Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Cowper, Henry

by no contributor recorded

COWPER, HENRY (1758–1840), lawyer, was the third son of General Spencer Cowper, by Charlotte, daughter of John Baber; grandson of William Cowper, clerk of the parliaments 1739–40, and great-grandson of Spencer Cowper, judge (1669–1727) [q. v.] (Pedigree in Clutterbuck's Hertfordshire, ii. 195). He was called to the bar at the Middle Temple 26 May 1775. From 1785 to 1826 he was deputy clerk of the parliaments and clerk assistant of the house of lords. He published in 1783 ‘Reports of Cases in the Court of King's Bench from Hilary term 14 George III to 18 George III’ (3 vols.); second edition 1800. He died at Tewin Water 28 Nov. 1840. He married his cousin-german, Maria Judith, eldest daughter of Rev. John Cowper, D.D., rector of Berkhampstead St. Peter's, but had no issue. By his will he left a sum of money for educating the poor children of Hertingfordbury parish.

[Clutterbuck's Hertfordshire, ii. 195; Cussans's Hertfordshire, ii. 118; Gent. Mag. new series, 1841, xv. 320; Brit. Mus. Cat.]