W. B. Cockran, the well-known lawyer and politician, who is also one
of the most popular orators before the public, was born in Ireland,
February 28, 1854. He was educated in that country, and later in
France. When he landed in New York in 1871, he knew no one in America
and had exactly one hundred dollars in his wallet. But he was well
educated, of marked ability, and ambitious to the highest degree.
Failing to secure something better, he became clerk in A. T. Stewart’s
store. A month later, however, he obtained a position as teacher in
a public school on Rutgers street, where he taught French, Latin
and history. Still later he accepted an appointment as principal in
a public school in Westchester. But at this period Mr. Cockran had
mapped out his future. He had determined to become a lawyer, and when
on Saturdays his time was his own, he studied law in the office of
the late Chauncey Schaffer. Saving some money, he resigned as school
principal, and for nearly a year did nothing but read. In 1890 he was
admitted to the bar of New York. His rise thenceforward was rapid.
Very soon he became known as a man of great ability as an advocate and
of supreme eloquence as a speaker. It was not long before he had a
lucrative practice, and took a foremost place among the best lawyers of
the metropolis. In the meantime his repute as an orator had attracted
the attention of democratic leaders, and hence it was that Mr. Cockran
was in demand at national democratic conventions and “on the stump.”
He was elected member of congress in 1891, serving in that capacity
until 1895. In 1896, however, he refused to accept the 16 to 1 theory
of the Democratic party and did his utmost to elect McKinley. Some will
call Mr. Cockran a fortunate man, but as a matter of fact his fortune,
professional and financial, is the outcome of his persistent industry
and sincerity.