B. H. Cooper

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B. H. Cooper in 1904

Blucher Hamilton Cooper (born September 19, 1869 in Leake County, Mississippi; died May 11, 1949 in Birmingham) was a furniture dealer and former member of the Birmingham Board of Aldermen and chair of the Municipal Ownership of Waterworks League.

Cooper was the son of Thomas and Edwina Cooper of Conway in Leake County, where he served as Sheriff and State Senator. Young Blucher was educated in the public schools and worked twelve years in the furniture store of George A. Stowers in Shreveport, Louisiana before coming to Birmingham with Stowers in 1892. He opened his own store in 1900.

Cooper was elected to represent Birmingham's 5th Ward on the Board of Aldermen in 1903. He was re-elected in 1905 and 1907. As Alderman he supported improvements to the Birmingham Fire Department, expansion of the parks system, abolition of the street tax, closure of gambling clubs, and the public inspection of milk.

Cooper married the former Lula Jane Preston in Monroe, Louisiana in 1896 and had four children, Thomas (died in infancy), George, Blucher, Jr and James. He died in 1949 and is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery.

References

  • Dubose, Joel Campbell (1904) Notable men of Alabama: Personal and Genealogical 2 Volumes. Atlanta, Georgia: Southern Historical Association
  • "Will of People to be Expressed Monday: Wide Interest in Democratic Primary." (February 16, 1907) Birmingham News