Biographies

FRANK M. COOPER, who carries on stockraising on section 10, Gladstone Township, Henderson County, was born in Edgar County, Ill., on the 29th of October, 1850, and was raised in Greene County, Ind.

He is a son of Ambrose and Louisa (McRoberts) Cooper. The father was a native of Virginia, but in an early day removed to Indiana, locating in Greene County.

He was married in Edgar County, III., to Miss McRoberts, and they became the parents of eleven children, namely: Frank M., Johnnie, Mrs. Sarah Davis, William S., Charles A., Mrs. Margaret C. Woodall, James A., George W., Andrew J., Mary and Ella. Nine of the number are now living. The mother of this family passed away on the 8th of August, 1876, but Ambrose Cooper still survives and follows farming in Indiana. He is a blacksmith by trade, and for many years carried on that business, but now gives his entire attention to agricultural pursuits.

Under the parental roof, Frank M. Cooper was reared to manhood. Ere he left home his father entered the army, enlisting in January, 1861, as a member of the Thirteenth Indiana Battery. He continued in the service until after the surrender of Gen. Lee, and although he participated in a number of important engagements was never wounded or taken prisoner. When the war was over he returned to his family, and Frank aided him in the work of the farm until twenty-three years of age. Until the age of nineteen our subject spent the winter season in the district schools of the neighborhood. He then went to college, where he pursued his studies for a year, thus completing a good English education. Mr. Cooper went to Warren County, Ill., in 1871, and three years later located in Henderson County.

On the 1st of January, 1874, was celebrated his marriage with Miss Mary E. Ryason, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Lee) Ryason. Her father was one of the honored pioneer settlers of this locality, and here made his home for many years. Her mother, who was a niece of Gen. Lee, was a native of Virginia, but grew to womanhood in Indiana.

To Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have been born six children. Of these only four are now living. Samuel A. was born October 3, 1874; Edward E., September 24, 1876; Bertha I., April 5, 1880; Sylva L.., July 27, 1884; Lola F., May 8, 1887, and Etta L., August 23, 1890.

Mr. Cooper devotes his time and energies to stock-raising, having a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs upon his farm. His business has proved to him a profitable one, and by the sale of his stock he has accumulated a comfortable competence. He well deserves that his career should be successful, for he is straightforward and honorable in all dealings.

Socially, Mr. Cooper is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, and with the Sons of Veterans. In politics, he is a supporter of Republican principles. Much of his life has been passed in Henderson County, and he is recognized as a public-spirited and progressive citizen, who gives his support to all worthy enterprises.

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.