The Stamper and Cooper General Store/Eby Post Office, built circa 1877
The building is still standing today. If you look closely at the left-hand photo, you can just make out the "EBY KY" postal designation, in faded paint, to the left of the front door.
Sylvester Cooper b. May 26, 1849 the s/o Cyrus Cooper
(1824-1892) and Synthia Stamper (1824-1924) m. Lucinda Elizabeth
Stafford
b. March 21, 1855. Sylvester, better known as "Vess" and Lucinda started
a country store next
door to their home on Stafford Hill. The Stamper and Cooper General
Store sold work clothes, shoes, dry goods, hardware and food -- all the
staple items needed for the average family. As was common in those
days, the Coopers took in eggs and chickens to be sold in the store or
in exchange for merchandise. Transportation was slow in those days
and the nearest place for the Stafford Hill community to get mail was at
Wesleyville. Eventually, a post office was established and Ves was
sworn in as the first postmaster for the new facility called "Eby".
His daughter, Ollie, took over the responsibility of handling the mail
when Ves was sick or needed assistance. She was described as being "strict"
where the mail was concerned because she never allowed unauthorized person
to touch the mail.
Children of Lucinda and Sylvester were: George W. Cooper; William H. Cooper, John A. Cooper, Rebecca CooperWatson, Cynthia Cooper, Sophia Weaver Cooper, Ollie D. CooperCarver and Ida Cooper.
Submitted by Garrett and Sherry Lowe