James Fenimore Cooper (September 15, 1789 – September 14, 1851) was a prolific American writer and novelist of the early 19th century. His historical romances of Indian life in early American history established a distinctive form of American literature. He lived most of his life in Cooperstown, New York, which had been established by his father, William. Cooper was a member of the Episcopal Church until his death, and in his later years he contributed generously to it.