The history of the first locomotives in America. From original ...

PETER COOPER. igij'
OHAPTEE XXIV.
PETEE COOPER.
Me. Peter Cooper, of Kew York, like Ms great
contemporary, George Stephenson, of England, may be
justly looked upon as tlie pioneer of the locomotive
system in America. Undoubtedly he built the first
locomotive ever constructed here ; and although (as we
have stated before) his little machine was not intended
for practical purposes or employment upon a railroad,
yet it was designed to demonstrate a fact then very
much doubted, namely, the ability of a locomotive to
travel on the short-curved roads in this country, which
Mr. Cooper's successful performance set at rest forever.
B(Ut the Herald was antedated in another quarter. Mr.
Cooper commenced his career in life from the very
foot of the ladder, and, like him also, by his indomi-
table perseverance and industry, clambered step by step
from one round to another, ascending until he reached
the proud pinnacle of the topmost round, as a pioneer
in the great achievements of the locomotive, now an in-
dispensable necessity for the successful prosecution of
trade and commerce throughout the world.
Ji^-om New York Evening Mail, July 1, 1869.
" The history of a poor boy, without education or influential
friends, who, by honesty, industry, and persistence, raised himself
to a position of wealth and reputation, cannot but be interesting.
Such, if properly told, would be the life of Peter Cooper—a man
who, perhaps, as much as any other citizen of New York, has left
his mark on his associates, and has placed his name in imperish-
able remembrance.
" He was bom in the city of New York, February 12, 1791. His
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