Mary Henrie Cooper - Mother of Nathaniel Cooper

Mary Henrie was born to James Henrie and Christena Rasmine Schow in Panaca, Lincoln County, Nevada on May 23, 1866.  Her mother was James’ second (polygamist) wife.  Mary was the second child born to her mother, the first child died before she was born.   Therefore, she was the oldest in her family of nine living children.  By the time Mary was born, there had been nine children born to her father and his two wives. He took a third wife in 1879, when Mary was 13. She would eventually be one of 30 Henrie children, although only 22 grew to maturity.   

The James Henrie history says that he built three nice houses in Panguitch for his three wives.   Mary must have lived in one of these three houses, (after age 6, see below) although I don’t know when these homes were built.

She married James Michael Cooper, five years her senior, September 4, 1889 in Panguitch at the age of 23.  Their first child, James Nephi was born in 1890.  He died a little after his first birthday.  Their second child, Nathaniel, was born on July 2, 1892.  Three more children were born to James and Mary:  Joseph Traverse on June 1, 1895, Christina (Ena) on February 21, 1899, and Jed E. Cooper on April 18, 1903.

Her husband James died of pneumonia on December 21, 1905, leaving her with four children.  Than was 13, Trav was 10, Christina was 6, and Jed was 2 1/2.  Than quit school and went to work sheep herding to provide for the family.

Mary later lived with her son, Jed and his family. She lived to the age of 87, dying on January 30, 1954.


This following brief history was written by Ellice Cooper (wife of Mary's son, Trav Cooper).  Brothers Trav and Jed lived next door to each other on 100 South in Panguitch.  This information comes from Henrie.org.

Mary Henrie lived in Panaca, Nevada, until she was six years of age, when the Saints were advised to leave and settle elsewhere. They moved to Panguitch, Utah, and lived for a time in the old fort, located where the school buildings now stand.

When she was a small girl, she developed some sort of eye infection which was never entirely eliminated. This was a handicap throughout her life. Still she was able to do her own work and took over her share of the family responsibility. 

She carried large buckets of water from a well a block from her home for the family’s use. She was very independent and did not want anyone to take any of her responsibilities. 

Of two things she was particularly frightened: Indians and wild steers and no wonder, for she had many experiences with both that did not leave pleasant memories. As was characteristic of all her family, she was very fond of dancing and singing. 

Her husband died early in life, leaving her with 4 of her 6 children to rear. 

She had an unusually good memory. It has always been a topic of conversation how she did it, and many consulted her for data on early Panguitch history. Just prior to her death she was consulted for dates and incidents. Even though she was 87 years of age, she could give dates of births, baptism, and christening, marriages, deaths, ordinations, etc. 

She did a great deal of crochet work and hooked rugs for all her children. She was an excellent cook; especially her bread and cakes were delicious. 

She served for many years as a ward teacher in Relief Society. She always had a word of advice for those who asked for it and a cheery word of encouragement for old and young alike. She loved children and delighted in telling them stories and entertaining them. 

She religiously paid her tithing and always said, “If you can’t live today, how can you live tomorrow, if you go in debt.” She was honest in all things and taught her family this principle. 

Click here to see Jed Cooper's home in Panguitch.
Click here to see The S&C Store, owned by Mary's son Jed, and her son-in-law Tom Schow.  This store burned down and is no longer there.  Date of fire unknown.
Click here to see Mary's daughter, Ena Cooper Schow's home.