William S. Cooper

As printed in 1915

WILLIAM S. COOPER.

William S. Cooper, who is an attorney of Winterset, practicing successfully, was born in Beaver, Pennsylvania, on the 31st of January, 1873, a son of Robert H. Cooper, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. He has been a resident of Winterset since 1879, arriving here when but six years of age, and in the public schools he began his education, which he continued through successive grades until he was qualified for college work. He afterward entered Des Moines College and therein pursued his more specifically literary course. Later he studied in the law department in the University of Virginia at Charlottesville and also pursued his legal studies under the direction of A. R. Dabney. of Winterset. In 1894 he was admitted to the bar and began practice with his former preceptor in 1895. This relationship was maintained until 1900, when Mr. Cooper purchased the interest of his partner and has since been alone in practice. He is regarded as one of the able attorneys of Winterset, strong in argument, clear in his reasoning, logical in his deductions and seldom, if ever, at fault in the citation of a legal principle or precedent.

On the 4th of December, iyo2, Mr. Cooper was united in marriage to Miss Edith Wainwright, a native of Winterset and a daughter of Vincent and Letitia (Ellis) Wainwright, the former a native of New York and the latter of Tennessee. In the year 1864 her father arrived in Winterset, where he entered upon the practice of law, in which he continued until his death. Mention of him will be found on other pages of this volume. Mrs. Cooper was reared here and pursued her early education in the public schools, while later she attended Leland Stanford University of California. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children. Bertha and Vincent W., both at home.

Mr. Cooper exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has held some local offices, having been called to the position of county attorney in 1903 and serving therein until 1907. In 1908 he was made president of the school board and acted in that capacity until 19 1 2, proving himself a stalwart friend of the cause of education. He did much to advance the interests of the schools and he was equally loyal in upholding the legal interests of the county when serving as county attorney. He belongs to Lotus Lodge, No. 48, K. P., and to the Presbyterian church and his life has ever been guided by high and honorable principles, making him a man of genuine worth, whom to know is to respect and honor.

As printed in History of Madison County, Iowa, and its people (1915). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.