T.S. Cooper
Breeder of High Grade Cattle.
T.S. Cooper, of Coopersburg, who has gained repute in the agricultural world, being an authority on the breeding and raising of Jersey cattle, is a lineal descendant of one of the oldest families of the Lehigh Valley. In its various generations from the pioneer ancestor down to the present time (1913), the members of the family have been conspicuous in the different walks of life, noted for their many excellent characteristics.
William Cooper, the emigrant ancestor, was a native of Dillenberg, Duchy of Nassau, Germany, born August 24, 1722, died in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, his remains being interred in the burying ground surrounding St. Paul's Church at Upper Saucon, as were also those of his wife, Gertrude Cooper, born September 12, 1724. They came to the new world in the latter part of the eighteenth century. They were preceded by their son Daniel, of whom further. Daniel, son of William and Gertrude Cooper, was born at Dillenberg, Duchy of Nassau, Germany, March 31, 1752. He emigrated to this country about 1770, and settled at Goshenhoppen, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He married, November 3, 1775, Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Gery, of Goshenhoppen, and they were the parents of ten children: 1. Jacob, removed to Philadelphia, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits; having occasion to go to New Orleans, he was taken ill on the ocean, died, and was buried at sea; he married twice, and had a son by each marriage — Daniel and Jacob. 2. John, died in 1847, leaving a daughter, Fayette, who was the wife of Elias Nitrauer. 3. Peter, of whom further. 4. William, removed to Schuylkill county. 5. Charles, died in childhood. 6. Daniel, married Sarah Ott, and died in April, 1864, leaving several children. 7. Catherine, married Jacob Seider. 8. Elizabeth, married Abraham Slifer, and removed to Flourtown, Pennsylvania, where she died in 1867. 9. and 10. died in infancy.
Peter, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Gery) Cooper, was born in Goshenhoppen, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, December 26, 1790, died May 19, 1837. He was the founder of Coopersburg, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and served as deputy surveyor-general of Pennsylvania. He married Susan Buchecker, who bore him four children: 1. Milton, a resident of Coopersburg. 2. Charles W., became first county superintendent of public schools of Lehigh county, and was cashier and president of the Allentown National Bank. 3. Thomas B., of whom further. 4. Anna Matilda, became the wife of Dr. Fred Martin, and died in Bethlehem, leaving two daughters, residents of Philadelphia. Dr. Thomas B. Cooper, son of Peter and Susan (Buchecker) Cooper, was born in Coopersburg, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and died there, April 4, 1862. He was a prominent physician in Coopersburg, having a large practice. He was active in public affairs, and was a Member of Congress from Bucks and Lehigh counties. He married Elemania Schantz, and among their children was T.S. Cooper, of whom further.
T.S. Cooper, son of Dr. Thomas B. and Elemania (Schantz) Cooper, was born at the old Cooper homestead at Coopersburg, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, October 21, 1850. He was reared in his native place, and attended the public schools of Coopersburg and Philadelphia. During his early life he assisted in the duties of the farm at Coopersburg, thus acquiring a thorough knowledge of farming, and later developed into one of the most scientific agriculturists in that section of the State, now owning many hundred acres of land. He is widely known throughout the county on account of his successful breeding and raising of Jersey cattle, beginning this line of work when twenty-four years of age. He imports them from the Jersey Isles, often receiving as high as $10,000 per head, and his two sons are associated in business with him. He is frequently called upon to act in the capacity of judge of cattle at State and county exhibits, also in various parts of the United States and in Canada, serving as judge of Jersey cattle at the Canadian National Exhibition at Toronto. The excellent appearance of his property bespeaks a watchful care by one accustomed to that particular work, Mr. Cooper giving his personal supervision to all details. He has attained success by hard and incessant work, perseverance and untiring industry, qualities most essential to the end in view. He is fair and upright in all his dealings, and is highly esteemed and holds the confidence of all with whom he is brought in contact, either in business or social life. As can be attested Mr. Cooper's public auction sales of cattle have amounted to over a million and a half dollars, and he claims the proud distinction of having never been sued or having occasion to sue a buyer. It is doubtful if any other live stock dealer can lay claim to such honors. He affiliates with the Lutheran church, was burgess of Coopersburg for several years, elected on the Democratic ticket, and is a director of the Allentown National Bank.
Mr. Cooper married, March 25, 1876, Tillie, daughter of James W. Wilson, of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Children: Ralph, Emily, Peter.
Source: Jordan, John W. Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania Biography, volume III. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1914, pp. 873-874.
Submitted by Nancy.