Susan Fenimore Cooper (April 17, 1813 – December 31, 1894) was an American writer and philanthropist, recognized as America's first professional female author. The daughter of renowned novelist James Fenimore Cooper, she followed in her father's literary footsteps. In 1850, she published "Rural Hours," one of the earliest American nature essays, which significantly influenced American nature writing. She also co-founded Cooper Union, a free education institution in New York City.
