Name/Title
PhotographEntry/Object ID
2017.030.1843Description
This is a copy of a photograph of Frances Cooper Semple (born 07/13/1825) . She was the wife of Robert Semple one of the founders of Benicia.
The Cooper family came to Benicia in 1847. The settlers immediately set about to create their new community. In 1846, Frances Anne Cooper, who later married Benicia founder Dr. Robert Semple, left Howard County, Mo., with her family for California.
“In 1848 and 1849 we had a school in Benicia,” recalled Susan Cooper. “Father (Major Stephen Cooper) started it and got seven pupils to come from a distance and board at our places. They were Clements Harbin from Napa, whose family afterward owned Harbin Springs; Nanny Harlin from Martinez, and Lucy, Carmelita, Ellen, Joe and Goyla Knight from Knight’s Ferry. The other pupils were my two brothers and myself and my two sisters, Mrs. Calmes, who is now dead, and Mrs. Roberts, now of Oakland.”
Ledgers at the Benicia Historical Museum show that among the pieces of land purchased by Stephen Cooper one of the first was lot 16 in block 20 for $1 on 12/10/1847. On this property he built a house. (This was at First and H street on the West side of the street.)Collection
Benicia Historical Museum Collection