Cowper, Sir Charles, 1807 – 1875

Charles Cowper (1807-1875), politician and pastoralist, was born in England, son of Rev. William Cowper and his wife Hannah. He came to New South Wales in 1809 when his father was appointed assistant colonial chaplain. He was educated privately and was employed by the Commissariat Department at the age of seventeen.

In 1826 Cowper was appointed secretary to the Church and Schools Corporation. He obtained a number of land grants and when the Corporation was dissolved he was involved mainly in pastoral activities. Cowper was a member of the old Legislative Council (1843-1850, 1851-1856) and was elected to the board of the Sydney Tramway and Railroad Co. in 1849.

Cowper was elected a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seats of Sydney (1856-1859), East Sydney (1859-1867) and Liverpool Plains (1869-1870). He was a member of the Legislative Council from March to November 1860. Cowper was Premier of N.S.W. (1856, 1857-1859, 1861-1863, 1865-1866, 1870) and formed five Ministries between 1857 to 1870. Cowper was concerned about the transportation of convicts to the colony, the state of the railways, education, and responsible government. [ref: ADB 3]