Thomas Cooper (representative)

Thomas Cooper (1764 - 1829) was an American lawyer and politician from Georgetown, in Sussex County, Delaware. He was a member of the Federalist Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as U. S. Representative from Delaware.

Early life and family

Cooper was born at Little Creek Hundred, Delaware, son of Isaac and Comfort Townsend Barkley Cooper. His grandfather, Barkley Townsend, came to Laurel in 1768 from Dorchester County, Maryland and at one time owned nearly the whole area. His father, Isaac Cooper, served in the Delaware General Assembly, and was a member of the Delaware convention that ratified the U.S. Constitution in 1787. He was also a member of the 1792 Delaware Constitutional Convention. His brother was Governor William B. Cooper. Thomas Cooper completed his preparatory studies at his home in Little Creek Hundred. After studying the law with James P. Wilson, he was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1805 and began a lifelong practice at Georgetown, Delaware.

Professional and political career

He was first elected to the State House of Representatives and served seven years from 1803 until 1807. This was followed by a term in the State Senate from 1808 until 1810. Finally he was elected to terms in the 13th and 14th Congress in United States House of Representatives from 1813 until 1817. Subsequently he retired from the U.S. House, but continued the practice of law in Georgetown until his death.

Death and legacy

Cooper died at Georgetown, Delaware and was buried in the Cooper family cemetery near Laurel, Delaware. "Edward Wooten and Caleb S. Layton were among his prominent students. His professional character was marked by a painstaking industry and a thorough knowledge of the law."

Almanac

Elections were held the first Tuesday of October and members of the General Assembly took office the first Tuesday of January. State Senators had a three year term and State Representatives terms of one year. U.S. Representatives took office March 4th and have a two year term.

References

• Conrad, Henry C. (1908). History of the State of Delaware. Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Wickersham Company. 
• Hoffecker, Carol E. (2004). Democracy in Delaware. Wilmington, Delaware: Cedar Tree Books. ISBN 1-892142-23-6. 
• Martin, Roger A. (1984). A History of Delaware Through its Governors. Wilmington, Delaware: McClafferty Press. 
• Scharf, John Thomas (1888). History of Delaware 1609-1888. 2 vols. Philadelphia: L. J. Richards & Co. 
• Wilson, Emerson. (1969). Forgotten Heroes of Delaware. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Deltos Publishing Company. 

Places with more information

• Delaware Historical Society; website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801; (302) 655-7161
• University of Delaware; Library website; 181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717; (302) 831-2965

External links

• Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress
• Delaware's Members of Congress
• Find A Grave
• The Political Graveyard