Cooter - William H. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

 

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William H. Cooter, son of EW and Julia Cooper, died at the home of his parents, near this place June 22, 1893 in the 32nd year of his age. He was the third in a family of 10 children, 7 boys and 3 girls, all of whom survive him. William was baptised in infancy by Rev. J. Reed, and was carefully trained by his parents who were mem bers of the Presbyterian church, to avoid evil and do good which training was conscientiously adhered to through his whole life. He joined the Presbyterian Church in 1881. He was a graduate of Wabash College Crawfordsville, Ind and a very careful and industrious student. About three years ago he was admitted to the bar and became an active attorney commanding the respect of all who knew him and one concerning whom, those who knew him best could cherish the highest expectations. As a church worker but few young men were his equal. He was ordained to the office of ruling elder July 14, 1889, and seemed to take pleasure in the faithful discharge of his duty. Indeed, he seemed to comprehend, as but few elders do, the sacredness of his ordination vow. In Sunday School, YPSCE, YMCA or any other line of Christian activity, he was ever ready to do his share and more than his share in order to bring success to the Lord's cause.  He had served this church as Sunday School superintendent and president of the YPSCE and occupied this position in the same society in the first Presbyterian Church of Joplin, Mo. of which he was a member when he died. William Cooter was a disciple who took up the cross and followed the Lord Christ daily but the cross has been exchanged for the crown and his Terrestrial labors have been exchanged for Celestial songs.  Having been faithful unto death he seemed to have not the shadow of a doubt of receiving the crown of life.  Surely there was never a more submissive and peaceful departure witnessed by human eyes. Having his mind unclouded, his tongue unhindered, and his soul unalarmed he spake of his early training, of his family ties, the atonement of Christ, his own life, the joys of a Christian and his hope of Heaven, as calmly, clearly and confidently as man ever spake with man. But our dear brother has gone. His efforts for good touched liofe at many points, but he has gone. No more will his coming gladden the fond heart of father and mother, no more will his tender thoughtful counsel nerve the ambition of brother or sister, no more will his earnest cooperation to the efforst of pastor or church, for he has gone to a higher sphere of service. Let the dear saddened hearts feel with that bereaved one of old. "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord."  WJH

The funeral was held on Sunday June 25 at 11 o'cock a.m. at the Presbyterian Church under the direction of Prudence Lodge No 100, A&AM. The pall bearers were lawyers and members of the lodge and went to  the late residence and escorted the remains to town.  Reaching the public square the funeral cortege was joined by the lodge and led to the church where a very touching and appropriate service was rendered.  Loving and tender hands had bedecked the church with beautiful flowers, not in lavish splendor but graceful simplicity. On the casket rested a floral token, representing a square and compass and keystone fashioned of water lillies embles of the two masonic bodies of which the deceased was a member. The sermon by the pastor was touching and at its conclusion an opportunit was given for a last look at the remainus. Prudence Lodge then took charge of ceremonies and completed the sad rites. The procession to the cemetery was a very long one and on arrival there the ritualistic service of the masonic fraternity was carried out and the earthly remains of William Cooter consigned to the tomb.

Note: Addition information from the Columbus Kansas Courier Thursday 29 June 1893 p 1
No death in Columbus ever brought such poignant grief to a family or such widespread sorrow to a community as that of WIlliam H. Cooter who departed this life on Thursday June 22, 1893.  

William H. Cooter was born in Lewis County, Missouri, Dec 181. He was for five years a student in Wabash College, Crawfordsville from which he graduated in the degree of AB June 1887, taking the honors of his class.  He read law under the direction of Mr. CD Ashley of this city, was admitted to the bar here and after practicing a few years he entered into copartnership with Fred BaSom when the two moved their office to Joplin aobut 18 months ago.