William Cooper, 1786-1867

A large impressive dwelling once stood on the hill field overlooking Little River, just west of the new home built by Jim and Linda Mills, Howe Bay.

The house has completely disappeared and all that is left to mark the spot are a few large stones turned up by the farmers who cultivate the field, and a small hollow where the old cellar once was.

This site was once the home of William Cooper, Mariner, Merchant, Po- litician, Farmer, Miller, and Land Agent.

Although this man was multi-talented, he did not leave many memories behind him, and even though he raised a large family, today, not one of William Cooper’s descendants remain on P.E.l.

William Cooper came to Little River some time before 1819 and called his farm Sailor’s Hope. He was appointed a Land Agent for Lot 56 in 1820 and worked diligently for Lord Townshend to collect rent and taxes from the tenant farmers. Shortly after his arrival to Lot 56, he married Sarah Glover, whose Grandfather, John Glover, ran the saw and grist mill at the mouth of Blackett’s Creek where Rand Jenkins now lives. One of the oldest of the Cooper children was a daughter, Malvina, who married James Morrow, the son of John Morrow, who built ships for William Cooper.

History shows that William Cooper was quite efficient at the task of col- lecting rents and placing new tenants, but, it was alleged that Cooper embezzled some of the funds and after nine years as Land Agent he was dismissed from his duties. He immediately converted to the side of the tenants and later became the leader of the rebellious tenants.

In 1831, he was elected to the House of Assembly as the member for Second Kings. He kept the tenant farmers stirred up and was a real thorn in the side of his political foes. He was appointed Speaker of the House for several years. But the election of 1842 did not go his way and after losing the position of House Speaker, he seemed to lose interest in political life and did not run in the 1846 election.

He financed and built several ships along the shores of Little River, some of which were The Hackmatack, The Sea Walker, The Malvina (named after his daughter), The Flora Beaton, and The Packet, on which the entire Cooper family set sail for California via Cape Horn.

According to the last Will and Testament of William Cooper, he states that he was persuaded to make this journey by his two eldest sons, who after ar- riving safely at their destination discouraged their mother and the younger child— ren from returning to P.E.l. with Cooper. He came back to P.E.l. alone and re- joined the House of Assembly in 1854, this time without much success. He con— tinued to harp on the Land Question and sometimes he was an object of scorn by his colleagues.