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The People Who Lived on the Land that is Now Redstone Arsenal, page 357
William Allison, who had come over from Ireland several years after her birth. This settler did well, hauling his cotton to Whitesburg for shipment, and occasionally coming to Huntsville to get supplies. He found that his land, untilled before his arrival, could not have been better suited for a young planter, and made the most of his opportunity. Cooper Bought More Land Later In 1830, his fortune increasing, he bought for $800 three-quarters of an adjoining section from Rodah Horton, builder of the present McCracken home on Meridian pike. Four years later, through a deal with Charles G. Bowen, covered by four notes, he added one quarter of still another section. Then came his death??"through suicide??"on Dec. 7, 1834, the same year of his purchase from Bowen. Just what influenced him to take his own life??" whether money matters, troubles with his wife, or despondency over his health??"is not known. On this day, cold for the method of dying he chose, he walked the mile to the banks of the Tennessee, fastened an iron pot he had carried with him over his head, and plunged into the waters. His will, made the June prior, left the majority of his property, estimated at nearly $12,000, to his wife. Her share included his real estate, his cotton crop, valued at $2,470.51, and 18 slaves, appraised at $10,000. She also was bequeathed all cattle, horses and household furniture. Cooper further specified that $500 should be given to each of his sisters, Mrs. Mary Wall, Mrs. Nancy Veitch and Mrs. Elizabeth Ross, wife of the Rev. Alexander Ross. His father was to receive $25 annually as long as he lived. Charity Took Over Farm Charity took over the reins there on the plantation without thought of moving the few miles to Huntsville for an environment not nearly so lonesome. She directed her slaves with as true an iron hand as ever an Irish woman possessed, using her own judgment as a farm housewife in having potatoes planted in that field, corn in this one, or cotton over the entire acreage. She forgot her troubles during the first year or two of the new task, yet, as the months passed, she gradually began to miss the companionship of her husband. 357 - (4390)