Biographies

CHARLES S. COOPER, one of the representative citizens of Raritan, who is now engaged in the harness business, claims Indiana as the State of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Greencastle on the 20th of February, 1840.

His parents were William K. and Louisa (Switzer) Cooper. The father was a native of Kentucky, and in that State spent his early life. His parents were natives of Virginia, and were of Scotch-Irish extraction. In Kentucky he married Miss Switzer, a native of that State, and in 1836 removed with his family to Greencastle, Ind., where he engaged in merchandising until his death, which occurred at the age of fifty years. He was a well-educated man, and was one of the first Trustees of Asbury University, now De Pauw, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was recognized as a leading citizen of the community in which he made his home, and all who knew him respected him. His wife passed away in Greencastle at the age of seventy-five years. She was of German lineage. In their family were eight children, six sons and two daughters, but three of the number are deceased. Milton J. is now living a retired life in Greencastle, Ind., Charles S. is the next younger, John W. is a contractor engaged in business in Indianapolis, Ind., William H. is located in Brazil, Ind., Joseph K. is engaged in business with his brother John in Indianapolis.

Our subject was reared in Greencastle, and during his youth learned the harness-maker's trade, which he followed until June, 1862, when he enlisted in the Union army for three months' service, as a member of Company D, Fifty-fifth Indiana Infantry. On the 29th of August, 1862, he was wounded in the left arm by a minie-ball. This occurred at the battle of Richmond, Ky., after which he returned home, remaining at the North until he had recovered. On the 12th of March, 1864, he re-enlisted in Company E, Twenty-first Indiana Heavy Artillery, and served until January 12, 1866. He took part in some important engagements, and was always found at his post of duty. At the time of his discharge he was a member of the regimental band.

On being mustered out, Mr. Cooper returned to his home in Greencastle, where he engaged in harness-making for six months, after which he was appointed Deputy Sheriff. A year later he went to Lawrence, Kan., where he worked at the harness trade until 1875, when he came to Raritan, and followed the same pursuit in the employ of others for about a year. He then began business for himself, and has since successfully carried on operations along that line. His store is filled with a good stock of harness and saddlery, and the owner is now enjoying an excellent trade.

On the 20th of June, 1875, Mr. Cooper married Miss Mary E. Beard, daughter of Dr. Beard, one of the honored pioneers of Henderson County. Two children graced their union, but Pearl died at the age of fourteen years. Lula is still with her parents.

Mr. Cooper is a stanch Republican in politics, and is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America, and of the Reformed Church. He is a man of good business and executive ability, honorable and straightforward in all his dealings, and those who know him esteem him highly for the many excellencies of his character.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.