He was a baker who was appointed to service positions (constable and firemaster) beginning in 1748. In 1763, his name appeared on a list of Albany freeholders. The next year, he witnessed the will of his Southside neighbor. In 1767, his first ward property was valued on the city assessment roll.
In his fifties at the outbreak of hostilities in 1775, traditional resources have called him actively "antiTory." Identified in 1780 as "of the Helderbergs," he thwarted thieves who attempted to rob his house. The Albany Board met at his house on at least one occasion. Later, he was granted a land bounty right in conjunction with the Third Regiment of the Albany County militia.
Jacob Cooper lived until 1813. His will passed probate in June. He had lived more than eighty-seven years.
Sources: The life of Jacob Cooper is CAP biography number 485. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.
first posted: 7/30/07