Biography of John F. Cooper of Sacramento
John F. Cooper, one of Sacramento’s notable citizens, had a diverse career spanning over five decades. Born in Kentucky in 1840, he traveled to California in 1852. Cooper experienced various professions, initially working as a cabin boy, before turning to printing, mining, and ranching. He then became a key figure in Sacramento’s music scene, organizing choirs and running a leading music store for three decades. Later, he ventured into business, founding the Capital Sacramento Transfer, Van and Storage Company. In 1869, he married Joanna Powelson, and together they had two musically accomplished daughters, Laura and Ruby.