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Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Knox County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Bryant J. Cockrum, a resident of Hurdland, Mo., is a native of Knox County, Mo., born May 23, 1841, and is a son of George C. Cockrum, of Salt River Township. [See sketch.] Our subject was reared on the farm in his native State, and secured a good English education during his youthful days. In October, 1872, he stopped farming, and engaged in the general merchandise business at Novelty, Knox County, where he conducted the business successfully until 1883. The year previous he was elected sheriff of Knox County, by the Democrats, and served one term in a highly satisfactory manner. He then declined a re-election. He was engaged in the livery business at Edina, while occupying the position of sheriff, and in the fall of 1884 removed to Hurdland, and established his present mercantile trade, in which he has met with good and well-deserved success. January 21, 1861, he married Annie R. Bright, a native of Marion County, Mo., and has now six children living, viz.: Albert L., Dora H. (wife of Frank Seward), Ella, George L., Maud and Mary Ethel. Mr. Cockrum has always been a Democrat, and has wielded considerable influence in the political affairs of the county. He is a Master Mason, a member of Edina Lodge, also of the I. O. O. F. He was a Union man during the late war, and a member of the Home Guards and militia, a short time. He is justly regarded as one of the eminent and successful business men and citizens of this county.

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This family biography is one of 204 biographies included in the Knox County, Missouri portion of the book,  The History of Lewis, Clark, Knox and Scotland Counties, Missouri published in 1887.  For the complete description, click here: Knox County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Knox County, Missouri family biographies here: Knox County, Missouri Biographies

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