Wilson Cooke
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South Carolina House of Representatives | |
In office 1868–1870 | |
Personal details | |
Born | 1819 Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. |
Died | 1887(1887-00-00) (aged 67–68) |
Spouse | Magdalena Walker |
Children | William Wilson Cooke |
Parent | Vardry McBee (father) |
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Wilson Cooke (1819 –1887), was an American politician, minister, and businessman. He was a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives during the Reconstruction era, serving from 1868 until 1870. A historical marker in Greenville commemorates his life.[1]
Wilson Cooke was born in 1819. His father is thought to be Vardry McBee, and his mother was enslaved.[2] Cooke was born as a slave, and bought his freedom.[when?]
He was a Methodist, and he helped co-found the Greenville Methodist Church, a Black church in 1862.[3] Cooke became a general store owner and had a tannery.[when?] He was a delegate at the 1868 South Carolina Constitutional Convention in Charleston.[3] He represented Greenville County in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1868 to 1870.[4]
Cooke was married to Magdalena Walker.[5] His son William Wilson Cooke was an architect and educator,[6] who worked for the U.S. government before establishing his own practice in Gary, Indiana.[7]
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