Robert T. Cooper, Illinois.

The subject of this sketch was born in Clark county. Illinois, May 24, 1841, and emigrated with his parents to Rock Grove, Stephenson Co., 111., in 1844. His time was spent working upon his father's farm in the summer months and attending district school in winter. It was thus equipped that the subject of this sketch answered Pres. Lincoln's call for 500,000 volunteers ; and assisted in raising the 3 first companies, viz. "A," "B" and "C," from Stephenson county, and sworn into the U. S. army Sept. 10, 1861. He was mustered into the service as Sergt. of Co. "B," on Sept. 14, 1861, at Springfield, Illinois, and did camp and drill duty.

He participated in the battle of Fort Donelson, Ky., Feb. 16, 1862. In the battle of Shiloh, Tenn., on April 6, 1862. he was severely wounded in the left arm and was furloughed home. Returned to his company and regiment at La Grange, Tenn., July 7, 1862. He participated in all the battles and sieges of his company and Regt., (except Fort Blakely, Ala.), until the close of the war. He was mustered out at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Jan. 20, 1866, and was discharged at Springfield, Illinois, Feb. 2, 1866. Promoted to 2nd Lieut. Jan. 1st, 1863; promoted to 1st Lieut. Nov. 10th, 1864; promoted Capt. Dec. 23, 1864. Upon his return to civil life he attended commercial college at Peoria, 111., and graduated from that institution in the Fall of 1866.

He was engaged in the mercantile and grain business at Rock City, Illinois, until 1869, when he was elected county treasurer, and served 4 years in that capacity.   After the completion of his term as treasurer he removed to Seward,
Nebraska, purchasing land and building the Blue Valley flouring mills.  In 1881, he again entered the political arena in his chosen state and became a candidate for County Treasurer in Seward Co., and was elected. After serving two terms as treasurer he became a candidate for County Clerk, was elected and served a two year term, after which he returned to
private life. He was married to Emma J. Brenizer in 1887. He engaged in farming and stock raising until 1890, when he retired from active business at Seward, where he now resides.