T. Cooper
1852 - 1867
Thomas Cooper was born in 1824. He was 14 years of age when his family won an emigration register (free passage) for the 'Oriental', which left Plymouth on 22nd June 1841 and arrived in New Zealand on 7th November 1841. Thomas was described as a labourer at the time. Accompanying him were his parents, two brothers (one being six month old George) and three sisters.
Cooper worked as a shoemaker up until 1852 by which time he had established his aerated water manufactory in Molesworth Street. Subsequently, the 'New Zealand Government Gazette', which was published in July 1853, listed Cooper as a ginger beer manufacturer.
Thomas Cooper placed a small advertisement in the 'Wellington Independent' and 'Wellington Spectator' from January 15th to May 4 1853 (a season before Edward Dixon, Cooper's main competition, established his aerated water factory).
Wanted.
A QUANTITY of Soda Water and Ginger Beer
Bottles, the highest Cash Price given.
THOMAS COOPER.
Thorndon Flat, Jan 12, 1853
It appears that Thomas Cooper had a break from manufacturing refreshments sometime towards the end of the 1850s but re-established himself in the industry from July 1860 with this advertisement in the 'Wellington Independent':
TO PUBLICANS,
AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN GENERAL.
--------------------
THE Undersigned having recommenced business in the Ginger Beer and Cordial line, hopes by strict attention to business, combined with really good articles to merit a share of public patronage. All orders punctually attended to.
THOMAS COOPER
Corner of Pipitea and Murphy Street.
Thorndon Flat.
July 23, 1860
Then in an effort to build his stocks, Cooper placed another advertisement in the 'Wellington Independent' for more stock:
WANTED TO PURCHASE
-------------------
GINGER BEER BOTTLES AND CORKS.
Apply to
THOMAS COOPER,
Thorndon Flat.
Nov 22, 1860
Further advertisements appeared in the 1862 and 1865 'Wellington Almanacs' described Cooper's business at Mulgrave Street as manufacturers of ginger beer, lemonade, and soda.
Cooper was reported missing on 1st March 1867 after leaving the Thistle Inn. His body was found in Wellington Harbour on the morning of 5th March 1867 - he was 50 years of age.
The business was taken over by Thomas Cooper's youngest brother George, who continued in the trade until his sudden death in 1883, aged 40.
Cooper worked as a shoemaker up until 1852 by which time he had established his aerated water manufactory in Molesworth Street. Subsequently, the 'New Zealand Government Gazette', which was published in July 1853, listed Cooper as a ginger beer manufacturer.
Thomas Cooper placed a small advertisement in the 'Wellington Independent' and 'Wellington Spectator' from January 15th to May 4 1853 (a season before Edward Dixon, Cooper's main competition, established his aerated water factory).Wanted.
A QUANTITY of Soda Water and Ginger Beer
Bottles, the highest Cash Price given.
THOMAS COOPER.
Thorndon Flat, Jan 12, 1853
It appears that Thomas Cooper had a break from manufacturing refreshments sometime towards the end of the 1850s but re-established himself in the industry from July 1860 with this advertisement in the 'Wellington Independent':
TO PUBLICANS,
AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN GENERAL.
--------------------
THE Undersigned having recommenced business in the Ginger Beer and Cordial line, hopes by strict attention to business, combined with really good articles to merit a share of public patronage. All orders punctually attended to.
THOMAS COOPER
Corner of Pipitea and Murphy Street.
Thorndon Flat.
July 23, 1860
Then in an effort to build his stocks, Cooper placed another advertisement in the 'Wellington Independent' for more stock:
WANTED TO PURCHASE-------------------
GINGER BEER BOTTLES AND CORKS.
Apply to
THOMAS COOPER,
Thorndon Flat.
Nov 22, 1860
Further advertisements appeared in the 1862 and 1865 'Wellington Almanacs' described Cooper's business at Mulgrave Street as manufacturers of ginger beer, lemonade, and soda.
Cooper was reported missing on 1st March 1867 after leaving the Thistle Inn. His body was found in Wellington Harbour on the morning of 5th March 1867 - he was 50 years of age.
The business was taken over by Thomas Cooper's youngest brother George, who continued in the trade until his sudden death in 1883, aged 40.
