The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1891-12-24

We take pleasure in presenting here
with a we'll executed likeness and brief
sketch of the life and business career
of gentleman who needs no introduce
ton to readers Of the GOLD LEAF. The
name of D. Y. Cooper is known wher-
ever this paper is read and his business
is drawn from every section where it
goes throughout the tobacco producing
districts Of this and the adjoining States.
Much should be accredited a man
who has, by his own unaided abilities,
succeeded in rising to an honorable
position in business and social circles.
Mr.. Cooper commenced life with no
friendly hand to assist, but by honest
endeavor and native talent succeeded
in making successful career. Starting
in life poor boy he was compelled to
work hard and practice economy and
it was in this school that he learned
the industrious and frugal habits that
enabled him to lay the foundation
of a great and successful business. He
is in truth a self-made man, and by
native force and energy of character,
that win the confidence Of the public,
has placed himself in an exalted position
among those who have had social or
business relations with him.
Locating here in the fall of 1872,
Mr.. Cooper established himself in bus
mess as a warehouseman, and has
been actively and conspicuously inden-
Gol ~ %ol do CIV
He has exhibited evidences of business
sagacity, which, coupled with nerve
and pluck, have made him eminently
successful in his special line of effort,
as in fact he has in whatever pursuit
he has devoted his energies and tai
ents, and has, by his example, put into
operation a moral and progressive
practical energy that is seen to-day in
the vigorous growth and prosperity of
the place.
His success proves the boundless
possibilities of earnest, well directed
application, sustained by indomitable
courage and a firm belief in the future
growth and fourishing condition of
Henderson and the farming interest be-
hind it. Quick to act, he is at the
same time cautious and sagaclOus. and
although his business covers a wide
range of enterprise, he has been singu-
larly fortunate in all his undertakings.
Beginning his career with little cap
ital, and at time when the possibility
Of establishing permanent leaf mar
ket in Henderson was but gloomy
<o tho r,
Mr.. Cooper, his success shows what
force pluck, well-balanced mind and
plenty Of common sense can accom-
plish. 1t was hard struggle to win
success under such circumstances and
surroundings, but he had the essential
qualities in him that win in the end.
His push, energy and keen foresight
have placed him in the front rank,
and there is no better warehouseman
in North Carolina to-day than D. Y.
/ Cooper. Having been reared on a
farm he gained knowledge Of tobacco,
and thus paved the way that led to the
building up of one of the greatest ware
| house businesses in the two States.
As a waehouseman Mr.. Cooper
stands pre-inently at the head. Per-
fectly conversant with the business in
all its details, the wide reputation and
extensive patronage his house enjoys,
shows that he turns his superior knowl-
edge to good account for his patrons.
He is a man who has proved himself
useful, earnest and sincere in the build
ing up of the town and market thereby
contributing to the great pecuniary in
terest of the tobacco planters through
out this section.
It may truthfully be said that Mr.
Cooper is the father Of the Henderson
market, which dates only as far back
as 1873. On the Goth day of January
of that year, the first leaf tobacco was
sold in Cooper's warehouse, an UMPIRE
tentious one-story frame building
which at that time was quite ample fol
all immediate demands. The firm Their
wasJ G. & D. y. Cooper, Mr.. D. Y
Cooper having associated with him hi'
uncle Mr.. J. c. Cooper, ST.. of Oxford
This building was occupied until 1873,
when another and better location was
secured and a new frame structure
5Oxl4O feet. erected thereon. In the
mesh time the original house had beel
several times enlarged. The firm re
manned the same until 1884, when /
was dissolved by mutual consent, thu
business passing into the sole owner
ship and management Of Mr.. D. \
Cooper, who had always been thu
active member Of the concern and man
aged everything connected with 1t
He then larnched his boat on the Sc;
of business with no one at the helm
but himself and the great establishment
he now controls is an exponent OF HI
worth and indomitable energy. HI