WILLIAM COWDUROY, dealer in general merchandise, Platteville, was born in London, England, in 1836; came to America when only 15 years of age, landing in New York City, in the spring of 1851, without a single friend or acquaintance in that city. He soon obtained employment as a clerk at $5 a month and board, but soon has his wages raised to $13 per month. He remained there till 1853, then came to Wisconsin and resided in Platteville till the spring of 1856, when he went to La Crosse, Wis., and stayed till the spring of 1859. He then went to St. Louis, Mo., and was in the State County Assessors' Office till 1861. He then returned to Platteville, with his family, and was in the Pay Department of the Missouri State Militia about one year, since which time he has been in business in Platteville. He was married in Platteville, in September, 1857, to Miss Lizzie Elgar, a native of London, England. She died May 21, 1879, leaving two children - Lizzie and Harry. His second wife, to whom he was married in October, 1880, was Miss Lizzie Campbell, of Platteville.

This biography generously submitted by Roxanne Munns.