Historical Sites & People

        These are the two oldest buildings in Westport (Kansas City.)  The building on the left was the Jim Bridger Store.  He purchased this store after he sold Fort Bridger to Brigham Young.  The building on the right was purchased by Albert Boone (grandson of Daniel) in 1854 and used as an Inn (The Old Westport Inn.)  They were both used as outfitting stations for wagon trains moving west.


                                           
         This is a close-up of the Jim Bridger Store.

         Jim Bridger lived the rest of his life here and is buried in the Washington Cemetery between KC and Independence.

         This is the old courthouse room, up stairs in the Independence Courthouse.  The building has been updated several times, but is on the same ground as the one in 1830's when the saints were there.  The back three windows are the original ones.  The building has been added onto, but the old building still remains.

         This is the council room on the main floor where Harry S. Truman was the presiding Councilman.  They called it a judge, but they decided civic regulations.  He later became President, but they have refurnished the room in the time period of Truman.

         This is Brother Castillo.  While in California, he was put in an old folks home, and was expected to die.  He had gang-green in his foot.  He was completely depressed.  Since here with his son, he has had his foot amputated and is now recovering nicely and so happy.  He never misses a Sunday.  His testimony of prayer and hope is wonderful.

         This is Brother Jeffreys.  He is an energetic, outgoing member who loves the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Since joining the church, he has been to the temple and SLC where he loved the Church sites and the temples there.  He is remembered by most missionaries who ever served in the Riverview Ward.  The Rowbury's in A.F. knew him when he served as a young missionary back here in Missouri.

         This is Missy and her mother Alice.  They are new converts and spoke at the Fireside last Sunday.  Missy heard of the church in her Science class.  They were discussing religions when a friend said he was a Mormon.  She asked, "What's a Mormon?"  He told her about the church.  She wanted to know more and have it proven to her.  She said she was Agnostic.  Soon, she was taking the missionary discussions because she really wanted to know and had many questions.  Her mother began to join in and ask her questions also.  They both read the BofM and tried Moroni's promise.  Missy said, she told the Holy Ghost to, "try his stuff" so she would know he was real.  When she tried out for a Cello contest she asked if the Holy Ghost would help her.  She said it was unreal the way she played.  Something truly helped her in the contest.  It was a cute testimony!

         These are relatives of the Shethi's.  The young man is their nephew standing here with his wife and daughter.  They run a motel.  They come from India and are not members, but love to cook and are outstanding people.  They had an arranged marriage and are so cute and happy.  Sister Atwood & Sister Shethi are in the back.

        These are members.  TC and Charlene Shethi.  We love them.  They are great people.  He is the uncle to the above couple.  He is from India.  Charlene is from Fiji Islands.  They joined several years ago and have gone through the temple and are valiant people in the ward.  He also loves to cook Indian food.  So, we have had a real taste.