Name/Title
Sketches from the Life of Major Stephen CooperEntry/Object ID
2009.3.69Description
Sketches from the Life of Major Stephen Cooper (1797-1893) is a typescript of the reminesces of Stephen Cooper transcribed in 1888. Cooper's exploits span childhood in Boonslick, Missouri, War of 1812 in Missouri, first trading expedition on the Santa Fe Trail, Black Hawk War, Platte Purchase settlement, an 1846 wagon train to California, Fremont's capture of California and beginnings of that state, and the discovery of gold in California. Cooper in every case is a central part of these historic events as follows:
Cooper, a descendant of John Hancock, moves with as a child of 10 with his family to Missouri in 1807 and to Booneslick in 1810 where they grew hemp, hay and cotton. He details his part and that of his family in the Indian depredations as part of the War of 1812 , his service with General Dodge and his father's death in a night attack by Indians in 1814. Fort Cooper, erected for protection during that war, is named for his father. Cooper explains in great detail fights with Indians during this war.
In 1822, Cooper claims to be in the first Santa Fe expedition and to have gone singulary to Santa Fe to notify the Mexicans of their intent to trade. He details the danger he faced and his negotiation with the Mexican Governor to allow trade. He claims their expedition was ahead of Becknell. He describes subsequent trips to Santa Fe and near death experiences at the hands of Indians and in the desert.
Later Cooper is hired as pilot for the U.S. Commission, which includes Gen. Sibley, charged with opening a road to Santa Fe. He tells of a council with the Osage at Council Grove to gain access across their lands and of being turned back at the Mexican border.
In 1832 during the Black Hawk War, Cooper serves as a scout in Missouri.
In 1836, Cooper is hired with the survey team to determine the northern border with Iowa and tells of the controversy that ensued that took the Supreme Court to decide. He was then appointed by President James Buchanan as Indian agent for the Pottawatomie, losing that position when a new President was elected.
Cooper removed to Holt County, Missouri. Serving in the Missouri Legislature from Holt County, he proposed locating the Bank of Missouri in St. Joseph, predicting more than 20 years ahead that it would be the eastern terminus for the railroad. Although his motion failed and he was laughed at for the prediction, his "prophecy", of course, was realized in 1859.
In 1846, he led a wagon train to California. While on the Humboldt, a rider from the West rode by telling of Gen. Fremont's successful capture of California. Upon arrival in the Sacramento Valley, Cooper became a recruiter signing up men newly arriving in wagon trains to join Fremont's forces to hold California until a government could be established. He claims to have held the first 4th of July dinner ever held in California that July, and to have presided at the first political meeting held in California in February, 1847.
Cooper was the first settler in Benecia, California and on May 5, 1848, Sam Brannan, a Mormon, rode up to his place and asked for a fresh horse, hinting at the discovery of gold. When Brannan returned, Cooper followed him and other Mormons up to the area of Mormon ferry and began panning for gold, at one time claiming to have taken $50/hour with his two sons.
Cooper tells that it was an excerpt from a letter he sent to others that made its way to President Polk initially informing him of the discovery of gold in California, and it was a portion of this letter that Polk made public.
Cooper moved to Colusa in 1855, was an elector to the Electoral College in 1880, and died there at age 96.
9/Report Cover/Typewritten pagesCollection
Don and Maudie Reynolds CollectionLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
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JournalNomenclature Primary Object Term
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Category 08: Communication ObjectsLOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials
SettlementsSearch Terms
Arrow Rock, War of 1812 in Missouri, Black Hawk War in Missouri, Fort Cooper, Fort Hempstead, Fort Kindaid, Holt County, Missouri, Bank of Missouri, St. Joseph History, Gold Discovery in California, Osage Indians, Comanche Indians, Council Grove, Benecia, California, Biography, Diary, Indian Depredations, Black Hawk War, War of 1812, Trails, California Trail, Fremont, John C., Cooper, Stephen, Dodge, Henry, Gold Rush, Santa Fe Trail, Forts, Mexican WarPublication Details
Author
Stephen CooperPlace Published
City
OaklandState/Province
CaliforniaDate Published
1888Call No.
Diary CONotes
Copy No.: 1Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
William BecknellPerson or Organization
Sam BrannanPerson or Organization
Sarshel BrownPerson or Organization
John BusbyPerson or Organization
Stephen ColePerson or Organization
Temple ColePerson or Organization
Joseph CooperPerson or Organization
Stephen CooperPerson or Organization
Henry DodgePerson or Organization
J. C. FremontPerson or Organization
Modoc GhastPerson or Organization
Polk, JamesPerson or Organization
George SibleyPerson or Organization
John SnethenPerson or Organization
Joseph StillsPerson or Organization
Elizabeth TatePerson or Organization
Malinda TatePerson or Organization
Stephen Tate
