Thomas J. Bocock

Thomas J. Bocock, born in Fulton county, Ill., July 13, '50, is the son of Robert Mc. and Elizabeth (Culton) Bocock, whose history is given in this chapter. Mr. Bocock received a very liberal education in the district schools and at the Normal University, Bloomington, Ill. In '51 he accompanied his parents to this county, resided at home until of age and in '73 married Miss Frances, daughter of John W. and Ury (Bird) Proctor, natives of Illinois and Kentucky, respectively, her maternal grandparents being Virginians. During the year '73-'4, Mr. Bocock engaged in farming here, moved to Marshall county in '71, resided there for two years, when he purchased eighty acres on section 33, Perm, where he has resided up to the present time, coupling with his farm and stock growing interests the operation of farm machinery. During the winter of '86-'87 formed partnership with W. Scott & Co. in buying and shipping of stock. Mr. and Mrs. Bocock are the parents of four children: Cora Estella, born December 19, '75, died October 31, '78; Otis Lester born September 8, '79; Floyd G., December 8, '81; Fatima, born May 31, '85. (Cora and Otis are known by middle names). Politically, Republican. He has taken much interest in all affairs relating to his township. For nine years he has served as school director and is serving as road commissioner in sixth year, is a stockholder in the Stark County Central Agricultural Society and has held important offices in that body, while in society matters is a member of A. F. and A. M. Lodge, No. 179, Wyoming, Ill. While thoroughly Christian like, he is not bound by any denomination, his name may be found many times among the supporters of all our churches and benevolent societies.