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The subject of this
sketch is a native of Spartanburg county, South Carolina, born January 4, 1800.
When three years of age his parents moved to Warren county, Kentucky. Here he
received his education, in a rude log school house, and afterwards was
appointed Captain of a military company, which office he held for twelve years,
wearing the badge of Commissioner; also taught school in that township for a
number of years. In 1838 he went to Missouri, and in 1840 settled in Bates
county, it being organized as a county in February, 1841. Mr. C. was elected
first County Judge, and served at the first Grand Jury that was held in the
county; was the first qualified school teacher, and drew the first public money
for services rendered in this capacity. On April 24, 1853, in company with his
wife and ten children started across the plains for California, and landed in
Big Valley, this county, Oct. 15, 1853. Here Mr. Cockrill built the first
house, conducted the first boarding house, and also procured the first
warranted deed of land on the Blume grant. In 1857 he was elected the first
Justice of the Peace of Analy township; soon after he was elected Associate
Judge under William Churchman. During Mr. C.'s residence in the county he has
held the office of Justice for twelve years, and on Sep. 3, 1879 was re-elected
to the position for another two years term. Has been steadily engaged in
farming until quite recently, and is now on the roll of the retired. Married
Oct. 29, 1829, Miss Deademia Stamps. She is a native of Kentucky, born Dec. 29,
1809. By this union they have six living children, three sons, and three
daughters; Theodore G., now a resident of San Francisco; Helen M., now Mrs.
Lake, of Bloomfield; Lurena E., now Mrs. Hoag of Santa Rosa; Ida Josephine, now
a resident of San Rafael; Robert L., now in San Francisco, Bruce T., now of San
Rafael; and four children deceased.
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