Boston town clerk.

Began career as a merchant. Held numerous civic offices, including clerk of the market (1746), town auditor (1747, 1751-58), constable (1752), and fireward (1755-75). Later worked full-time as Boston town clerk and register of probate for Suffolk County (1761-1809). An influential Whig leader, prominent member of the Sons of Liberty, and political associate of James Otis and John Hancock. Clerk of the Boston committee of correspondence. Represented Boston briefly in the House of Representatives (1755, 1775).

Son of William and Judith (Sewall) Cooper of Boston; brother of Reverend Samuel Cooper, pastor of Boston’s Brattle Street Church. Educated at Boston Latin School. Married Katherine Wendell (1745); seventeen children.