Edmund Cooper (politician) facts for kids
Edmund Cooper (born September 11, 1821 – died July 21, 1911) was an important American politician from Tennessee. He served in the United States House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. Congress, helping to make laws for the country.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Edmund Cooper was born in Franklin, Tennessee. He had a brother named Henry Cooper, who also became a U.S. Senator. Edmund finished college at Jackson College in Tennessee in 1839.
After college, he decided to study law. He went to Harvard University, a very famous school, to learn about legal matters.
Starting a Career in Law and Politics
In 1841, after finishing his law studies, Edmund Cooper was allowed to become a lawyer. This means he could officially practice law and help people with legal issues. He started his law career in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
His journey into politics began when he was elected to the Tennessee State House of Representatives in 1849. This is a group of elected officials who make laws for the state of Tennessee.
In 1860, he played a role in the presidential election. He was a "presidential elector" for the Constitutional Union ticket. This meant he was chosen to cast a vote for president based on how people in his state voted.
The next year, in 1861, he was a "Union delegate" at a special meeting called a State constitutional convention. At this meeting, important decisions were made about the state's rules and laws, especially during a time of big changes in the country.
Serving in the U.S. Congress
Edmund Cooper was elected to the Tennessee State House of Representatives again. However, he resigned from this position in 1865.
After the American Civil War, the state of Tennessee was allowed to send representatives to the U.S. Congress again. Edmund Cooper was chosen to represent Tennessee as a "Unionist." This meant he supported keeping the United States together. He served in the Thirty-ninth Congress from July 24, 1866, to March 3, 1867.
He tried to be re-elected to the Fortieth Congress but was not successful.
Later Public Service and Life
Even though he wasn't re-elected to Congress, Edmund Cooper continued to serve his country. On November 20, 1867, President Johnson appointed him as the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. In this role, he helped manage the country's money and finances. He served in this important position until March 20, 1869.
After his time in Washington D.C., he went back to Shelbyville, Tennessee, and continued his work as a lawyer. Edmund Cooper passed away in Shelbyville on July 21, 1911, at the age of 89. He was buried in Willow Mount Cemetery.
