Virg-2 A Helping Hand

Making a go of it was difficult enough without the constant harassment from the grazers. Unattended cattle overran crops and the cattlemen weren't much inclined to keep them on the proper grazing land. Some homesteaders suspected the cattle were hazed in their direction to discourage them enough to get them to quit and move out. That would free the land for a takeover. Requests for payment for damage drew sneers and laughter. All together this created an explosive situation.

Virgil R. Cooper was born March 19, 1923 in a log cabin located in rural Okfuskee County, Oklahoma about 7 miles northwest of Paden, Oklahoma. The record low temperature for March 19 in Oklahoma was recorded on that day. The record still stands.

This birth site was about three miles south of where his mother was born in the old Creek Indian Nation, Indian Territory. He presently lives in the Creek Nation about 30 miles north of the place.

After spending three years in the army, two in Africa and Europe, during WWII he returned to teach school for 34 years in Okfuskee and Creek Counties.

He’d never run for any political office but decided to give it a try in 1994. He ran for Congress from the 2nd congressional district of Oklahoma because he didn’t agree with the views held by the man in that office.

The opponent was a highly regarded 8-term incumbent who many said was unbeatable.

Determined to do his best anyway, Cooper came in second in the primary and won in a run-off election. He then lost to a well-financed Republican in the general election. He was out spent about $30 to 1.

Now living in Drumright with his wife of 59 years he spends time writing, doing chores and giving rides to folks needing transportation.

He hopes to publish several more books before the last round up.