A prominent figure in the annals of Streator is Israel C. Cope, who has achieved distinction in numerous important public positions, acquitting himself of the duties devolving upon him with zeal, fidelity and promptness, and meriting the high enconiums which have been accorded him. The following facts relative to himself and his honorable career will possess much interest to his hosts of admirers, here and elsewhere.
The Cope family was established in America by one Oliver Cope, a member of the Society of Friends, who accompanied William Penn on one of his voyages from England to the vicinity of Philadelphia. Israel C. is a son of Eli and Susan (Shotwell) Cope, and a grandson of James Dickinson and Rebecca (Cooke) Cope, and of John Shotwell, the latter of New Jersey, while the Copes were natives of the Keystone state.
The birth of Israel C. Cope took place in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1849, he being one of ten children, five of whom were sons. He spent his youthful days in his native county, where he gained an excellent education. Later he pursued his studies in Bethany College, West Virginia. In 1871 he decided to try his fortunes in the west and went to Ottumwa, Iowa, where he spent two years. In 1873 he came to Streator and secured employment as a clerk, and subsequently he embarked in the drug business upon his own account. He met with success in his financial undertakings, and thoroughly merits the high esteem in which he is held by those who have had business dealings with him.
Though he has loyally adhered to the Republican party since becoming a voter, Mr. Cope has been nothing of a politician in the sense of seeking public honors. His influence, however, in local circles has been materially felt and acknowledged, and his appointment as the postmaster of Streator, under President Harrison's administration, gave general satisfaction. Later he was appointed deputy United States marshal of the northern district of Illinois, in which capacity he is still acting. For the past nine years he has been the Illinois state secretary of the American Protective Tariff League.
On the last day of May, in the centennial year, Mr. Cope married Miss Fannie O. Ames, a daughter of Isaac and Aurelia (Mooar) Ames, of Streator. They have a son and daughter - Jessie O. and Elmer A. Mr. and Mrs. Cope have an attractive home in this town, and are surrounded by the numerous comforts and luxuries which bespeak true refinement in the possessors, as indicating love for the beautiful.
Socially, Mr. Cope is a member in high standing in the Masonic order. He belongs to Streator Lodge, No. 602, F. & A. M.; Streator Chapter, No. 168, R. A. M., of Streator; and Ottawa Commandery No. 10, K. T.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 142-143.
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