Joseph R. Cooper
Joseph R. Cooper was born in Greenbrier county, West Virginia, September 6, 1847, and came to this county with his parents in 1849. His father, Thomas Cooper, was one of the earliest settlers of the township, entering two lots of land at the United States land office at Chillicothe for which he paid $1.25 per acre. He came to the township shortly after Symmes township was organized. Joseph R. Cooper was married at Arabia, Ohio, October 3, 1875, to Annie E. Marcum, who was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, January 7, 1850. They have two children: Cora F., born October 18, 1878; and Frederick C., April 3, 1882. The parents of Mr. Cooper are Thomas and Isabella (Boggess) Cooper. Mr. Cooper has held the following offices: township clerk from 1874 to 1878 (four terms); school director from 1879 to 1882; was elected justice of the peace October 12, 1880—term will expire October, 1883; postmaster from 1873 to 1875. When he came to this county it was nothing but a dense forest, and he has seen it transformed to fruitful fields and verdant meadows, and he has borne a humble part in the transition. His farm occupies a favorable position. He came here in time to become thoroughly acquainted with the primitive styles and people, and he has witnessed the transition in all its phases. The parents of Mrs. Cooper are James and Elizabeth (Rucker) Marcum. Mr. Cooper’s postoffice address is Waterloo, Lawrence county, Ohio.
Atlas of Lawrence Co., Ohio by Hardesty (1882)