beams for fire-proof buildings. His iron industries spread all over
Pennsylvania, and the business is to-day carried on by his successors.
As is well-known, he was one of the warm supporters of Cyrus W. Field
from first to last, extending his aid and sympathy. When the Bank of
Newfoundland refused to honor the Cable Company's paper Peter Cooper
advanced the much needed funds. While all this business was on his mind
his glue and isinglass industry was not in the least neglected. He had
removed the works to Long Island, where it assumed mammoth proportions.
The profits of this giant combination of business poured the money into
his pockets in large streams.

One feature of the great success of Peter Cooper was he always paid
cash. But the great life-work of Peter Cooper is embellished with one
gem that is perpetually bright. We speak of Cooper Union. In 1854 the
ground was cleared, the plans made and the work begun. This institution
cost Cooper about eight hundred thousand dollars. It is deeded as a
trust, with all its rents and profits, to the instruction and profit of
the poor working people of New York city. Mr. Cooper himself thus
describes his motives: "The great object that I desire to accomplish by
the erection of this institution is to open the avenues of scientific
knowledge to the youth of our city and country, and so unfold the volume
of nature that the youth may see the beauties of creation, enjoy its
blessings and learn to love the Author from whom cometh every good and
perfect gift." Could any sentiment be more beautiful? Could any motive
be more worthy of imitation than this?

He was a Democrat and a member of Tammany Hall, but toward the latter
part of his life he became a leader of the Greenback party, being a
candidate for President on that ticket. He had good habits and was
always occupied with business. Two children are living, Edward, and a
daughter who married Mr. A. S. Hewitt. The son and son-in-law have each
been mayor of their city. There was great mourning in New York city on
April 4th, 1883, when it was learned that Peter Cooper was dead. But man
liveth not to himself, his memory and influence will be felt by the
countless generations which will follow after his death. Certain it is
those who are benefited by the aid of "Cooper Union" will not forget
their benefactor.

_"There is a wide difference between men, but truly it lies less in
some special gift or opportunity vouchsafed to