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WILLIAM J. COOPER, a farmer of Rochester township, was born in Sangamon county, January 4, 1844, the son of Jacob and Jane (Kelley) Cooper. His father was a Tennesseean, and his brother of North Carolina. They came to Sangamon county, Rochester township, in 1819, where he located and farmed until the time of his death, August 22, 1864. His mother died August 24, 1864. Her death was caused by runaway team two days after, and both buried at the old Cooper grave yard.
The subject of this sketch received a common school education in Rochester township.
He was married first in 1865 to Mattie West, who was born in Sangamon county, February 22, 1849, the daughter of Samuel and Lucetta West. By this marriage, they had two children, Nora Belle, and Mattie. His wife died April 25, 1873. He was again married December 31, 1874, to Leonora O'Leera, of East St. Louis. She was born in England in 1852, and was but a child when her folks came to Illinois. Her father died about 1854, and her mother still resides at East St. Louis. By this marriage they have three children: Josephus, Guy L., and Arthur J. He now owns the old homestead of his father, on which he resides, consisting of one hundred and sixty-five acres of land, which is worth $60 per acre. The wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a Democrat.