Cooper, Sir Daniel, 1821 – 1902

Sir Daniel Cooper (1821-1902), merchant, parliamentarian and philanthropist, was born at Lancashire, England, son of Thomas Cooper. He travelled to Sydney with his parents as a child and returned to England to complete his education in 1835. In 1842 he commenced work at the London counting house of his uncle Daniel Cooper (1785-1853). In 1843 Cooper returned to Sydney where he was involved in a mercantile business with James Holt. After the death of his uncle, Daniel Cooper (1785-1853), Cooper inherited substantial wealth and property in NSW.

Cooper was an elected member of the old Legislative Council (1849-1851, 1855) and in 1856 represented Sydney Hamlets in the first NSW Legislative Assembly holding his seat until 1859 when he became the member for Paddington (1859-1860). Cooper served as Speaker of the House in three parliaments (1856-1860).

Cooper returned to London in 1861 and was Agent General for New South Wales in London, 1897-1899. After 1861 Cooper did not return to Australia and died at his home at Kensington, London, in June 1902.