James Cooper (May 8, 1810 – March 28, 1863) was an American lawyer, soldier, and politician, who served in the United States Congress.

Early life

James Cooper was born on May 8, 1810, in Frederick County, Maryland. In 1829, he enrolled in Mount St. Mary's University, but moved to Washington College (later Washington & Jefferson College). He graduated from Washington College in 1832. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1834.

Career

Cooper started practicing law in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in the office of Thaddeus Stevens. He was elected as a Whig to the 26th and 27th congresses; serving from March 4, 1839, to March 3, 1843. In the 27th congress, he was chairman of the indian affairs committee. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1843 to 1844 and in 1846 and 1848. He was speaker of the house for one term in 1847. In 1848, he was attorney general of Pennsylvania. He was elected to the United States Senate; serving from March 4, 1849, to March 3, 1855. When the American Civil War started, Cooper raised a brigade of volunteers in Maryland and was appointed brigadier general of volunteers in May 1861. His brigade served in Franz Sigel's division during the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. In poor health, he was assigned as commandant of Camp Chase, a military staging, training and prison camp near Columbus, Ohio.

Personal life

Copper died on March 28, 1863, at the American Hotel in Columbus. He was buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Maryland.