Thomas Bocock

A Portrait of Thomas Bocock

Photo Courtesy of the Library of Congress

Quick Facts

Significance:

Served as Appomattox County's First Commonwealth Attorney

Place of Birth:

Buckingham, Virginia

Date of Birth:

May 18, 1815

Place of Death:

Appomattox County, Virginia

Date of Death:

August 5, 1891

Cemetery Name:

Old Bocock Cemetery

A Powerful Politician 

In 1845 Thomas Bocock served as Appomattox County's first commonwealth attorney. Thomas was later elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1847. He served in the house for an impressive seven times! Thomas resigned from the house in 1861 when Virginia seceded from the Union.

Serving During and After the War

Even though Virginia succeeded, Thomas was not done with politics. In 1862 he was elected Speaker of the Confederate House of Representatives. Thomas was a popular speaker. He built a prosperous law practice and resided at the Bocock family home in Vera, Virginia, only a few miles from Appomattox Court House.