Edwin H. Cooper was born September 6, 1907. He attended the College of Charleston and the University of South Carolina School of Law. After finishing his law studies, he entered Northwestern University and studied under the noted scholar-writer, Professor Wigmore, who wrote the renowned treatise Wigmore on Evidence. Upon leaving Northwestern, he entered law practice with his uncle, John Hughes Cooper.
Edwin Cooper had the innate spirit and drive of a man who was always seeking accomplishments of a worthwhile and enduring nature, strengthened by his background and experiences. He was a leader in the field of banking, having participated in the early formation and development of Commercial Bank, now First Citizens. He was an original member of the Richland County Historic Preservation Commission, served as President of the Columbia Museum of Art and Science, Chairman of the Columbia Museum and President of the South Carolina Historical society.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret W. Cooper, five children; Edwin H. Cooper, Jr., Robert Cooper, William Cooper, Marguerite Cooper Ferguson and Sarah Cooper, and 12 grandchildren.