William Cooper's Biography:

1861- born in Joti-jota tribal territory


1874- Atkinson/Cooper family setteled at Mologa Mission


1884- Cooper setteled at MalogaMarried and married to  Annie Clarendon Murri


1889- Annie Clarendon Murri died


1893- Second marriage at Nathalia Methodist parsonage to  Agnes Hamilton


1910- His wife Agnes Hamilton died


1920-1930/ he became a spokesman for the dispersed communities


1928-1929 / his son Lynch won Stawell Gift and World Sprint


1928- Third marrriage to Mrs Sarah Nelson


1933- he left Cumeroogunga to become eligible for the old-age pension


1935- led the first Aboriginal deputation to a Commonwealth minister


1937- Aborigines' Progressive Association, formed in Sydney


1937- He had collected 1814 signatures from Aborigines all over Australia


1938- led the first deputation to a prime minister


1940- He retired to Barmah


1940-  His main achievement was the establishment of a 'National Aborigines Day'


1941- He died at Mooroopnat


1959- His daughter Amy bacame matron of the first Aboriginal hostel