Isaac Rhodes Cooper (1819-1889) with David Verran

Join local historian David Verran in this HeritageTalk, as he recounts the life that this early immigrant to New Zealand made.

The eldest son of a wealthy landowning family in England, Isaac Cooper was a Captain in the 58th Regiment, and a Major with the militias at Whanganui and Thames, as well as Manly in Sydney.

Besides donating land for both St John the Baptist Church in Northcote and the Anglican cemetery at Pupuke Road, he also represented Ōrewa on the Auckland Provincial Council. Local historian David Verran will discuss his private life and his unsuccessful attempts at a national political career.

Image credit: Shows allotments for sale in Northcote with most streets unnamed. Note sections marked for "Major Cooper". Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZ Map 4184.

David Verran
Historian, librarian and author, David Verran is a regular speaker for our HeritageTalks programme. Listen to the talk he gave us in 2018 about William Joseph Napier, Governor Grey's lawyer and his 2019 talk about the Thorne George family on the Auckland Libraries SoundCloud channel.

About HeritageTalks
Are you interested in family and local history; the historical stories of New Zealand, the Pacific, and beyond? Then why not come along to one of our HeritageTalks - Waha pū-taonga and hear more about both our personal and our shared heritage? Experts in specialised fields deliver these talks and provide insight into our histories.

HeritageTalks take place at least fortnightly, in the Whare Wānanga, Level 2, Central City Library unless otherwise stated.

Space is limited so booking is highly recommended although not always essential. To ensure your place, please phone Research Central on 09 890 2412 or book online.