A biosketch of John Coover reports [1] [2]:
The subject of this sketch was born February 22, 1787. His early life was spent on his father's farm, where he attended such schools as his day afforded. About 1816 or 1817 he came to Mechanicsburg, and, with Adam Reigel as partner (which partnership was subsequently dissolved), opened the first important store in that place, becoming thereafter a successful merchant; continuing therein engaged until 1849, when he disposed of his stock aud retired from active business life, always, however, taking a keen and decided interest in the public affairs of the borough. State and Nation. Some years previous to this time he purchased a large tract of land, lying immediately south of the borough of Mechanicsburg—bounded by the middle of Simpson Street—which since his decease has been incorporated into the borough, and laid out by his heirs, into town lots, with fine wide streets, and being slightly elevated, is being rapidly built up, and bids fair to become the most beautiful part of the town. On February 4, 1819, he was married to Miss Salome Keller, who was born September 13, 1792, and was the daughter of Martin Keller, who landed in Baltimore, Md., in 1786, emigrating from the Canton of Basle, Switzerland. About 1800 he removed to Cumberland County and purchased a large tract of land in Silver Spring Township, known as "Barbace," situated one-half mile north of Mechanicsburg, which is still owned by his descendants. The children of John Coover were six in number—one son, who died in infancy, and five daughters: Susan K. (widow of Philip H. Long), Sarah (married to Ephraim Zug, who died in May, 1862, afterward married to William H. Oswald, who died in January, .1884), Mariamne (wife of Richard T. Hummel, Hummelstown, Dauphin Co., Penn.; A. Elizabeth (married to Levi Kauffman, now deceased) and J. Emeline (widow of Daniel Coover). John Coover died May 13, 1862, and his widow January 3, 1883, and they were both buried in the old family grave-vard at Barbace, by the side of Martin Keller and Martin Keller's wife and mother. The old homstead built by John Coover, situated on the northeast corner of Main and Frederick Streets, Mechanicsburg, and in which he and his wife lived to the date of their death, is still occupied by one of his daughters Mr. Coover was a quiet, unassuming man, one who made many friends, and of wide influence in his church and society. He was a great reader, and had a fine mind and tenacious memory. His name was a synonym for honesty and integrity, aud from time to time he filled the various municipal offices; was for many years justice of the peace; and so great was the confidence reposed in him that he was constantly sought after to act as executor and administrator in settling the estates of decedents, and many were the children to whom he was guardian—as many as 100, it is believed. A consistent and leading member of the German Baptist or Dunkard Church, he was good to the poor, a kind husband and indulgent father. Generous to a fault, kind-hearted and true, he was beloved by all who knew him, and his memory is deeply cherished for his sterling worth and Christian character.of which his descendants may well be proud.
[1] Samuel P. Bates, P. A. Durant, and J. Fraise Richard, History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania [Cumberland] (Warner, Beers:1886), 407, [GoogleBooks].
[2] Samuel P. Bates, P. A. Durant, and J. Fraise Richard, History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania, Part II Cumberland (Warner, Beers:1886), 407, [HathiTrust], [GoogleBooks].