America, as has been frequently remarked, is the home of self-made men, and in no line is this trait so apparent and so beneficial to the country at large, as in the agricultural field. It would seem as if in this branch the very best that is in a man is brought to the surface, for the very freedom which surrounds these workers, enables their natural abilities to develop to the fullest and best extent. One of the finest specimens of this sort of manhood, is to be found in the person of Louis A. Cooper, manager of the Geneva Automobile Company, of Geneva, Ontario county, New York.
William E. Cooper, father of Louis A. Cooper, was a resident of Phelps, New York, where he was engaged in farming during the active years of his life. He was born in 1815, died in 1894, and was esteemed by all in the community for the faithful performance of those duties which fell to his lot. He married Elizabeth Pierce, born in Geneva, New York, 1836, died in 1903.
Louis A., son of William E. and Elizabeth (Pierce) Cooper, was born in the town of Phelps, Ontario county, New York, September 23, 187 1. He attended the district school at Oak Corners, then the Geneva high school, and in all his leisure moments was obliged to assist with the farm labors. At an early age he was compelled to work for his own subsistence, the work for which he seemed to be best fitted at the time being that of farming, and to this he devoted himself. He was prudent and economical, and by means of his thrift he was enabled, in 1903, to combine the produce business with his farming. His venture being a successIntone, he formed a connection with the Geneva Automobile Company in 1909, becoming the manager of the company, in addition to retaining his farming interests. Both of these ventures are in a promising condition, and there is the best outlook for a prosperous future. While he has taken no very active part in the political affairs of the county, Mr; Cooper has always been a staunch supporter of the Republican party, and has given due consideration to all matters concerning the welfare and improvement of the community. He and his wife are members of the North Presbyterian Church, and he is a Mason, a Knights Templar and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Cooper married, June 20, 1894, Mabel B., born at the Barron homestead in Geneva, New York, September 9, 1872, daughter of William W. and Mary J. (Taylor) Barron, granddaughter of Thomas Barron, and great-granddaughter of William Barron, who purchased land from the Indians, and was one of the first settlers in Geneva. This land has now (1910) been in the possession of the family since 1800, the farm consisting of one hundred and thirty acres, devoted principally to the cultivation of fruit trees. The dwelling house, built of cobble stones, was erected by the grandfather, Thomas Barron. William Barron Jr., was born in the town of Seneca, Ontario county, New York, in September, 1828, and died in 1908, one of the most prominent citizens of Geneva. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and a Democrat, and he married Mary J. Taylor, who was born in 1829.