Transcribed by Larry Fearneyhough
Page 140
Steadily "pegging" away and keeping everlastingly at it William C. Cowper is spending his days in the city of his adoption. He is of English parentage. His father, George Cowper, was born in England and came to the United States in 1848 and then to Scott county, Illinois, in 1867, and settled in Winchester. His mother, Eliza Cheney, was born in England and was married to George Cowper in 1854. They were the parents of nine children. George Cowper was a member of the 11th Missouri Infantry and served through the civil war.
William Cowper was born at St. Louis, Missouri, in 1855. He was reared in St. Louis and educated there. His father was a shoemaker and the young man learned that trade, and at it has made a good living and some money.
At Winchester, Illinois, in 1884, Mr. Cowper was married to Miss Emma Jane Clark, daughter of Francis A. and Malinda J. (Williams) Clark. Mrs. Cowper is a native of Henry county, Missouri, and was born at Clinton in 1858. They are the parents of four children. One of their children is dead and the three remaining are: Chester A., Linnie E. and Leah M. All are at home.
Mr. Cowper is following his trade in Winchester and can always be found ready to treat, courteously, kindly and fairly, all who come to him. He has been pegging soles for a good many years and finds in his occupation much to encourage him. He is a first-class workman and thoroughly understands his business. In his home town he is liked by the people and belongs to the great majority in Scott county - the honored and respected. He is an active member of the Odd-Fellows, Encampment, Rebekahs, K. of P. and the Woodman lodges.