John Roper (explorer)

John Roper (29 February 1824[1] – 15 September 1895[2]) was an English explorer in Australia, remembered as the last survivor[3] of Ludwig Leichhardt's successful expedition from Brisbane, Queensland, to Port Essington in 1844–45.

He arrived in Australia in 1843, first settling in the Hunter River, managing a station for Alexander Campbell Walker.

They had previously enjoyed good relations with the Aboriginal people, so had not posted a watch.

Roper and Calvert survived but John Gilbert died of his wounds.

[5] He returned to Sydney in 1846 with Leichhardt, then settled in Albury, where he became clerk of petty sessions in 1847, magistrate in 1854, and mayor in 1862.