Biography of Franz Kopp, Clay Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Date: Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** From: The Goodspeed Biographical and Historical Memoirs of N. E. Ark. Biographical Information. Franz Kopp, farmer and proprietor of Kopp's saw-mill, in St. Francis Township, was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 24, 1846, and is the son of Philip and Mary Ann Kopp, both natives of Bavaria. Philip Kopp emigrated to the States in 1848 and nine years later, or in 1857, Mrs. Kopp and family arrived and settled in New Madrid, Mo., where Mr. Kopp engaged in the lumber business, manufacturing for a number of years. He died in October, 1879. Franz Kopp attained his growth in New Madrid, Mo., and there followed farming and assisted his father in the manufacture of lumber until twenty-one years of age. In August, 1864, he enlisted in the Federal army, First Missouri Cavalry, and served until his discharge, September 1, 1865. He was stationed at Little Rock, Ark., and was mustered out there. He then returned to his home and for a number of years was engaged in farming and in the lumber business. June 3, 1880, he married Miss S. C. Morrison, a native of New Madrid, Mo., and the daughter of Hon. T. J. O. Morrison, one of the pioneers and prominent men of New Madrid County. After marriage Mr. Kopp followed his former business for three years in the county mentioned, and then in July, 1883, removed his mill to Arkansas and located in St. Francis Township, Clay County, where he has been manufacturing lumber ever since until a short time ago, when he leased the mill out. He has been very successful in this business. Mr. Kopp settled with his family at Piggott and opened up a farm adjoining the town. He now has some eighty acres of cleared land and about 800 acres of heavily timbered land all in a body. He has a neat residence and good outbuildings. Mr. Kopp served as alderman while in New Madrid and filled other local offices. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church. He has cut on an average 500,000 feet of lumber per year.