COCK BIOGRAPHIES, Henry County, Missouri ==================================================================== COCK, Thomas G. - b: 1824 Campbell Co, VA source: 1883 History of Henry Missouri , National Historical Co. - page: 808 residence: Springfield Thomas G. Cock, farmer and stock raiser was born April 14, 1824, in Campbell County, Virginia. His father, Chastain Cock, was born there, June 22, 1793, and by trade a tanner. He subsequently abandoned his trade and engaged in farming. His mother, formerly Mary Bronson, was born June 22, 1797, in Campbell County. They were married June 22, 1815, and to them were born eight children, six sons and two daughters, only one of whom is living. Thomas Cock received but a limited education in youth, and in November, 1833, he emigrated with his parents to Christian County, Kentucky, where he remained four years, then removed to White Township, Benton County, Missouri. For ten years he farmed in that county, and on September 22, 1847, he married Miss Martha Bishop, of Kentucky, born February 3, 1828. By this union there were six daughters and two sons, all of whom are living. In December 1847, he removed from Benton County to Osage, Henry County, where he commenced farming for himself. Two years later he sold his claim and began working for his brother in Springfield, with whom he continued one year. He then bought a claim and has added to his original purchase, until he now owns 560 acres. Mrs. Cock died February 6, 1865. November 21, 1865, he married Mrs. Henrietta L. Huff, of Johnson County, Missouri, widow of Dr. William Huff, and daughter of Maj. John W. Williams, of Henry County. They have had three sons, two of whom are living. In 1874, Mr. C. was elected township trustee, serving for two years. Himself, wife and six of his daughters are connected with the Mount Olivet Baptist Church. The father of Mrs. Cock, Maj. John W. Williams, was born October 10, 1797, near Gallatin, Sumner County, Tennessee, and before his recollection, accompanied his parents to what is now Simpson, then Warren County, Kentucky, His father, John Williams, enlisted in the continental army at the commencement of the revolutionary war, and continued in service until its close. He commanded a volunteer company in the northwestern army in the war of 1812, and served in the senate of Kentucky ten years. His son, John W. Williams, after he had grown to manhood, filled various offices in his. county, and was sheriff for several years, and had the honor of serving his county in the Kentucky legislature in the years 1833-4. In the year 1836, he moved with his family to Missouri, and settled in Henry County, near where he died. He filled the office of brigade inspector or drill officer for seven years. He was a member of the Missouri legislature in the years 1854-5, and was school commissioner for several years. He had been a member of the Baptist Church for thirty-seven years. When the civil war commenced he opposed secession, and being between sixty and seventy years of age, resolved to remain at home, and did so throughout the troubles. He died at his home, January 23, 1876. Mr. Williams, during his long career as a citizen of Henry County, held various offices of trust at the hands of the people of his county, and also filled his. official station with honor to himself and his constituents. ==================================================================== COCK, William H. - b: 1829 Rutherford Co, TN source: 1883 History of Henry Missouri , National Historical Co. - page: 508 residence: Clinton William H. Cock, of the firm of W. H. Cock & Co., extensive dealers in dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, carpets, etc., is a native of Rutherford County, Tennessee, and was born in Murfeesborough, July 9, 1829. His parents, Archibald and Mary (Bradley) Cock, were also born in that state and were there married in 1820. They reared thirteen children. The mother died in August, 1859, and the father is now living in this county. William resided at his birthplace till nine years of age, when the family removed to Christian County, Kentucky, there residing till 1839 In that year they settled in Benton County, Missouri, and in 1848 went to Quincy, Hickory County, where our subject was engaged as clerk in a general store, with A. Trippett. A short time afterward he took a stock of goods which he managed for Mr. T., at Hermitage, Missouri, they doing business at that point till 1851, when they removed the goods to Osceola, St. Clair County, Missouri, where he remained till 1853, arid then became a partner with Mr. Trippett in a store at Howard's Mills, Missouri. In 1856 he came to Clinton, Missouri, and resumed his business, continuing it till the commencement of the war, in 1861. Then he retired from active business life. In 1866 he again engaged in the dry goods trade, the firm being then known as W. H. Cock & Co., and they carried it on successfully till 1869, when Mr. Cock embarked in farming, at which he is still largely interested. In 1871, he, with others, organized what is now the First National Bank of this city, and was its first president, holding this position till 1875, when he resigned. For about one year he gave his attention to the live stock commission business, at St. Louis, Missouri. In 1876 he returned to Clinton, and buying a stock of goods, again commenced selling dry goods. In 1878 the firm became W. H. Cock & Co., and they now carry a large stock of goods and are one of the most solid houses of Clinton. Mr. C. was married July 21, 1853, to Miss Eliza L. Hancock, of this state. They have three children: Jessie, Arthur and Daisey. Mr. C. was a member of the legislature from this county in 1878. In 1872 he was collector of Henry County, serving in that official capacity for one year. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and his wife belong to the Christian Church. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by the Henry County MOGenWeb http://www.rootsweb.com/~mohenry/henryco.html Contact the Henry County Coordinator for comments or corrections. ====================================================================