Kirtland, Ohio Changes

Darson on Kirtland changes in 2000

Darson Roper, an elder of the Mormon church, said the church had roots in Kirtland and was committed to preserving its history there.

Once the road work is finished, the church will begin building a new visitor center and replicas of a sawmill and an ashery that once stood nearby. The new center will hold 120 visitors in its main auditorium and have three smaller theaters, according to the Lake County Visitors Center.

That work will be complete in 2003, Roper said.

“All this area will become a walking area,” Roper said, “relieving the noise and congestion [of cars] in the summer.”

Susannah (Smith) Roper

Back in April Terry sent me this great link for our Third Great Grandmother Susannah (Smith) Roper.

Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847?1868
1848 Heber C. Kimball Company

Roper, Susanna (44)
Roper, Joseph B. (13)
Roper, Henry or John (12)
Roper, Mary Elizabeth (7)

Note: Susannah was Charlotte Elizabeth Mellor Roper’s future Mother-in-law whom she was cared for by after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley as a member of the Edward Martin (Handcart) Company. The Ropers had immigrated to the Salt Lake Valley 8 1/2 year before during the summer of 1848.

Charlotte Elizabeth Mellor Roper History

Charlotte Elizabeth Mellor, the third child of James Mellor and Mary Ann Payne Mellor was born at Lincolnshire, England, January 16, 1842. She worked in a factory when very young, making infant bonnets. Her parents joined the Mormon Church in England in 1844 and were active in helping the missionaries teach the gospel to their family and friends. After a few years they became eager to join the Saints in Utah and began preparing to make the journey.
Continue reading Charlotte Elizabeth Mellor Roper History