Today, we remember Arlington pioneer James D. Cooper, who died on April 21, 1917, at age 75.

Born in 1841 in Georgia, Cooper arrived here from Alabama in 1875. As one of the first landowners in the new town of Arlington, he continued to acquire land, eventually becoming a successful stock farmer and prominent merchant. He was instrumental in forming what would become the First United Methodist Church of Arlington, and he also contributed both land and funds to build Arlington College, a forerunner to UTA.

Cooper was married twice and had five sons. He and his first wife, Luna, also had a daughter; though she died as an infant, her passing marked the first documented burial at Arlington Cemetery, where many other members of the Cooper family now rest.

James Cooper built his stately two-story home around 1882. This impressive example of Colonial Revival architecture featured a towering frame and was distinguished by the beautiful white columns on its porch. The home remained in the Cooper family until the 1950s, when it was donated to the City of Arlington, moved near Meadowbrook Park, and converted into a library. It was later used by the Arlington Woman’s Club for over 30 years. Tragically, the historic structure was destroyed by fire on Halloween in 1998.

As the namesake of Cooper Street—a road that began as a simple shortcut through his pasture—James D. Cooper and his family were among the early pioneers who helped shape modern-day Arlington.

James D. Cooper – c. 1909
Photo Credit: Find-a-Grave / Ancestry / Todd W.

The Cooper Home – date unknown
Photo Credit: Fielder Museum Facebook page

“Arlington Pioneer Succumbs Saturday”
Obituary for James D. Cooper, though his middle initial is incorrect
Fort Worth Record – April 22, 1917
Newspapers.com

J. D. Cooper headstone at Arlington Cemetery – December 2023

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 04-21-26