Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-04-14
The Old Cooper Sh0p.

We recently called attention to the fact that
the family of William M. Cooper, at whose shop
In Philadelphia during the war thousands Of Yer
mont and other soldiers procured refreshments
without money and without price, was in desti-
tute circumstances, and appealed to the public to
extend helping hand to them In their hour Of
need. We are too apt to forget, in these piping
times Of peace, the sacrifices made In those fear
ful days not only by the soldiers but by the civil
ians. No old Vermont soldier has any doubts a.
to the merits OF this case and the only need Is Of
an organized movement for their relief The fol-
lowing address issued to the Grand Army Of the
Republic by a committee Of the posts in Philadel.
phia makes some practical suggestions ms to the
proper course TO be taken:
PHILADELPHIA March ~, 1880,
Comrades william NJ. Cooper, the founder Of the
Coope, shop volunteer refreahmen aaloon died in this
hers o. the regiments and Diet chmens who passed through
service the field returned wounded and in need Of
rest and comfort the name will awaken grateful memories
yotion TO be eaced t will be remembered that
wsngon avenue TOOK bread and coee from theif tables
and led the men a. they passed on the street monena
% rS5 SSOPs Ss OF r.
sad the S ss's ss%s for
more OF personal comfort The work grew rapidly their
the people Of the whole city were called on How well they
responded Is part Of the history Of the for the
Union MT Cooper gave up his business devoted himself
wholly and solely TO this one work gave freely Of his
means, and by his uHsehs efforts stimulated thou
slnds Of others 10 do likewise His family heartily
aed In his benevolent and daughter Miss
Clara T. Cooper fell victim to her zeal, being injured
while reforming her duties aid In the hospital etab
shed by her father and dying after but three days Illness
Released from the work only by the end of the war Mr.
Cooper again ent red into business hut without
and after struggling against adverse circumstances for
h property all swept away and hls deat-be
sadhened by the knowledge that his wife seventy
wears OF age, and his daughter and granddaughter
left entirely without Of support. Comrades
six hundred thousand Of members stood by the hosp
able hoard presided by william W Cooper We left
II refreshed and encouraged for the work before and
many this was the last opportunity TO feel the
thoughttulness Of the people NJ the north with the
good -bye'" sl ringing In the they passed
meet DEATH Mercfnlly spared, let this occasion 10
show our gratitude for the good work done through the e
tos o. Mr. Cooper and tighten the troubles Of her who
shared his abors, and who suffers h,t account.
The committee appointed at meeting Of post ndes
OF the Philadelphia posts have deemed II right and proper
10 lay ts matter before the order and the public and k
subscriptions TO fund sufficient TO support Mrs. Cooper
during the few years she may live. committee will give
tention, and ask, with view, posts Individual
members exsolders and sailors and be-he friends
will send contributions to the assistant
eral OF the department, Comrade John Taylor. No. 2g
Walnut street Philadelphia Issued by direction Of
ing Of post commanders
JANIS T. Holt Post ~, Chairman.
JOsRPH FERGUSON, NJ, D., Post ia, Secretary,