From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Daniel William Cooper was born near Frederickstown, Ohio. He was 25 years old when he and the other six Founders founded Sigma Chi at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, 1855. Cooper is credited with contributing much to the spiritual content and nature of the Fraternity. Cooper showed his devotion to his faith in Christ and the Christian principles which he founded Sigma Chi upon and profess for the rest of his life. Cooper was also the first Consul (president) of the Alpha Chapter until his graduation. Not surprisingly, Cooper attended seminary after graduation and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister. He held a number of pastorships in Ohio and engaged in special missionary service. In retirement, he lived for some years in the Southern United States, returning to Ohio where he spent his last years of his life with his son, James G. Cooper. Until he died Founder Cooper wore his original Sigma Phi badge; it can now be seen at the Sigma Chi Fraternity Headquarters museum. The original Sigma Phi badge is pinned on every newly-installed Grand Consul at each Grand Chapter, and the Grand Consul wears the replica badge for the duration of his term.
