Samuel Cooper (clergyman)

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Samuel Cooper (March 25, 1725 - December 23, 1783) was an influential minister during the American Revolution. He is known for having fled Boston in 1775 for his staunch patriotism and anti-British sentiment, after troops were sent out for his arrest.[1]

Early Life

He was the second son of Rev. William Cooper of Boston, who delivered the Artillery election sermon in 1722. Rev. Samuel Cooper was born March 25, 1725. He attended the Boston Latin School and graduated at Harvard College in 1743. He pursued the study of theology and was invited Dec 31, 1744, to settle over Brattle Street Church (where his father had preached) as colleague with Rev. Dr. Colman, who delivered the Artillery election sermons in 1702 and 1738.

Ministry

Mr. Cooper accepted the invitation, but was not ordained until May 21, 1746. The University of Edinburgh presented him with a diploma of doctor of divinity in 1767. In 1751, he delivered the Artillery election sermon.

In 1774, he was elected president of Harvard College, but declined. He was a devoted patriot, and contributed many effective articles to the Boston Gazette. The celebrated letters of Hutchinson, which caused so much excitement when printed, were first transmitted to him that he might read them himself. He left Boston before the battle of Lexington, and his meetinghouse, from April 1775, to March 1776, was used as barracks by the British. He was active in the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel among the Indians; was vice president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and, "in everything that promised to bless his country or his race he was ready to enlist with others in a cordial co-operation."

He died December 23, 1783.[2]

Brattle Street Church

For a more detailed treatment, see Brattle Street Church.

During Cooper's life, he was friends with many of the most prominent people of the day, such as Benjamin Franklin and John Adams.[3] There were many prominent patriot leaders who were also members of the church.

References

  1. Historical Dictionary of Revolutionary America
  2. History of the Military Company of the Massachusetts, Now Called the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. 1637-1888
  3. Appleton's Cyclopædia of American Biography, Volume 1

External Links