The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-10-16
JOHN H. ROPER Wire Expert Made Big Name for Self-Origi- nal Dublin Street
 Resident-Tribute
 Paid Family
BY THE OUT EASTER

Another "Out Easter" went the way of the many old time families of this fine old district when John R. Roper died the other day. We out here knew him from his days spent in old Old Dublin street, actually, where he was born, as we re- member his life.
 John Roper came from the family of MT. and Mrs. Charles Roper, probably the more we'll off" of all of the original families that comprised the Church of the Sacred Heart when the parish was first created around fifty years ago. He had a brother Charles, and another brother, the youngest of all, Joe, now located some where in Fairfield county, pro- fcssionally. There were two sisters, Mary, who died in school days, and Julia, who died 8 few years ago. The only one of the family now living is Dr. Roper.
 The Ropers were wire draw CTS, that is the father, Charles, and his brother, John, uncle of the John who just died, first came into prominence in this line in the old plant of the Holmes, Booth and Hayden company. Charles became sup erintendent of the institution. For this he was handsomely paid. The two Ropers were recognized as wire experts. Eventually, Charley Roper, Jr., was brought into the factory to learn the business. John was left at school, the little old building opposite Silver street, and from there he went to high school, and later to a tony" classical school some where up Hillside avenue way. Joe took an odd job or SO at the White & Wells box factory, during the summer, but when he left high school, or shortly afterwards, went to college.
 Finally, John went into the factory with the others. There he learned the trade through the aid given him by his father. The Ropers had full sway of the wire business at Booths" as the shop hands referred to their place of employment. There were Charles, the super intendent, his brother John, his sons, Charles and John. Their exceptional success was really a Roper secret.
 From Booths, they went to Scovill's. Why? Because of their recognized skill and ability. Young John went with the other Ropers, and when the father stepped out of the super intendency of the Scovill wire mill, John stepped into the va cancy, either at the outset or shortly afterwards. He remained in this position until his re- tirement a year or two back.
 John H. Roper was tall, and military in his carriage. He was certainly dignified and solemn in appearance, even to neigh bors, as he passed along the street. Still, his friends and acquaintances aways said nice things about him. Why shouldn't they? Didn't he come from one of the finest families of all Out East? The Roper home, surrounded as it was in Old Dublin street, with 8 wood fence, freshly painted every spring, was probably the best of its kind out our way. A granite stepping stone, lettered R." stood at the curbing in front, and nearby was 8 fine old fa'A toned hitching post. The family horse and two seat ed surrey were always out on 8 pleasant Sunday, with mother and father, and the several children. The first sidewalk, privately owned, on the old street, was constructed in front of the Roper property. And the first piano, as we remem- Der, bought for our talented young girls, was in the Roper home.
 The Ropers were a fine lot of people, all of them. They lived near the Hanlons, and the Dorans, with the Brophys and the Hogans across the street. Elderly John Thompson, the leader of the old temperance society lived down the street, nearer town.
 Original Dublin street, and it's loyal lot of Irish people and their descendants, including the Ropers, surely contributed much toward the success and accomplishments of the parish of the Church of the Sacred Heart.