James Cockrell

James Cockrell (1840-1917) was an American farmer and politician who served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives during the 37th Illinois General Assembly.

James Cockrell was born in Meacham Township, Marion County, Illinois to Felix Cockrell and Elizabeth Craig Cockrell on January 19, 1840. He served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

In the 1890 United States Senate election, the Farmers' Alliance legislators held the balance of power over whom the Illinois General Assembly appointed to the United States Senate. The "Big Three" initially chose to support Alson Streeter. Over the course of 154 ballots, Cockrell voted for Streeter and various other candidates. Ultimately, Cockrell, along with Moore, ultimately defected from both Streeter and the Republican-proposed "compromise" candidate Cicero Lindly back to their Democratic roots giving the election to John M. Palmer.