This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: waroper Surnames: Roper, Campbell Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.roper/1872.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The following letter was published within "The Millennial Harbinger": "Golconda, Kentucky, December 17, 1841 An attempt was made in this place by brother McCOOL, the only public defender of our claims in any part of this region, to establish a church on the pure principles of the gospel. A church has been constituted, consisting of nine members. Three were received by baptism -- the humble writer of this making one of the happy number. Three weeks from Wednesday last three others will unite themselves by repentance, faith and obedience to the word. Can you not send us help? A pious faithful, and devoted servant of the Cross, would be well received here, and might be instrumental in doing a great amount of good for the Redeemer's cause in these ends of the earth. Send help if possible; for we expect great opposition from the sects. I know I speak the sentiments of all the dear disciples of this place. Should you send help, direct him to call on me or brother Richmond, residing at this place. SAMUEL ROPER" See: "The Millennial Harbinger", Volume 13 (1842), P.40 http://books.google.com/books?id=oj85AQAAMAAJ&dq="Samuel Roper" baptist&pg=PA40#v=onepage&q&f=false A "receipt" reflecting payment by "S. Roper, Golconda [Illinois]" for Volumes 3 and 4 of this publication is shown on the back cover of Vol. VI (New Series), No. 2 (1842). http://books.google.com/books?id=oj85AQAAMAAJ&dq="Samuel Roper" baptist&pg=PA96-IA2#v=onepage&q&f=false * * * "The Millennial Harbinger" was a publication of Alexander Campbell (b 12 Sep 1788, d 4 Mar 1866), a leader of a reform effort that is historically known as the Restoration Movement, and by some as the "Stone-Campbell Movement." It resulted in the development of non-denominational Christian churches, which stressed reliance on Scripture and few essentials. Campbell published The Millennial Harbinger beginning in 1830, which I understand he continued to edit until his death in 1866. Campbell founded Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia, in 1840. * * * The indication that the letter was from "Golconda, Kentucky," is curious, but not entirely dissonant. Golconda is s town in Pope County, Illinois, on the North bank of the Ohio River, immediately opposite Kentucky. Although a Samuel ROPER is enumerated in the 1840 Census for Kentucky, the youngest child in Jane ROPER's household in the 1850 Census is shown to be "Elizabeth ROPER, age 7, born KY",a suggesting that by 1843 this ROPER family might have been living on the South bank of the Ohio River in Kentucky rather than in Illinois. This also suggests that Livingston or Crittenden Counties in Kentucky might also be places to look for deed records or probate records for this ROPER family. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. <br>