William Cowper
Born: November 15, 1731, Great Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire, England.
Died: April 25, 1800, East Dereham, Norfolk, England.
Buried: East Dereham, Norfolk, England. Cowper’s friend and hymn writing partner John Newton conducted the funeral service.
Cowper (pronounced Cooper), whose father was chaplain to King George II, went through the motions of becoming an attorney, but never practiced law. He lived near Olney, Buckinghamshire, the namesake town of the Olney Hymns, which he co-wrote with John Newton, author of Amazing Grace. Cowper also wrote poetry, including The Negro’s Complaint, an anti-slavery work, and the 5,000-line The Task.
Source: The Cyber Hymnal