The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1916-06-21

IS OOOUSE NY lilo A0AAS ASAAAS3 "~~
on the banks of Reedy River, in Wa
terloo township, Laurens county,
June IL. 1874. His father being
In meager circumstances and the
family large one, young Cooper
was denied the educational advanta-
ges enjoyed by many youth even
of that day. His opportunities for
attending school were very limited,
so that up to his twentieth year he
had spent but twelve months within
school walls.
Studious and Ambitious,
His was a studious and ambitious
nature, however, and during the per-
iod of his boyhood, he applied him.
self constantly and courageously to
I what books that fell in his way.
s. Studied By Pine Knots.
Studying by the Pickering light of
the pine knot was no fable with him,
for many midnight hour found
him with his back to the old fireplace
studying by the light of the flames.
And thus he passed his boyhood in
work and study, preparing himself
for such career as is peculiarly the
birthright of boys of democratic
lands like this one. 30.
Thrown On His Own Resources.
At the age Of twenty years young
Cooper was 'unleashed," so to speak,
and thrown on his own resources.
he faced the world with a handful of
clothing, an Insignificant sum of mon
ey in his pocket, but with deter
mination and energy to make the
very best of the small opportunities
he4had, -qualities which have brought
him into the esteem and prominence
he enjoys today.
At School On Credit.
Realizing that the lack of prepar-
alton would effectually bar him from
realization of lofty ambitions, he
set about to add to his education.
There were those who had already
recognized the worth of the boy, so
he was able to secure board and tut
ton on credit at the Jones High
School, taught by Prof, w. P. Gull
bertson. Here he remained just ten
months, making a total of twenty
two months spent in class room dur
ing his entire life. Yet this untrain-
ed youth so developed his facilities
as the years passed that after a
span of years he was invited and de-
livered the Literary Address before
the graduating class of one of the
leading colleges for men of this
State and is ever in demand as a
speaker on educational topics.
Takes Up Teaching.
Having exhausted every resource
for a continuance of his studies,
young Cooper left the Jones High
School and walked to the home of
his uncle in Laurens county, who
agreed to convey him to Laurens,
where an examination for teachers
was to be held. This examination
he passed successfully, but by mar.
row margin; securing teachers
certificate. He then taught school
for several years, meantime taking
the study of law.
Admitted to the Bar. ..
In 1898 he was admitted to the
practice of low and became a mem.
ber of the Laurens bar. In the fol.
lowing year he was appointed magis'
trate by Gov. McSweeny, in which
capacity he served one year.
Becomes q Legislator.
In 1900 he first entered politics
and was elected to the House Of Rep
resentatives and was reelected ir
1902. In 1904 he ran for Solicitor
of the 7th Judicial Circuit, but was
defeated.
Elected Solicitor.
During the 1905 session Of thu
Legislature new judicial district
was created, composed of Laurens
Newberry, Greenwood and Abbevillt
counties. R. A. Cooper was elected
it's first solicitor and 80 well has HI
performed his duties in that Office
that he has been retained in it to thu
present time without opposition.
Reputation Becomes Statewide.
By reason of his effective work a.
a prosecuting officer, his sixteen years
attendance upon the sessions of th'
General Assembly as member ant
solicitor, his personal contact will
senators, representatives and stat'
officials his sneeches at various pub