Jeremiah V. Cockrell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jeremiah Vardaman Cockrell
Cockrell in 1896
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 13th district
In office March 4, 1893 – March 3, 1897
Preceded by	District created
Succeeded by	John H. Stephens
Personal details
Born	(1832-05-07)May 7, 1832 Warrensburg, Missouri, U.S.
Died	March 18, 1915(1915-03-18) (aged 82) Abilene, Texas, U.S.
Resting place	Abilene Municipal Cemetery Masonic Section
Political party	Democratic
Military service
Allegiance	Confederate States of America
Branch/service	Confederate States Army
Rank	Colonel
Unit	Missouri State Guard, 8th Division
Battles/wars	American Civil War

Cockrell in the Civil war

Jeremiah Vardaman Cockrell (born May 7, 1832 – died March 18, 1915) was an important person in American history. People also called him Vard Cockrell. He served as a U.S. Representative for Texas. Before that, he was a leader in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He came from a well-known political family.

Early Life and Education

Jeremiah Cockrell was born on May 7, 1832. His birthplace was near Warrensburg, Missouri. His parents were Joseph and Nancy Cockrell. His father, Joseph, was the sheriff of Johnson County, Missouri.

Jeremiah went to local schools. He also studied at Chapel Hill College in Lafayette County, Missouri. He had an older brother named Francis Marion Cockrell. Francis also became a Confederate officer. Later, he was a U.S. Senator for Missouri.

Adventures and New Paths

In 1849, when he was a young man, Cockrell traveled to California. This was during the exciting time of the Gold Rush. He worked as a miner, searching for gold. He also ran a store near the Bear River.

Cockrell returned to Missouri in 1853. There, he started farming. He also studied law. For a while, he even worked as a minister in the Methodist Church.

Family Life

On April 7, 1852, Jeremiah Cockrell married Maranda "Jane" Douglas. They had five children together.

Serving in the Civil War

Jeremiah Cockrell joined the Missouri State Guard. Later, he became part of the Confederate States Army. He started as a lieutenant. He fought throughout the entire American Civil War. He eventually reached the rank of colonel.

Key Battles and Roles

Cockrell was part of the 8th Division of the Missouri State Guard. He fought in several important battles. These included the Battle of Carthage and the Battle of Wilson's Creek. He also took part in the Siege of Lexington.

In August 1862, he was in charge at the Battle of Lone Jack in Missouri. In October 1862, he led a small fight. This was against Kansas forces at the Skirmish at Island Mound. This battle was special because it was the first time African American soldiers fought against Confederate forces. They helped the Union win. In 1864, Cockrell was badly hurt. His injuries meant he could not return to fighting.

Life After the War and Political Career

After the Civil War ended, Cockrell and his family moved. They settled in Sherman, Texas. There, he started working as a lawyer.

Becoming a Judge

In 1872, he was chosen to be the Chief Justice of Grayson County, Texas. He also attended important meetings. These were the Democratic state conventions in 1878 and 1880.

Later, he and his family moved again. They went to Jones County, Texas. In 1885, he was appointed as a judge. He served in the Thirty-ninth judicial district court. He was elected to this position in 1886 and again in 1890.

Serving in Congress

In 1892, Cockrell was elected to the U.S. Congress. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in Congress until 1897. He decided not to run for re-election in 1896.

After his time in Congress, he returned to Jones County. He focused on farming and raising animals.

Later Years and Legacy

Jeremiah Cockrell passed away in Abilene, Texas, on March 18, 1915. He was 82 years old. He was buried in the Masonic Cemetery. His son, Joseph E. Cockrell, later started the Southern Methodist University School of Law.

Sources

Retrieved on 2009-5-12