| October 22, 1920
DEATH OF N. M. COOPER A Prominent Citizen Passes to His Reward.
Mr. Nathan M. Cooper, the subject of this brief sketch, was born in Russell County, Va., March 15, 1840, and died, after a long illness, at his home in Sweet Springs, Mo., October 12, 1920. He had therefore entered well upon the eighty-first year of his age.
Mr. Cooper passed his boyhood in his birthplace, and remained upon the homestead until he was eighteen years of age, when he began farming for himself. He enlisted in the Confederate army in the beginning of the Civil War and remained in the service until its close. In his sentiment and principle he was a strong Democrat, and took keen interest in all local and national issues.
In 1868 he removed to Lafayette County, Mo., and for many years was engaged in a prosperous agricultural life; and, aside from the pursuit of general farming, he was at times engaged in both stock raising and mercantile business. Finally retiring from active business life, he removed to Sweet Springs, Mo., in 1905, where he spent the rest of his life. For several years, until the close of his life he was Vice president and a director in the Bank of Higginsville, and was a director in the Bank of Sweet Springs.
In 1901, Mr. Cooper married Miss Annie Elizabeth Neale, daughter of Isaac Neale, an old and highly respected citizen of Lafayette County, who so faithfully and lovingly ministered to all his needs throughout his sickness. This union were born two children, one died in infancy, the other, Miss Dixie, and her mother survive.
Mr. Cooper was a devoted member of the Southern Presbyterian church, and for about fifteen years, to the close of his life, was an esteemed faithful Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian church of Sweet Springs. In the religious and benevolent enterprises of his church he was among the liberal contributors, and was ever ready to aid in all good work. He was interested in educational advancement, especially in education for the ministry, materially aiding students from time to time. Upright and honorable in his business dealings, energetic and conscientious in the discharge of all duties intrusted to his care. Mr. Cooper was a good and useful man, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He had been sick for two years, and was confined to his room for twelve months, during which time he was a great sufferer, but when the end came he peacefully fell asleep in Jesus - "Blessed sleep; From which none ever wake to weep."
Funeral services were conducted at the family residence on Locust street by the pastor, Rev. J. E. Wylie, after which his body was accompanied by numerous friends to Fairview Cemetery, where it was laid to rest, to await the resurrection morn,
J. E. Wylie
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