The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1886-11-30
PETER COOPER.
IcoxcLupEp.l

PETER COOPER.
CONCLUDED.
1t is well to turn from this ex-
bansiye scheme of intelligent be-
hcvolence--a scheme which leaves
ar in the shade the posthumous en-
terprises Of such men as Astor and
5irard, and even of Peabody, to the
busy work of this unique mans life.
Not only did he lay the foundation
bf a fortune in knowing how to util-
re the horns and hoofs of cattle
hat had previously gone to waste,
but he was one of the pioneers of
american iron manufacture, the first
TO apply anthracite coal to the pud-
aling of iron, and the first to roll
brought iron heams for fire proof
buildings. His iron works at Tren-
on, n. j., are among the most inn
bortant and productive in the coun-
ry. AS intimated at the beginning
4 this sketch. he also built, after
lis own designs, the first locomotive
ngine ever turned out in America.
Ehis was in Baltimore, and the en-
Eine was successfully operated on
he Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
Ie was also one of the promoters of
cean telcgraphy, and stood behind
dr. Cyrus w. Field in his great
york of perfecting and laying the
trst Atlantic Cable. Few people
rho are not familiar with these early
Struggles can realize how much
ourage and financial nerve it re-
uired to bring this great enter
brise to successful issue, and it is
IN even chance that without the un-
werving confidence, counsel and aid
f Mr.. Cooper, ocean telegraphy
Fould have been delayed many
fears.
There are many anecdotes to IL
ustrate how completely his heart
las been in harmony with every
lass, and how his fellow-citizens
ad learned to prize him. His fa-
niiiar face was knswn all over New
FORK, and whenever his carryall ap-
eared, it was Immediately rccog-
lied, let it he in Fifth Aycnue, in
broadway, or in the peorcstistreets
{ the city. Whether it was an
rishman driving his loaded cart. OF
fine carriage, everybody yielded
Ir. Cooper the right of way"
uch homage as this can only be
oluntary, and it is singular con-
rast to the forced difference which
ompels every vehicle to give way ia
he equipages Of the court in foreign
ountries.
To the day when he was taken
18th his last illness, his sight was
PERFECTLY good, his hearing as sharp
8 ever, and there was no trace on
is sincere and peaceful face Of the
righteousness or peevish discomfort
hat is so often seen in old age. The
ighest lesson taught by Mr.. Cooper
Tas the lesson Of his own lite. AS
buch as or more than any one / evel
new, Mr.. Cooper solved the prob
nm, eIs life worth living?'
So shis life passed in New York
nd in the Cooper Union, serene
Apply and contented. With "honor
bve, obedience, hosts of friends," hi
yas an example and encouragement
those who had not gained thu
uiet heights on which his inne1
elf habituslly dwelt." :.
New Workers know the touching
nd unique spectacle at his funeral
his death occurred April 6, 18S3,ir
is ninety-third year, and remem
err the unbroken line of respectful
nd sorrowing faces which silently
ontemplated the funera! procession
its course of three miles from thu
hurch in Twentieth street to th'
|attery. Broadway WAS absolutely
nptied of business and vehicles
|hile the body of this good frient
+ every one in New York was beins
srried to the grave. Every class o
pciety was represented in the grea
rowd, rich and poor alike bad tn,
hme sorrowful look on their faces
the poorer eross-strcets, mother
ED up their little children to lool
the funeral, and rough-lookinl
I'D wretched people of every nation
eemed touched with a better feeling
lille, as the hearse passed betwee,
,e great business houses cf Broad
ay, ,burly and prosperous merchant
Eood silent and with heads uncov
led. The sight, looking down tn
ain streets of the city, wa
ost impressive. At that hour Q
e afternoon, the great artery O
ew York is always crowded wit
arriages and vehicles. Horses an
agons are closely wcdged togethei
nd the mass moves along almos
bid for miles. But now, when tn
neral carriages turned two abreas
to Broadway from Fourth stree
Of another vehicle broke the still