BIO: WILLIAM M. COPE, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
   
  Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Joe Patterson
  OCRed by Judy Banja

  Copyright 2004.  All rights reserved.
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/
  _____________________________________________________________

  >From Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
  Chicago: The Genealogical Publishing Co., 1905, pages 363-364
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  NOTE: Use this web address to access other bios:
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    WILLIAM M. COPE. Among the substantial pioneer families of Cumberland
  county, is the one represented by William M. Cope, a retired carpenter and
  contractor, now living at Stoughstown, Newton township. The birth of this
  excellent man occurred at Springfield, Cumberland county, Sept. 14, 1832, son
  of Benjamin and Sarah (McDowell) Cope.
    
    John Connor Cope, the grandfather of our venerable subject, married
  Catherine Deemer, and died at Springfield, being buried at the Rhodes
  graveyard, Newton township. The Copes are descended from German ancestry,
  while the McDowells are of Scotch-Irish extraction.
    
    Benjamin Cope was born in Lancaster county, Pa.; Sept. to, 1788. By trade
  he was a shoemaker, and he followed that calling the greater portion of his
  life, principally in Cumberland county, whither he was taken by his parents
  in infancy, the family at that time locating on what was then known as the
  Charles Meyers' farm. After he married Benjamin Cope settled at Springfield,
  where he carried on his business and reared his family, dying there Oct. 21,
  1870. In politics he was a strong advocate of the principles of the
  Democratic party, and for many years was justice of the peace. He and his
  wife were members of the Big Spring Church, and very worthy people. Mrs. Cope
  passed away May 18, 1870, a little more than six months before her husband.
  The following children were born to this couple: Samuel, born June 4, 1822,
  resides in Southampton township; Catherine Deemer, born Aug. 24, 1824,
  unmarried and housekeeper for our subject; Elizabeth Montgomery, who married
  Jacob Reddick; William M.; and one who died in infancy.
    
    William M. Cope, the youngest of the family, received his education in the
  village school at Stoughstown, and learned the trade of a carpenter with
  Jacob Reddick of that place, completing which, he worked as a journeyman, and
  then became a contractor and builder. He built up a large trade, many of the
  substantial houses, barns and other edifices in Stoughstown and vicinity
  testifying to his skill and excellent workmanship. While he is advanced in
  years, he still does a little work more as a pastime than anything else. He
  is the owner of several houses in Stoughstown which he rents, and is, in very
  comfortable circumstances. In politics he is a Democrat, and is familiarly
  known as Squire Cope. Both he and his sister Catherine are honored members of
  the Big Spring Church at Newville. Mr. Cope is a man who makes friends
  wherever he
    
    364	CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
    
  goes, and being possessed of a genial disposition, he is a great favorite.
  His life among his fellow townsmen has been upright and honorable, and he has
  set an example to those coming after, which is worthy the man and his
  religious creed.