated skill as early as age 14.

The diary of William Bentley states, "Mr. George Ropes' dumb (mute) boy is very successful at painting.

father died when he was 19 years old, and he turned to painting carriages and signs as a way of supporting his mother and eight siblings.