James COCKRUM

Notes:

1850 Census Breathitt Co. KY Dist 1.
NA roll #193 p.29
James Cockran 19 M b. NC
enumerated with:
John Hensley 23 M b.KYmining c/r/w b. KY
Elizabeth 18 F b.KY
William Harris 34 M b.NC mining
Auskin Wilson 22 M b. KY mining
Elizabrth Ralleigh 16 F b. KY

Family/Spouse: Emily STAMPER. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From Corbett Cockerham
THE FOLLOWING NOTES SUPPLIED BY FRANK E. COCKERHAM:

Two days after John Cockerham made an unsuccessful claim in entry 1289, William Cockerham made an unsuccessful claim in entry 1290 in the very same area in which John would later recieve his grant; see fig.1. I believe this William to be the son of { Elder} Humphrey. William Cockerham did not appear in the census of 1820 presumably because he was in the household of his father Humphrey. William briefly owned land on the Roaring River; 100 acres purchased 21 September 1816 (24-177) and sold 1 November 1917. (24-220). Both deeds were witnessed by William Taulbee, a person with whom William Cockerham was often associated.
William and Elisabeth "Cockrum" of Owsley [Co. KY] household 192 were ages 56 and 54 respectively in the 1850 census. Their Oldest Child was James, born 1822 in NC, who married Emily Stamper. The year of birth of their first child James, is consistent with the hypothesis that this William and Elisabeth were the participants in the Wilkes County marriage of 29 march 1821 of William Cockerham and Elisabeth Hill with Samuel Parsons as bondsman (Holcomb). Note that Sameul Parsons was the adjoining neighbor to John Cockerham on fig. 1.
William Cockerham died before the 1860 census, survived by his widow Elisabeth and living with Martin in the 1860 census, probably on their farm which became part of Breathitt County by 1860. Their sons were James, Humphrey, William M., Martin, John Miles, Elijah and Daniel Duff, according to Mary DeBusk Voth. All these sons appear in either James household 191 or William's household 192 in the 1850 census except Humphrey.
In the Wilkes County tax lists, William Cockerham was taxed as a poll, but without acreage.

1840 Census Breathitt Co. KY
NA Roll #105 p. 303
William Cockeran
1 M under 5
2 M 5-10
2 M 10-15
2 M 15-20 1 F
1 M 40-50 1 F
Total listed as 10 [?], agriculture 4, 2 can't read
note: Will Allen & Will Stampler p.413, R.L. South & Elisabeth Davis p.411

1850 Census Owsley Co. KY.
NA roll 261 p.291 Dwelling 192 Fam.192
William Cockrum 56 M b. NC Farmer property: $125 can't read or write
Elisabeth 54 F b. NC can't read or write
[John] Miles 17 M b. KY Laborer
Elijah 15 M b. KY Laborer
Daniel [Duff] 12 M b. KY

as listed on the census from upward to downwards either side of William
Archibald Taulbee
William Taulbee
James Cockrum (Williams son ?)
William Cockrum
Benjamin Baker
Absalum Hobbs
Jackson Holland

William married Elizabeth HILL on 23 Mar 1821. Elizabeth was born in 1796. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

!Marshall 0237, p. 1

From Corbetrt Cockerham
!Humphery was active in the beginnings of the Brier Creek Baptist Association of Wilkes County. He died between 1833 and 1840 in Wilkes County, a widower, and is buried in a small cemetery which has been destroyed.
He married before 1769 in Virginia, but his wife's name is unknown. They had one son named David who was born circa 1769 in Virginia. David came with his father and grandmother to Surry County, and Humphry had re-married by 1790. His second wife was Jamima, maiden name unknown. They had 13 children.

!1771 Surry Co, NC Tax List: Humphrey Cockerham: 150 acres on Pipes Creek 200 acres on Reed Creek

!1771-1879 Index Surry Co., NC Deeds
!Humphrey to William McBride deed book F p.84
! to Jos Ashley deed book G p.197
! to ? Moore deed book G. p.191
! from State of NC 1784 grant book C p.140
! to John Cook deed book I p.148
! from William Lewis deed book D p.446
! from sherrif deed book F p.332
! from William L. Lewis deed book G p.195
! from State of NC grant book G
! from Samuel Gentries heirs deed book I p.147

!According to A. Lee Cockerham, Humphrey had 9 land Grants.

Cockram, Humphrey
Census: 1790 Surry Co. NC, Salisbury dist.
Free white males of 16 years and upwards incl. h/family : 1
Free whte males under 16 : 2
Free white females incl. h/family : 5

Cockrum, Humphrey
Census: 1800, Wilks Co. NC; NA roll #33 p.33
free white males under 10 years of age: 5
free white males of 10 and under 16 years of age: 0
free white males of 16 and under 26 years of age incl/hh: 0
free white males of 26 and under 45 years of age incl/hh: 0
free white males of 45 years and upwards incl/hh: 1
free white fmales under 10 years of age: 1
free white fmales of 10 and under 16: 2
free white females of 16 and under 26 incl/hh: 0
free white females of 26 and under 45 incl/hh: 0
free white fmales of 45 and upwards incl/hh: 1
all other free persons except indians not taxed: 0
slaves: 0

Cocherham, Humphrey
Census: 1810 Wilks Co. NC; NA M252 ```roll #43 p.261
free white males under 10 years of age: 3
free white males of 10 and under 16 years of age: 2
free white males of 16 and under 26 years of age incl/hh :2
free white males of 26 and under 45 years of age incl/hh : 0
free white males of 45 years of age and upwards incl/hh : 1
free white fmales under 10 years of age: 1
free white fmales of 10 and under 16: 1
free white females of 16 and under 26 incl/hh : 1
free white females of 26 and under 45 incl/hh : 0
free white females of 45 and upwards incl/hh: 1
all other free persons except indians not taxed: 0
slaves: 1

THE FOLLOWING NOTES SUPPLIED BY FRANK E. COCKERHAM
Humphrey Cockerham came to Wilkes Co. about 1777 or 1778. According to a Moravian Land Suit Depostion (WGS Vol 18-2, p.7) in 1805," I bought my claim when the land deed office was opened. Thomas East came out of Virginia with me...My wife was sorely afflicted and Capt Montgomery let me stay on the land and said I would not be interfered with." A similar deposition by Gabriel Smither (Smithey) reguarding the Moravain Land Dispute said," I came before the land office was opened," and named "Umphrey Cockerham" as being one of seven early settlers,"on upper tract", (WGS Vol 19-1, p.9). The upper Moravian Survey was in the Moravian Falls/Goshen region.
However, no public record can be found of Humphrey Cockerham's claim to any land obtained in Wilkes Co. from Capt. Montgomery. The earliest claim found was entry 721 in Surry Co. on 12 Nov. 1779, 100 acres on the Fox Knob, located on both sides of Pipe's Creek and south of the Yadkin River. A deed (Surry DB G-193) from William T. Lewis to Humphrey Cockerham on 26 Oct 1789 for 50 acres on the south side of the Fox Knob," joining the tract where the said Cockerham now lives on", indicated that Humphrey had remained in about the same location south of the Yadkin (River) for 10 years.
On 9 Apr 1791, Humphrey and Jimima Cockerham of Surry Co. sold 52 acres of land (DB F-84) that he had purchased from John Pipes in 1783 (Surry C-108). In all subsequent public records, Humphrey Cockerham was refered to as "of Wilkes County.
On 18 Jan 1793, Humphrey Cockerham of Wilkes Co. bought 100 acres in Wilkes Co, from Archibold Wason (DB B1-291). Later that year on Dec 22, he was recieved by letter into the Briar Creek Baptist Church, but no mention was made of a wife. It may be that wife Jimima had died, and that all later children were by a second wife -(see notes for Jimima). This property and subsequent acquisitions in the Swan Creek area were in Capt. David Witherspoon's Tax District 7. Humphrey was listed in 1793 with 100 acres with 1 poll, in 1794 with 300 acres and 1 poll, in 1795 and 1796 with 299 acres and 1 poll, and in 1797 with 299 acres and no poll; e.g. he became 55 years of age.
....Since Humphrey was already married when he came to Virginia in 1778, one can estimate that his two oldest sons would become polls sometime in the late 1790's. In the 1805 Tax List "Wilkes County Taxables", by Paul Gregory, Humphrey Cockerham was listed with 425 acres and one poll in Capt. Martin's District and Daniel Cockerham was listed as a poll with 0 acres in the nearby district of Capt. Thurmond. Daniel Cockerham's name also appears as a witness on the deed dated 21 Feb 1805 (F1-402) when Humphrey bought 34 acres from James Gwyn.
The first record to indicate that Humphrey had aquired property and perhaps relocated to the Big Buggaboo area was John Paterson's Entry 3019 on 9 Sept. 1808, "on Big Branch beginning on Humphrey Cockerham's line." Humphrey's first entry on the Bugaboo was 441, 17 Jan. 1809, for 50 acres to the west line to Levi Sparks line. No survey record could be found for this tract, but the claim must have been valid. William Parson's entry 1877 in 1818 began:"at a spanish oak in Humphrey Cockerham's line near the head of Bunkers Branch". None of Humphrey's other tracts were as westerly as entry 441, so this must be the claim which provided the land nect to Parson's entry. (see fig. 1) Humphrey Cockerham was not incline to pay for survey fees or to register his deeds in the courthouse. Deeds which were recorded appear to have been registered by new owners.
The first deed book record for Humphrey Cockerham in the Buggaboo region was 24-144, 3 Oct. 1812, 36 acres from Michael Ryan located as shown on fig 1. This Tract did not later appear as a possession of any of his children. The land on the Big Branch of Big Buggaboo occupied by Humphrey in 1808 was the property of Thomas Walsh, shown in fig. 1. On 30 Jan. 1813, Thomas Walsh sold the Western half of the tract to Johnathan Walsh (24-142) and the eastern half to Humphrey Cockerham (24-143). Just north of the Walsh tract, John Thornton made entries 1252 and 1475 in 1814 and 1816, respectively. On 11 Oct. 1819 John Thornton married Susannah Cockerham, with John Durham as bondsman (Holcomb). Susannah was surely Humphrey's daughter.
In the 1823 tax lists....Humphrey Cockerham of Wilkes County was taxed for 215 acres, John Cockerham had 60 acres and Moses Cockerham was listed for 125 acres. Perhaps Moses had aquired 125 acres Humphrey had purchased from Thomas Walsh, and most of Humphrey's 215 acres consisted of his entry 565 on 17 Oct 1809 for 200 acres "beginning at the mouth of a branch that empties into the Maple Branch on the East side."
In 1829, William Cockerham had gone to Kentucky, John Cockerham was deceased, and Humphrey Cockerham had apparently decided to split up his Big Buggaboo land holdings among his sons Moses, Martin, James, and son-in-law Nathaniel Barker. Humphrey Cockerham was not taxed for any acreage. However, his 215 acres plus 60 acres of the deceased John Cockerham was distributed numerically as follows: Moses gained 25 acres, Martin (gained)... 100 acres, James was listed for 100 acres, and Nathaniel Barker was shown with 50 acres, accounting for all 275 acres. Figure 2 illustrates the position of these holdings. The recipents of the dispersion of Humphrey Cockerham's land saw the need over the years to formalize their title, usually by making a new entry, paying for survey, and registering their North Carolina grants.

Elder married JAMIMA about 1790. was born on WFT Est. 1746-1779; died on WFT Est. 1811-1869. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

!Marshall 0237, p. 1

From Corbett Cockerham
!Cochran, Samuel
!Wife: Sarah Northcutt of Northcutt on Aug 10 1784 and was living in Henery City VA when they Married. He was living on the "Black Water River". W280 Continential and VA Lines. The Soldier was a son of William and Jemima Cochran and was born Apr. 24 1760. Soldier Lived in Henery City VA at 1st enlistment and later re-enlisted in Bedford City VA. The soldier applied. The soldier appied Aug 1832 in Sumner City TN having moved to TN in 1818. [about the time Cochrans/Cockerhams started migrating west] The soldier died Jan 7 1842. Widow applied May 10 1844 Sumner City TN aged 78. Children were Ann or Nancy b. Nov 4, 1788; Jemima b. Sep. 26 1786; Sarah or Sally b. Nov 4, 1788; William b. Apr. 1791; Daniel b. July 1793; Mary or Polly b. Feb 22 1796; Milly b.Aug 17, 1798 died in infancy, Elisebeth or Betsy b. Mar.10,1801 and she married John B. Buzendine or Brezendine; and Samuel b. May 29 1804. Revolutionary War records.

!It is my contention, Corbet Cochran Jr, that Jemima, wife of William remarried Elder Humphrey Cockerham after the death of William. I have no documentation to prove this contention, but the area in which these individuals lived (VA) and the customs of the time and the unusuallness of the names involved lead me to suspect this as being fact. It is certian they knew each other.

Notes:

!Marshall 0237, p. 1

From Corbett Cockerham:
!Daniel Cockerham Sr of Halifax Co. VA. is believed to be decend from either John Cockerham , who was brought to Virginia in 1666 by Capt. William Cockerham 1st, or the teneant farmer Matthew Cockuram (sic) of Norfolk Co. VA. Daniel wrote his will in Halifax Co. on Sept. 9 1765. In it he mentions his wife Martha and one son, Daniel Jr., who was his only heir. This will was recorded Dec. 21 1767 in Halifax Co. VA.


!It is my contention, Corbet Cochran Jr., that it is more likely that the Cockerhams are the Decendants of John Cockerham because the Christian name of the father of the times would have been severely repeated throughout the generations. So far, there is but one instance of the name Martin appearing within the family tree, and it is several generations downline.

!Will of Daniel Cockerham Sr:

!In the name of God, Amen.

!I Daniel Cockerhim of Halifax county in Virginia being at this time in perfect sense and memory, thanks be to God, therefore do make and ordian this my last will and testement acknowledging this to be my last will and dis anulling all other will or wills and therefore, first of all, committ my boddy unto the earth from whence I came, and then my soul to Almighty God who gave it me. And then my desire is that my worldly debts be first paid and after that, I will that all my estate, be it little or much wher ever it be found, I give and bequeth it freely to my son Daniel, agreeing that he shall be the proper heir of all that I have without any molestation of any other heir or heirs and that he may act of his own discresion with what ever their is. And I do therefore leave and ordian my son Daniel Cockerham whole and sole executor of this my last will maid and acknowledge on the ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord Christ, one thousand seven hundred and sixty five in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, Daniel D. !Cockerham (seal) Witnessed by: John Dyer, Benjamin B. Bramham, Dinah Dyer. proved May 21 1767.

!In Halifax County court of the state of Virginia in Feburary term of 1767, it was ordered that Chesley Cockerham and Humphrey Cockerham be summoned to appear " here at the next court to show cause (if they have any) why administration of the estate of Daniel Cockerham, deceased, should not be granted to James DeJarnet, who moved this court for the same." Pt. 3 p.408

!August Court 1772: " On the motion of Chesley Cockerham who became security for Martha Cockerham her due and faithfull administration of the estate of Daniel Cockerham, deceased, and appertending himself to....of suffering thereby, it is therefore ordered that....summon Samuel Pigg, who has since intermarried with the said Martha, to appear at the next court to give said Chesley security." Pt.4 p.452

!March Court 1774. Chesley Cockerham, Pltf. against Sameul Pigg and Martha, his wife, defendants ( on petition for counter security) Dismissed, the Plantiff failing to prosecute. p.406

!Daniel Cockerham: Will Book O 1752-1773 Halifax Co. VA p.37 Sept. 1765 Will witnessed by John Dyer, Benjamin Branham, Dinah Dyer. Will probated May 21 1767. Will Book 1 1773-1783, Halifax Co. VA p.15 John Dyer. April Court 1774 Inventory and Appraisment. signed John Chisum, Cheslieu (sic) Cockerham, Joseph Collins.

!Died: Mr. John Cochran Oct 4, 1823. " Virginia Vital Records" The Virginia Magizine of History and Biography p.173, The William and Mary Quarterly and Tylers Quarterly indexed by Judith McGhan Genealogical Publishing Co. Inc. ISBN 0-8063-0984-9 LOC 82-80464

Daniel married MARTHA. was born about 1720. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

NOTES FROM A TELEPHONE CALL WITH FRANK E. COCKERHAM 10/18/97

Frances, and Chesley were in court to acknowledge a debt in Caroline Co. VA. in 1757. Then they show up in Halifax Co. in 1767 where Daniels will is being processed and Humphrey and Chesly are summoned to court to show cause why the administration of Daniels estate shouldn't be as otherwise stated. The conjunture of the two events make it highly likely that they are the same individuals that came from Caroline Co. Frances came from Caroline Co. Order books. The original courthouse burned and the deedbooks were destroyed. The orderbooks survived.