Myles Cooper (291)

Myles Cooper (bap. 19 February 1737–20 May 1785) was an educator, clergymen, and a member of the American Philosophical Society, elected in 1769. The son of William and Elizabeth Cooper, he was born in Lancashire in Northwest England. He was educated at Queen’s College, Oxford, where he was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in 1756 and a Master’s degree in 1760. He later became a chaplain of the college, serving until his ordination as a priest of the Church of England. In 1762, Reverend Edward Bensom of Christ Church recommended Cooper as a successor to Samuel Johnson as president of King’s College in New York. Cooper stood out as a candidate for the job, not because of any particular qualifications, but because of his willingness to leave the comfort of Oxford and travel to America. He began his presidential tenure in 1765, and worked with the governors of the college to make it resemble Oxford in its customs, values, and environment. The college improved during his tenure: attendance increased, the faculty grew, and a medical school opened. Cooper remained loyal to the British crown throughout the American Revolution, but he was not alone. Many of the students and faculty of King’s College were socially and politically conservative and supported the British cause. However, Cooper’s prominent public position made him the target of threats, and on May 10th, 1775, he was driven by a mob out of his home in the middle of the night. Half-dressed, he took shelter at a friend’s house and then fled to a British warship. He returned to England as soon as possible. Cooper never married, but in his later years cared for several orphaned children. He was outgoing, affable, and appreciated the material comforts of the world: food, wine, and company. He died at a luncheon in Edinburgh in 1785. (ANB, DNB)