Thomas "Tom" COOPER was the second settler in what would become Monroe Township, arriving in 1855. His oldest son was the first white child born in the township. The COOPER family resided in Ringgold County for approximately 30 years before moving to Kansas.

SOURCE:
LESAN, Mrs. B. M. Early History of Ringgold County: 1844 - 1937 p. 21. Blair Pub. House. Lamoni IA. 1937.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2010