William Cooper (1822 – 31 October 1868) was an English co-operator, Owenite, and a founding member of the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers.

[1][2] Cooper played a leading role in promoting the success of the Rochdale Pioneers through written correspondence, speeches, and newspaper pieces.

Alongside co-operatives, he remained committed throughout his adult life to socialism, secularism, the extension of the vote, and the abolition of slavery.

In 1860 he authored the pamphlet History of the Rochdale District Co-operative Corn Mill Society.

Upon his death George Holyoake praised Cooper for his unrelenting commitment to co-operation and the "drudgery" of his work promoting the movement.