Dr. Marcellus Clayton Cooper

In 1896, Dallas native Marcellus Clayton Cooper (1862-1929) became the first licensed African American dentist in the state of Texas. Born enslaved on the Caruth farm, Cooper attended Meharry Medical School in Nashville from 1891-94. He returned to Dallas with his dental license to begin his practice. He was well known in the city for his exceptional work and his contributions to the community. Dr. Cooper was a board member of the Dallas Negro Chamber of Commerce, a founder of the Black-owned Penny Savings Bank and an investor in Lewis Dry Goods Store, the first Black-owned department store in the city. Twice married and with six children, he is buried at Woodland Cemetery in Dallas. (2020)