COOKSON, ISAAC THOMAS (1817-81) was born in England. He came to Canterbury with the first settlers and established himself in business with William Bowler as merchants and shipping agents. He represented Lyttelton in the Provincial Council (1853-61) and City of Christchurch (1861-62). In 1860 he was elected to Parliament for Christchurch Country and in the following year for Kaiapoi (which he represented till 1863). He was the first president of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce (1859). Cookson married Jannetta Maria (1812-54), daughter of Sir Matthew Ridley. He died in 1881.

Acland; Cycl. NZ, iii; The Press, 1 Dec 1900.

Reference: Volume 1, page 104

🌳 Further sources