Source: Morning Star July 31, 1972 p.3
Elias Cosper
“Library Organized” – 1962 article
Source: Rockford Morning Star and Rockford Register-Republic “Century Plus 10” Special Edition, March 1962
Rockford public library – 1962 article
Source: Rockford Morning Star and Rockford Register-Republic “Century Plus 10” Special Edition, March 1962
***This library was by subscription annually, and was not a tax-supported city library.
Elias Cosper – 1885
“Elias Cosper, the tack factory manager, is confined to the house. He had the misfortune to injure his back.”
Source: Rockford Daily Register March 31, 1885
Rockford Tack Company Plant – 1891
Source: “Industrial and Picturesque Rockford,” by Eugene Browne and F. Ford Rowe, published 1891
Rockford Tack Co, Henry W. Price, president, Levi Rhoades, vice-president, Elias Cosper, secretary and treasurer. Manufacturers of fine charcoal and Swedish Iron Tacks I all their varieties. Also common and patent brads, finishing trunk and clout nails, zinc, copper, iron and steel shoe nails. North End of Water Power.
Source: 1892 Philippi’s Rockford City Directory
Rockford Tack Co. – 1876
Rockford Tack Co., organized April 1, 1875, capital stock paid in $25,000, authority to increase to $250,000, E.L. Woodruff pres., Levi Rhoades, vice pres., Elias Cosper sec. and treas., manufacturer of nails, tacks, brads, etc., office and factory water power.
Source: 1876 Brainerd’s Rockford City Directory
Rockford Public Library
The Rockford Public Library and Reading Rooms were organized June 24, 1872, since which time the boon has been greatly appreciated and much good done. It is open from 9 A.M. to 12:45 p.m., 2 to 5:45 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., during which hours the public have free access to peruse any of the six thousand five hundred volumes of standard works which it contains, as well as innumerable newspapers and periodicals. The rooms are tastefully fitted up with a view to comfort and convenience. Officers, N.C. Thompson, pres., Rev. Frank P. Woodbury, vice pres. Elias Cooper, sec’y and treas., W.L. Rowland, librarian, Miss Lizzie J. Williamson, assistant librarian. Located over 303 W. State street. Board of Directors: R.F. Crawford, N.C. Thompson, C.L. Williams, pres., Dr. A. E. Goodwin, vice pres.; Dr. A.L. McArthur, W.A. Talcott, Elias Cosper, Sec’y and treas., J. Herva Jones, Hosmer P. Holland. The delivery of books for home use closes at 8 p.m.
Source: Brainerd’s Rockford City Directory for 1876, p 26.