Cooper, Frank L.

Frank L. Cooper, born near Santa Rosa in Sonoma County on August 17, 1867, was a hardworking native son who became a representative farmer and stockman in Central California. He was the son of R. F. Cooper and Mary Schultz, the latter of whom passed away when Frank was only nine years old. In the fall of 1890, he moved to the Laguna de Tache region and spent three years working as a trusted employee for pioneer Cuthbert Burrel on his extensive ranching properties. During this early romantic era, Cooper navigated the thick tules on horseback to herd cattle and managed heavy hauling operations using large eight horse wagon teams. His exceptional skill as an expert driver allowed him to guide up to forty horses at a time over rough terrain and during extensive grain harvesting campaigns.

In the summer of 1905, Mr. Cooper purchased the foundation of his current seventy-three and a half acre ranch located northwest of the Laton Creamery, where he maintains a first-class dairy and rents an adjoining 200 acre pasture. Throughout his career, he operated leased portions of the Burrel ranch and collaborated with his father to farm grain extensively around the Riverdale area. While living in Visalia, he married May Norton, the daughter of Oscar Stanton, and together they raised four children named Fred S., Margery Lillian, Elizabeth, and Bernice. Outside of his successful agricultural and stock-raising endeavors, he became a strong advocate for temperance and decent living after witnessing the rough gambling and historical conflicts of early trail towns like Kingston. His industrious life and deep connection to the San Joaquin Valley mark him as a dedicated pioneer who successfully helped build the infrastructure of Fresno County.