My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM M. COPE. Among the substantial pioneer families of Cumberland county, is the one represented by William M. Cope, a retired carpenter and contractor, now living at Stoughstown, Newton township. The birth of this excellent man occurred at Springfield, Cumberland county, Sept. 14, 1832, son of Benjamin and Sarah (McDowell) Cope.

John Connor Cope, the grandfather of our venerable subject, married Catherine Deemer, and died at Springfield, being buried at the Rhodes graveyard, Newton township. The Copes are descended from German ancestry, while the McDowells are of Scotch-Irish extraction.

Benjamin Cope was born in Lancaster county, Pa., Sept. 10, 1788. By trade he was a shoemaker, and he followed that calling the greater portion of his life, principally in Cumberland county, whither he was taken by his parents in infancy, the family at that time locating on what was then known as the Charles Meyers’ farm. After he married Benjamin Cope settled at Springfield, where he carried on his business and reared his family, dying there Oct. 21, 1870. In politics he was a strong advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and for many years was justice of the peace. He and his wife were members of the Big Spring Church, and very worthy people. Mrs. Cope passed away May 18, 1870, a little more than six months before her husband. The following children were born to this couple: Samuel, born June 4, 1822, resides in Southampton township; Catherine Deemer, born Aug. 24, 1824, unmarried and housekeeper for our subject; Elizabeth Montgomery, who married Jacob Reddick; William M.; and one who died in infancy.

William M. Cope, the youngest of the family, received his education in the village school at Stoughstown, and learned the trade of a carpenter with Jacob Reddick of that place, completing which, he worked as a journeyman, and then became a contractor and builder. He built up a large trade, many of the substantial houses, barns and other edifices in Stoughstown and vicinity testifying to his skill and excellent workmanship. While he is advanced in years, he still does a little work more as a pastime than anything else. He is the owner of several houses in Stoughstown which he rents, and is in very comfortable circumstances. In politics he is a Democrat, and is familiarly known as Squire Cope. Both he and his sister Catherine are honored members of the Big Spring Church at Newville. Mr. Cope is a man who makes friends wherever he goes, and being possessed of a genial disposition, he is a great favorite. His life among his fellow townsmen has been upright and honorable, and he has set an example to those coming after, which is worthy the man and his religious creed.