Jonathan Cooper

Portrait and Biographical Album of Peoria County (1890)
Transcribed by Danni Hopkins!

Jonathan K. Cooper was born in Cumberland County, Pa., November 9, 1814, and die din Peoria, November 22, 1884, carrying with him to his grave as nearly universal respect as it is possible for man to secure. He was a son of John Cooper, who was a famous classical scholar of his day, and grandson of the Rev. Robert Cooper, an eminent divine and Revolutionary patriot. Our subject inherited the fine mental traits of his ancestors, and early gave promise of great ability. He was educated by his father, who conducted a classical school, and was graduated from Jefferson College in 1835, being the youngest member of a class of forty-three, and sharing the second honors.

After his graduation, Mr. Cooper taught the classics for a brief term, then turned his attention to the law, and was admitted to the bar in 1839. Coming to Peoria the same year, he at once began the brilliant career which continued forty-five years, by which he reached the eminence of professional honor. He brought to the law the keen acumen and trained capabilities that by heritage and cultivation enabled him to grasp its intricate questions with ease and readiness. His chief legal triumphs were in the higher courts, and many keen battles proved his title to greatness in his profession. The only office of political nature that he ever held was that of Mayor of Peoria.

Mr. Cooper was an intensely religious man, believing in the Bible literally. For eighteen years he was an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church. A persistent and systematic Bible reader, he for twenty years taught a Bible class. Amid the duties of his profession he found time to read his favorite authors thoroughly, and so became a man of wide and varied culture. At a meeting of the members of the bar after his deceases, Judges Hopkins, Puterbaugh, and others, pronounced eulogies upon him, not only as a lawyer, but as a citizen, a companion, and a Christian friend.

Pages 656-657