Walter J. Cooper (1853-1902)

COOPER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 4/15/2023 at 19:46:51

Walter J. Cooper
(August 30, 1853 - January 21, 1902)

Walter J. Cooper, now deceased, was numbered among the pioneer settlers of Calhoun County and took an active part in the work of improvement and progress as the county advanced from a primitive condition to take its place among the leading counties of this great commonwealth. The qualities of an upright manhood were his and wherever he was known he commanded high regard. He was counted one of the leading agriculturists of this locality. He was born near Cheshire, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, August 30, 1853. His father, Thomas Cooper, was born near Wakefield, Yorkshire, England in 1822,
and was united in marriage to Sarah Rogers, the marriage being celebrated in Wakefield, England, June 13, 1842. In 1849 they emigrated to the new world and for one year they resided in Albany, New York, while for five years they lived in Cheshire, Massachusetts. In 1855 they removed westward, taking up their abode in Clayton County, Iowa, being among the first one to settle in eastern Iowa. A year passed before the railroad was built into the state, and the work of improvement largely lay in the future. In 1862 when the Civil war was inaugurated Mr. Cooper responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in Company D, Twenty-first Iowa Infantry. He
succumbed to the heat in the Vicksburg campaign and was removed to the hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where he died on the 9th of October 1863. In 1866 his widow removed with her children to Calhoun County, locating on a homestead claim. Here she was again a pioneer, being one of the first settlers of the northern portion of the county. She bravely met all the hardships and discouragements of pioneer life, however, in order to secure a home for her family. She was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in that faith reared her children. She was indeed a faithful mother,
doing everything in her power for the little ones left to her care. In the family were six children: Ebenezer and Alva, now de-
ceased: Mary, the wife of J. M. Lowe, of Sisseton, South Dakota; Walter, of this review; Sarah, the wife of B. A. Sherman, of Delaware County, Iowa; and Thomas, who is living in Manson. Walter J. Cooper was only two years old when his parents left the east and became residents of Iowa, settling in Volga City, Clayton County. In 1866 he accompanied his mother to Calhoun County, becoming a resident of Greenfield Township, where he spent his remaining days. Here the greater part of his education was acquired in the district schools and he early became familiar with the arduous task of developing wild land and transforming it into richly cultivated fields. He bravely met the hardships of pioneer life, engaged in breaking the prairie and in the improving of the home farm until his efforts were rewarded with good crops.
On the 13th of February, 1879, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cooper and Miss Maria E. Julius, a daughter of Peter and Anna B. (Smith) Julius, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Cooper was born in New York state, October 1, 1858, and by her marriage became the mother of two children, Clyde C, born November 1, 1879, and Clara, born March 20, 1881. Mr. Cooper gave his political support to the Republican party, and was one of its standard bearers in this locality. His efforts were effective in promoting its up building and for some years he served as township trustee, while for about four years he was county supervisor. Widely known and recognized as one of the most progressive citizens of the community, he always co-operated in every movement and measure for the general good and labored not alone for the present but for the prosperity of the future. He was a valued member of the Odd Fellows Society and the Ancient Order of United Workmen and was in every sense of the term one of the prominent and influential citizens of Calhoun County. An earnest Christian gentleman, he long held membership with the Methodist Episcopal church, was superintendent of the Sunday-school for three years, was one of the church trustees and a member of the building committee at the time of the erection of the Methodist church in Knierim. He never faltered in his allegiance to the cause and was most zealous and earnest in the work of Christianity. In 1885 he removed with his family to section 2, Greenfield Township — the township which had been named by his mother. He located in the southwest quarter, in a beautiful home, which is now occupied by his family and is surrounded by evergreen trees and a well kept lot. He placed substantial buildings upon his farm and made his property one of the finest country-seats in Calhoun County. He had a good orchard and raised high grades of stock, and in fact conducted one of the finest farms of the locality, equipping it with all modern accessories and improvements. He passed away at this home January 21, 1902, at the age of forty-eight years and four months. When he saw that the close of his life was near he made a will arranging everything in such a satisfactory manner that his family would be well cared for. He left his wife in splendid circumstances for life, and also provided handsomely for his children. His estate comprises one hundred and sixty acres of richly improved land, constituting a valuable property. The farm will be carried on by his son Clyde, while Mrs. Cooper will make her home in Knierim. The son has married Cora E. Richardson, a daughter of Clark Richardson, of Knierim. In all life's relations Mr. Cooper was esteemed for his genuine worth. He was straightforward and honorable in all business relations, was progressive and loyal in citizenship. He considered no personal sacrifice too great that would promote the welfare and happiness of his wife and children, and at all times his career was in consistent harmony with Christian principles. His example is well worthy of emulation, and his name is inscribed high on the roll of Calhoun County's representative and honored men. [Source - Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S. J. Clarke, 1902, p.532]