Following is one of the Biographies and Stories which where gathered by Charles Sumner McKamy in the 1950s for publication in a Crawford County History Book. Unfortunately he passed away before the book was published.
Frank Kopta was born in Hutsonville, Illinois October 1, 1878, the son of Joseph and Lucinda Evans Kopta. His father immigrated to the United State from Bohemia in 1866, establishing residence first in Terre Haute, Indiana and then in Hutsonville, Illinois.
Mr. Kopta attended schools in Hutsonville where he became interested in the newspaper field. His first employment was with the Hutsonville Herald, H.W. Metcalf, publisher. He then went to Paris, Illinois where he worked on the Paris Gazette and the Paris Beacon. He later was employed at the Robinson Argus, Robinson, Illinois. He then purchased the Hutsonville Herald, publishing it from 1905 to 1918.
He removed to Robinson, Illinois in 1919 after his election as County Clerk of Crawford County. Before the completion of his term as Clerk Mr. Kopta accepted a position in the Crawford County State Bank. He remained there as Cashier until his retirement in 1951. He still maintained an active interest in the bank after his retirement, serving on the Board of Directors and acting as Secretary until the time of his death.
Mr. Kopta embarked upon a "third career" after retirement from the Crawford County State Bank. He was persuaded to become Secretary of the Robinson Chamber of Commerce and Supervisor of Robinson Township. He became very active in civic affairs. In 1953 he was chosen Robinson's "Man of the Year" in recognition of his civic achievements.
He was very active in religious works. He taught the Men's Bible Class of the First Baptist Church for over thirty years. He was a member of the Board of Trustees for many years.
He maintained his interest in civic and community affairs all of his business life. He served on the Robinson Township High School Board for many years. He was a past President of the Robinson Rotary Club and had an unbroken attendance record of eighteen years. He served on the Board of Directors of the Crawford County Building and Loan Association. He was active in the American Red Cross. He served on the Draft Board of World War I. It was under his leadership the Annual Fall Festival of Robinson was started. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge at Hutsonville and was Master of the Lodge several times.
He married Rose Rains, daughter of Edward and Harriett Rains, Hutsonville, Illinois September 28, 1904. He died on the date of their fiftieth wedding anniversary. They have four children. Maxine Haynes, Gresham, Oregon; Mary Bolton, Cronulla, Australia; Joe Kopta, Vincennes, Indiana; Charles Kopta, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. One child, Jo Frances died in 1914.
He had one brother, Will Kopta, living in Seattle, Washington.