User:WilyD/William Case/Edward Cooper

Edward Cooper was a Methodist circuit rider.

Cooper was born in Ireland, and immigrated to the Canadas as a young adult. There, he was accepted on trial as a Methodist Circuit rider in 1809. In 1810, he was assigned to the St. Lawrence Circuit, and returned an additional 20 members. In 1811, he rode the Bay of Quinte Circuit with Thomas Whitehead. Cooper filled a junior position to Whitehead. During their year on the Bay of Quinte Circuit, membership in the Methodist Church increased. In 1812, Cooper was assigned to the Augusta Circuit, where he worked alongside John Rhodes and Silas Hopkins.

Cooper was received into full connexion in 1813, and received deacon's orders. Owing to the War of 1812, he was never able to travel to be officially ordained as a deacon. Cooper left the church, and took up business as a merchant in Kingston during the war, though he remained a faithful member of the church.