ROBERT R. COOPER. Prominent among the farmers of Barr township, is the citizen of whom we now write. His excellent buildings and thoroughly cultivated farm are an ornament to this section and are both attractive and profitable. His tract of four hundred and forty-five acres is one of the most productive in the township and in every way shows the hands of a thorough-going farmer, who has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and who carries on his work according to business-like methods.
Edmund L. Cooper, the father of our subject was born in Virginia, as was also his mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary M. Perry. When young people they came to Kentucky from their native State, and there became acquainted and were joined in marriage. Their second emigration was from Christian County, Ky., to Greene County, Ill., which place they reached in the spring of 1836. Here they lived until the death of the mother in March, 1886, having reached the very advanced age of ninety-three and one-half years. Her aged husband who survives her was ninety-two years old in September, 1890.
The subject of this sketch was the fourth in a family of eight children, being born in Christian County, Ky., January 22, 1828, and came when a little lad of eight years to Greene County, this State in the spring of 1836. He was reared by his parents and given a good district school education and a thorough training on the farm. He remained with his parents until he was married and then settled in Barr Township.
Mr. Cooper was married in Greene County, this State, to Nancy A. Parks, who was born in Tennessee, October 1, 1829. Their wedding day was December 9, 1850. Three of her seven children died in infancy and those who grew to maturity are: Henry E., who is a farmer in Greene County, this State; Adrian E., who farms in Barr Township; Mary E., who died when nineteen years old; Lucy Belle, who became the wife of John W. Olbert and died when about twenty years old. The mother of these children passed from earth in Barr Township, June 22, 1868.
The second wife of Mr. Cooper was Elizabeth Ridings, a native of North Carolina; she became the mother of two children, Frank and Edna, the latter dying in infancy. Mrs. Elizabeth Cooper died in Barr Township, February 3, 1871.
The present Mrs. Cooper bore the maiden name of Mary J. Bacon and she was a Tennessean by birth. Six children have been granted to her, namely: Ella D., Fred, Edgar, Charlie, Hattie M., Jennie P. Mr. Cooper has not been an office-seeker but at the request of his fellow-citizens has acted as School Director. He takes an active part in local politics and is a Republican in his views and vote. He is also interested in religious movements and with his excellent wife is an active member of the Baptist Church, where for a number of years he has served as Deacon. He is also a member of the Patrons of Industry and is wide-awake in regard to all movements which look to the improvement, socially, financially and industrially, of the farming community.