Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Cooper, Needham P ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00003.html#0000719 February 6, 2008, 11:55 pm Author: Past and Present Will County IL; 1907 Needham P. Cooper, a retired farmer living on a fine tract of land of three hundred and fifty acres, a part of which constitutes the old Cooper homestead, situated in New Lenox township, one mile north of the village of New Lenox, represents one of the early pioneer families of Will county. His birth occurred in Brown county, Ohio, in 1833, a son of John and Lydia (Perry) Cooper, both of whom were likewise natives of the Buckeye state. The former was born in 1800 and died in Will county in 1875, while the latter was born in 1807 and died in 1854. The father followed the occupation of farming in Will county throughout his active business career, and through his diligence, enterprise and capable management he accumulated a large tract of land, giving to each of his children a tract of one hundred and eighty acres, the old homestead farm being now the home of the son whose name heads this sketch. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were among the most highly respected pioneer residents of this section of the state. Needham P. Cooper was reared to the occupation of farming, assisting his father in carrying on the work of the fields during the summer seasons, while in the winter months he pursued his studies in the district schools. He received as a gift from his father one hundred and eighty acres of land in Will county, and at the age of twenty-one years he started out in life upon an independent business career. After operating his farm for some time he exchanged it for the old homestead property, and our subject there took up his abode, and this has continued to be his home to the present time. He has added to his original holdings until today he is in possession of three hundred and fifty acres of well improved and valuable land. He was for many years actively identified with the actual work of earning on the farm, but his labors have resulted in the acquirement of a competence which now enables him to enjoy an honorable and well earned rest, while the farm is being operated by his son-in-law. On the 26th of June, 1856, occurred the marriage of Mr. Cooper and Margaret L. Francis, who was born in New Lenox township, in 1834, on a farm adjoining that on which Mr. Cooper was reared. She was a daughter of Abraham and Mary Jane (Davidson) Francis, who were farming people of Will county, but both are now deceased. They held membership with the Methodist Episcopal church and were highly esteemed residents of their locality. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper resided on Maple street in New Lenox for a number of years, or until he removed to his present farm, where the death of Mrs. Cooper occurred in 1900. She became the mother of four sons and three daughters: Ella died in 1858. Johnie Thompson, who was born May 28, 1860, passed away February 12, 1863. Frank Howard, who was born March 2, 1862, died November 2, 1863. Margaret L. was born July 7, 1864, and in 1884 became the wife of Thomas Doig, who is now operating her father's farm, while the latter makes his home with her. She was educated in the public schools of New Lenox and by her marriage has become the mother of a son and daughter: George C., who was born in 1885 and is now assisting his father on the farm, and Alice May, who was born in 1896 and died July 1, 1899, when a little maiden of three years. Needham Perry, who was born March 10, 1867, Allen F., born July 3, 1870, and Jessie M., born May 11, 1872, are the other members of the Cooper family. Mr. Cooper has always taken an active and helpful interest in public affairs, and his ability being recognized by his fellow townsmen, caused him to be elected to a number of public offices. He served as assessor and constable, and in the discharge of his duties was ever prompt and reliable, so that he won the good will and confidence of his fellow men. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. There is probably no citizen of New Lenox township who is better known or who occupies a higher position in the estimation of his association than does Mr. Cooper. He came to Will county seventy-three years ago, and since that time has been identified with its agricultural interests. Receiving from his father a good farm, he worked diligently and persistently in the management of his affairs, and as opportunity offered added to its boundaries until he is now the owner of three hundred and fifty acres of land, situated in New Lenox township, a mile from New Lenox, so that while enjoying the quiet and rest of a rural existence, he is also in close touch with the conveniences and advantages afforded by the village. Additional Comments: PAST AND PRESENT OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS By W. W. Stevens President of the Will County Pioneers Association; Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/cooper2595nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 5.5 Kb