My Genealogy Hound

J. T. Cooper, one of the leading merchants of Pike County, Wolf Creek Township, Antoine post-office, was born in Georgia, in 1847, one of a family of fourteen children, ten of whom grew to maturity, and nine of whom are still living, viz.: William H., Mark A., Matthew T., Charley L., Clark E., Mary E., Martha A., Sarah and Pinkie M. His parents, Sterling T. and Nancy E. (Hamilton) Cooper, were born in South Carolina, in 1824 and 1827, respectively; the former, a farmer by occupation, emigrated from Georgia to Arkansas in 1859, and located in Pike County, where they resided until the death of the father, which occurred January 14, 1890. The mother is still living at the old home place, at the age of sixty-three. Mr. Cooper, Sr., was a man who took a deep interest in the building up of churches, schools and society. He and his wife were both earnest members of the Christian Church, and his death was universally regretted. The subject of this short biographical sketch was reared and schooled in Pike County, receiving his education in the private schools, and at the age of twenty began doing for himself, choosing farming as his occupation, at which he continued for five years. In 1872 he began a mercantile business in Boughton, starting with a capital of $500. In 1877 he moved this business to Antoine, and now has a capital of $10,000. January 5, 1881, he was married to Miss Martha J. Dyre, a native of Arkansas, born in 1861, and to this union have been born three children, viz.: Wirt Dyre, Pearl and Archie. In 1887 Mr. Cooper was appointed postmaster at this place, and is still serving in that capacity. Mrs. Cooper is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Cooper takes a deep interest in the building up of this county, and is a good citizen, highly respected by all in the community.