Cope, Levi

COPE, CREVISTON, HEMINGER, CLAGG, BIGELOW, HENNE, MORTON

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/12/2009 at 06:56:12

Levi Cope, who for many years has been prominently identified with the progress and development of the resources of Newton Township, was born in Cumberland County, Pa., November 22, 1831, and was next to the eldest in a family of six sons and three daughters. Of these children we note the following: George was in the engineer corps during the Civil War and died during his service. Israel served three years in the Union Army, being Corporal of the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry, but was a Captain when he was discharged; he died several years ago. William, the youngest brother, now lives in Ohio. Elizabeth, wife of J. N. Creviston, lives ill Chicago. Mary, who is unmarried, resides in Lexington, Ill. Annie married Charles Hanke, a farmer living near Lexington, Ill.

The parents of our subject were George and, Elizabeth (Heminger) Cope. The father was born in Cumberland County, Pa., in 1800, and was the son of John Cope, who was born in Berks County, Pa. The family dates back in the history of Pennsylvania to the days of William Penn. In religious affiliation they were Lutherans, and by occupation were farmers so far as is now known. The Heminger family removed from the eastern part of the Keystone State to Cumberland County, with the history of which they were identified for many years.

In 1847 George Cope removed with his family to Ohio locating at Mansfield and later settling upon a farm, receiving in the meantime a fair education in the district schools. At the age of eighteen years he commenced to learn the wagon maker's trade at Mansfield, Ohio, following that occupation for three years in that city and Bellefontaine. In 1854 he went to Connersville, Ind., and two years later removed to Clinton, Ill., where he and a brother engaged in carriage manufacturing until 1870, when he disposed of his interest in the concern.

The marriage of Mr. Cope occurred in 1859 find united him with Miss Sarah Clagg, a native of Ohio and a daughter of William Clagg, who was born in Bedford County, Va., in 1807, and is now (1893) living in the home of Mr. Cope, at eighty-six years of age. His father, James Clagg, was also born in Virginia, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. The Clagg family originated in England. William Clagg was identified with the Masonic fraternity for nearly a half-century, and was a member of the Baptist Church for three-score years. A brother of Mrs. Cope, William Clagg, was a soldier in the Civil War, serving as Lieutenant in the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry. He now resides at La Mars, Iowa. Coming to Newton in 1871, Mr. Cope soon afterward located upon the farm where he has since made his home. He and his wife have had seven children, one of whom died at the age of two years. Elizabeth married Eugene Bigelow, who is a farmer living near Harrison, Sioux County, Neb. Francis married Miss Etta Henne, and is engaged in the hardware business at Centreville, S. Dak. Mary is the wife of James B. Morton, who is a partner in the hardware business with Francis Cope. Delmer also resides in Centreville, being an employee in the hardware store of his brother and brother-in-law. Lillian, an accomplished young lady, and Maude, a bright child of eight years reside with their parents. The elder children were educated at Hazel Dell Academy, of Newton.

In politics the Cope family for several generations has affiliated with the old-line Whigs. Our subject was a Republican from the time the party was organized until a number of years ago, when he cast his lot with the Greenback Party, and later transferred his support to the People's Party. He has never been solicitous for official honors and has held no public position except as a member of the School Board. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, in which he has been a Trustee for many years. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, which he joined in 1856. While a resident of Connersville, Ind., he was Master of De Witt Lodge and was a representative to the Grand Lodge. Portrait and Biographical Record, Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, IA Page 313.