Wilson Cooke
American politician (1819–1887)
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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 | |
|---|---|
| South Carolina House of Representatives | |
| In office 1868–1870 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1819 Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | 1887 (aged 67–68) |
| Spouse | Magdalena Walker |
| Children | William Wilson Cooke |
| Parent | Vardry McBee (father) |
Biography
Wilson Cooke was born in 1819, a slave. His father is thought to be Vardry McBee, and his mother was enslaved.[2]
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]
