Daniel William Cooper, MIAMI (OHIO) 1857, was the eldest of the seven founding members and first presiding officer of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

More mature in years than the others and of sturdy religious training, at 25 years old, he held a place distinctly his own. He is credited with contributing much to the moral and spiritual foundations of the Fraternity. His colleagues came to call him “Old Dan,” a mark of their confidence and affection due to his mature character. Founder Benjamin Piatt Runkle, MIAMI (OHIO) 1857, said of Cooper: “Different from every one of us, he walked among us honored, loved, looked-up to with perfect confidence. By common consent he was the head of the chapter, and no one thought of displacing him.”

Following his graduation from Miami, Cooper attended seminary and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister holding several pastorships. He was the last surviving member of the original seven at Old Miami, passing to the Chapter Eternal in 1920 at age 91.

His badge, the sole remaining of the original seven bearing the letters “ΣΦ,” is traditionally pinned on the newly installed Grand Consul at each Grand Chapter and is on permanent display at the Fraternity Headquarters museum in Evanston, Illinois.

We introduce you to Founders Red - Cooper Self Control. An alluring dark color draws to the damson plum, fig, roasted chestnut and bright herbal essence in the nose of this wine. Very bright and juicy fruit forward on the front of the palate, the wine turns spicy with baking spices and dark fruits wrapped in a full bodied structure that resolves as it coasts into a long finish.

Retail Price: $95.00 / 750 ml

1855 Club Member Price: $75.00 / 750 ml