Smyrna times., 1905-08-02
DEATH RECORD OF THE PAST WEEK
John B. Cooper One of Smyrna's Oldest and
Most Prominent citizens-FormerA Alderman
II. g. Budd = Miss Harriet Stubs.

| Vonn d. cooper, Tor many wears
identified with the business interests
OF Smyrna has gone home to his Eter.
nal Rest. The end came peacefully
after a lingering illness at two
O'Clock Sunday morning. He had been
IN falling health with general break
ing down of his system. The passing
out OF John B. Cooper removes one of
Smyr1a's old landmarks. He was a
man OF more than ordinary force of
character and intellect, was identified
with all good movements and was
prominent in the affairs of his church
and community. Conservative in his
opinions and weighing all questions
we'll before arriving at conclusions,
his judgment in matters was frequently
sought in the various organizations of
which he was strong and influential
member. He was a man of high ideals,
was philanthropic and enjoyed read
ing best books. Deceased was the son of
late Richard and Mary BRADY Cooper
and was born near Willow Grove on
October 1st, 1880. Educated in the
country schools of that district, he
spent his early life at teaching, at the
age of 21 taking a school at Leipsic
which he taught for two or three years,
Among his pupils was E. B.. Harper,
who afterwards promoted and be-
came president of the Mutual Reserve
Fund Life Insurance Company of New
York. Later Mr.. Cooper became teacher
of the Big Oak School. In 1855 ne was
elected principal of the old No. 5
School IN Smyrna, which position he
held until 1860 when he gave up teach
ing as a profession and entered the
mercantile business. He bought out
the stock and business of the late
Daniel FAIRIES at the stand now used
as Sisco's tin shop and conducted the
business until 1854 when he formed a
copartnership with his brother Ezekiel
V. Cooper and branched out on a lar
ger scale. In sc the firm moved from
the FAIRIES building to the Stockly
building where Thomas B. Megear
now conducts store and three years
later they moved to the Eliason Build
ing now the Cooper Building, "Four
| Corners" succeeding Spruance & Me-
gear. The firm did a prosperous bus
mess until 1876 when Mr.. E. V. Cooper
became incapacitated for business and
the partnership was dissolved. Since
then Mr.. John B. Cooper has con-
Quoted the business.
Gave Much Time to Public Service.
During the war the deceased was a
member of the Sixth Delaware Regi-
ment Home Guards) Up until the
time of the war he was a staunch DEM
ocrat but in the awful conflict he es-
poused the cause of the Union and af-
terwards became loyal Republican.
He never sought or held office. His
friends prevailed upon him to go on
the ticket in 1899 aud he was elected a
member of the Constitutional Conven-
ton to represent Duck Greek Hun
but was prevented from taking his seat
IN the great Democratic ''steal' at
that time which had become notorious.
For term of four years he was hon.
ored by an appointment from Governor
Reynolds as a member of the Board of
Trustees of the State Insane Asylum
and Hospital at Farnhurst, a position
he took much interest in and gave val
liable services. Mr.. Cooper has been
identified with Asbury NJ. E. Church
nearly all his life during which he has
held prominent official relations. At
the time of his death he was a member
of the Board of Stewards. Mr.. Cooper
has also served as an influential men,
Der of the Smyrna Town Council and
took an active part in getting water
works for Smyrna, a member of the
Board of School Directors, and Secre-
tary of the old Smyrna Building and
Loan Association.
His Domestic Life One Of Devotion.
Mr.. Cooper's domestic life was one
of deep devotion to his wife and chill.
aren. On March II, 1858 he was
united in marriage to Miss Mary Rash,
, daughter of the late John Rash q
prominent farmer near town.. Two
sons survive this union: Fletcher Ellis
!, worth Cooper, of the New York World,
and Irving Thompson Cooper, the &C.
countant for Hires Condensed Milk
Company of Philadelphia. He is also
survived by two brothers: Former Mag.
istrate E. v. Cooper of this town and
Mr.. r. NJ. Cooper near Cheswold. Flu,
neral services held at his late residence
at 10 O'Clock this morning and inter.
ment took place at the family buryine
! ground at Bethel NJ. L. Church, near
Cheswold, Presiding Elder w. Ct