COOPER, PETER, an American inventor, manufacturer, and philanthropist; born in New York, Feb. 12, 1791. A coachmaker by trade, he became a successful inventor and glue manufacturer, and acquired a large fortune. He built, after his own designs, the first locomotive engine constructed on this continent (1830); was one of the original promoters of the electric telegraph, actively interested in the construction of the New York State canals, etc. He was the candidate of the “Greenback” party for President in 1876. He is best known by the institution that was dearest to his own heart, the “Cooper Union” of New York, founded for the instruction of the industrial classes (1854-1859). He wrote: “Political and Financial Opinions, with an Autobiography” (1877); “Ideas for a Science of Good Government” (1883). He died in New York City, April 4, 1883.
For works with similar titles, see Peter Cooper.