Versailles Leader Feb. 3, 1899
       John R Cooper, a well known citizen of Morgan Co., died at the
County Farm last Friday morning , of dropsy.  Having no home, he was
admitted as a  county charge about two weeks prior to his death, and
being sick since September, and in the last stage of the disease, his
demise was not unexpected.  The deceased was bout sixty years old.  He
has resided in Morgan Co. a long number of years.  Being an ex
confederate soldier and physically unable to maintain himself, he was
admitted to the Confederate Home at Higginsville, Mo. several years ago.
Not satisfied there he left after a years stay and returned to Morgan
Co.
   The deceased was well educated and possessed of good business
qualifications.  He belonged to a prominent family, residing in St.
Louis county, and at one time possessed a liberal share of the world's
goods.
    Upon his death, his brother Dr. A. Y. Cooper, a prominent physician
of Bates County and a former resident of Versailles, was notified by
telegram. He promptly replied, directing the interment of his brother's
remains in the family lot in the Versailles cemetery.  The burial took place
Saturday, many friends of the deceased being present to witness the last
sad rites.
     John. R. Cooper was an inoffensive man-----his own worst enemy.  He
has gone hence to test the realities of the future.
   Requescat in peace.