Gloucester County Democrat., 1907-01-17


friends, but few be found. then Of his
mind. / often think Of him now that
there are so many books put out against
keeping them Both Friends and others
would have been to read them, and have
had the company Of these Friends that are
appointed to so to those who keep slaves
amopg Friends 2
Sept 22 1880, Judge Cooper brought
before the State Council. an act TO abol-
ish slavers," although Governor Liviags-
ton had previously urged the House of
Assembly to make provision for the manu-
mission of slaves, and prominent and
intelligent inhabitants of the State"
favored its passage, yet it was too difficult
problem for the age, and New Jersey did
not respond to the appeal to abolish the
practice of slavery that was 'inconsistent
with the principles of christianity and
humanity Judge Cooper continued to
urge the subjecs as long as he remained in
Council, but it was long, long years after
his death before New Jersey awoke to her
obligation toconsistent christianity, aDd in
1916 stepped out of the ranks of darkness
and enrolled herself under the banner Of
light and progress, making provision for
the libel alton Of slaves WITHIN her borders.
Judge Cooper's most intimate and con-
genial friend was eighteen years his junior,
a young surgeon in the Continental army.
Dr. Thomas Hendry He served in the
Third Battalion, from Gloucester County,
and received from Generals Heard and
Dickinson most complimentary testimonials
for his efficiency as brigade surgeon, as
superintendent, and as director of hos
pital. He was Of English parentage, was
born in Burlington County, 1777, and
married Elizabeth Bowman. Hendry
Court, narrow street parallel with Broad
street. and the first east of said thorofare is
the only reminder in Woodbury. extant Of
this able doctor, yet it opens out to Cooper
street which is named after his friend John
Cooper-a mute reminder Of the David and
Jonathan affinity of the judge and ply
sician of the eighteenth century. Patriots
both, who deserve better recognition
So strenuous was the family upbraiding
in the Redman episode that John Cooper
remembered the expressed opinions of his
brothers and sisters and forgot TO mention
them in his will; being batchelor and
having DO direct heirs, he left TO four of
his nephews and TO one niece, legaeies, but
to his friend and compatriot Doctor Thomas
Hendry he bequeathed the bulk Of his es-
tate. A goodly property, as Judge Cooper
is accredited at that date with being the
largest property holder in Glouceste
County. This will was probated April II.
1855, before Franklin Davenport, Surro-
gate. The exact date Of Judge Cooper's
death not being known, possibly April first.
It is to be supposed that he was inferred in
Friends burial ground on the crest Of
Woodbury. hill among the Coopers, some-
where near the front or wall line
His will is written upon one side only, of
single letter sheet ;the photography is per-
feet, each word carefully and deliberately
indited, in the clerkly round style used by
copyists, no dourishes nor heavy shading,
but as clear as if copper plated; evidently
his own handwriting as it is identical with
words Of his name without lifting the quill,
firm, manly autograph.
4 THE WILL
|, John Cooper of Woodbury. in the
County of Gloucester and State Of New
Jersey, being through mercy in health of
body and Of sound disposipg mind and
smemory, do this seventh day of October in
the year of our Lord 1884, make this my
last viii and testament in manner follow
ing, that is to say, first order all MY just
debts and funeral charges to be paid. Then
/ give to my nephews Benjamin Whitall,
James Sloan, Amos Cooper and Jonathan
Brown the sum OF Two Hundred pounds
apiece, give to my niece Martha Atkinson
the sum of Two Hundred pounds. / give
to Job Kinsey Of Woodbury. aforesaid the
sum of Thirty pounds, to be paid wibhin
three months after my Decease and it is my
will that the rest Of the aforesaid Legacies be
all paid within eighteen months after my
decease, my watch give to my said nephew
Jonathan Brown and all the rest and Resi-
due Of my Estate, Real and Personal give
to Doctor Thomas Hendry OF Woodbury.
aforesaid and to his Heirs and Assigns for
ever. Aud hereby constitute and appoint