John Hartwell Cocke Sr.

John Hartwell Cocke (November 25, 1749 – February 9, 1791) was a Virginia planter, lawyer and politician from Surry County who served one term in the Virginia House of Delegates as well as in the Virginia Ratifying Convention, both after fighting as a Virginia militiaman in the Revolutionary War. Cocke also held multiple county offices, including as justice of the peace, and as County Lieutenant from 1787 until his (early) death.

Early life and education John was born to the former Anne Ruffin and her burgess husband Hartwell Cocke in Surry County in the Colony of Virginia. Both parents could trace their descent from the First Families of Virginia, and had traditions of public service, as well as operated plantations using enslaved labor. Cocke received a private education appropriate to his class and attended the College of William & Mary across the James River.

Personal life

Cocke married Elizabeth Kennon of Chesterfield County on November 28, 1773. She would bear six daughters and two sons, although only one son (John Hartwell Cocke, who became known as an agricultural reformer and temperance advocate) and four daughters reached adulthood.

Death and legacy

Cocke died on February 9, 1791, and was buried in the family cemetery at Mount Pleasant.