Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1904-02-19
VETERAN OF TWO WARS
David COsper Passed Away at His
Home in Dallas, Yesterday,
Aged II Years.

David Cosper died at his home in
Dallas yesterday morning at II
O'Clock. The news of his death caused
great surprise, as many Of his friends
had not heard that he was ILL., The
direct cause Of his death was pneu
monia, resulting from an attack OF
cold and lagrippe. Mr.. Cosper was IA
years old.
His illness began about ten days
ago, and from slight cold at first,
soon developed into a well-defined
case of pneumonia. Everything
possible in the way of medical atten-
tion and careful nursing was done to
alleviate his sufferings, but owing to
his advanced age and the throat and
lung trouble with which he had long
been afflicted, the disease could not be
checked and he continued to sink
steadily until the end came.
David Cosper was born in Ohio,
October 30, 1929. He served an appren-
ticeship as q tool-maker, and, after
mastering his trade, joined al emf
grant train in 1852 and came across
the plains to Oregon. He was mem
ber Of the train that went through the
famine and plague, and at one time
was left for dead by his companions.
He was found a few hours later and
was nursed back to health and
strength. He reached Portland in
1853 and spent the first winter in
Oregon splitting rails for his board.
A few months later he came to Polk
county.
In 1866 he volunteered his services
in the Yakima Indian War, and
served through the campaign Of 1856
1856. The hardships and privations of
this service were doubtless the cause
Of the chronic throat and lung trouble
which afflicted Mr.. Cosper during the
last many years Of his life. Serving
his country with gallantry and dis
tinction, he returned home a Lieuten-
ant and in 1856 was elected Sheriff
OF Polk county.
He was married on April 10, 1857, to
Miss Martha J. Frederick, a native Of
Illinois and the daughter Of James
Frederick, an Oregon pioneer Of 1847.
For short time after his marriage
he engaged in farming, and then
moved to Dallas and opened a hard !
ware and drug store He was a men,
Der of the First Oregon Volunteers
during the Civil War He filled the
office of town marshal in 1879.
After retiring from active business
in 1879, he spent the rest of his days
living quietly at his home in this city.
He was a lifelong Christian, and was
an active and valued member Of the
Christian Church Of this city, In
politics, Mr.. Cosper was staunch
Republican. Seven sons were born to
Mr., and Mrs. Cosper, four of whom,
with his widow, survive him. The |
----------~ -@s"atJ ~, 4trssse'v, OrolIn tOuvs
Emmett.
In the death of Mr.. Cosper, Dallas
loses one of her oldest and most prom
inent citizens. He was always loyal |
to his home town and took an active
interest in all movements having for
their object the growth and develop
ment of his county and state. He was
especially friend of young men, and
was happy in their society and com
panionship. Although practically
an invalid for the last many years
of his life, he was ever cheerful
and accomplishing and was possessed
Of more energy and vim than many
men of robust health. His death will
be sincerely mourned by a wide circle
Of friends and acquaintances.
Burial services will be held in the
Salt Greek cemetery tomorrow after
noon at 10 80 o'clock.