My Genealogy Hound

JACOB COOPER (deceased) was born in Monmouth County, N. J., November 30, 1805, and was a son of William and Elizabeth (Richmond) Cooper natives of the same State. The latter was a daughter of John Richmond, of German descent, while the Cooper family descended from the English. In 1812, William Cooper, with his wife and twelve children, emigrated to this county, with team and wagon, and purchased 103 acres of land in this township, upon which he lived and died. Their children were as follows: John, who died in Sandusky, Ohio, during the war of 1812; Joanna (deceased), Margaret, Sidney (killed by Indians), Thomas, Mary, Charles, Ellen, Zenas, Jacob, Eliza, Peter and David, who was born here. Our subject was but seven years old when his parents came to this township, so his younger days were spent in assisting in the labors of the farm. He was married to Margaret, the daughter of David and Ann (Dragoo) Flaugher, old settlers, in the year 1827. After his marriage he purchased seventy-five acres of land adjoining his father-in-law, to which he added by purchasing 130 acres. On this place he lived during his life and died December 30, 1880. He was a man of good judgment, quick discernment, and was honored with some of the offices of the township. To them were born thirteen children, six living, namely: Elizabeth, Catherine, Zenas, Philip, Ezekiel M., and Harrison. They are all residents of the township. Belteshazer Dragoo was a son of Benjamin Dragoo, the first settler in the county. He, Benjamin, joined the Shakers. Ezekiel Cooper was born in this township June 6, 1841, and was a son of Jacob Cooper. His boyhood was passed on the farm and in the district schools; he received a good practical education. He was married December 29, 1864, to Ella, the daughter of Dr. D. S. Guthrie, Higginsport, this county, whose sketch appears in the Lewis Township biographies. After his marriage he resided on the farm Joseph Fulton now occupies, and which he, at that time, purchased; four years afterward he sold it and purchased 103 acres where he now resides, to which he has since added fourteen acres. The farm is well and tastily improved, and in an excellent state of cultivation. To Mr. and Mrs. Cooper four children have been born, three of whom are now living, namely: Mary E., Joseph L. and John R. Jacob D., the third child, departed this life December 15, 1879, aged five years, seven months and eight days. Mr. Cooper has held the offices of Trustee and Township Clerk. Mrs. Cooper was born in New Market, Highland County, Ohio, November 9, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are members of the Bethlehem Christian Church, with which they have been associated for more than twenty years. He is also a member of Aberdeen Lodge, No. 149, F. & A. M. Jacob, the father of E. M. Cooper, was a member of the same church and the same lodge.