William Johnson Cocker

William Johnson Cocker was an American author and educator born in 1846 and died in 1901. Records connected with his published work identify him as W. J. Cocker, and his books show a strong interest in teaching clear writing and explaining government in a straightforward way.

Among his known works are Hand-book of Punctuation, first published in the late 1870s, The Government of the United States from 1889, and The Civil Government of Michigan. Taken together, these books suggest a writer focused on practical instruction, especially for students, teachers, and general readers who wanted reliable guidance on grammar, usage, and civic life.

Although not much detailed biographical information is easy to confirm, his surviving books show the kind of author he was: patient, orderly, and deeply interested in helping readers understand both language and public institutions. That combination gives his work a distinctly educational character and a lasting historical charm.