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Edmund R. Cocke

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Edmund Randolph Cocke
BornMarch 25, 1841
Oakland, Virginia, U.S.
DiedFebruary 19, 1922
Oakland, Virginia, U.S.
EducationWashington and Lee University, Princeton University
Occupation(s)Planter, Politician
Known for1893 candidate for Governor of Virginia
Political partyDemocratic (Before 1892, 1897–1922)
Populist (1892–1897)

Edmund Randolph Cocke (March 25, 1841 – February 19, 1922) was an American politician who played a significant role in the Virginia state Populist Party, which nominated him for Governor in 1893 and for Lieutenant Governor in 1897.[1] He later became a practitioner of alchemy and opponent of alcohol prohibition.

Cocke's political routing preceded personal tragedy. On March 31, 1898 his wife died in childbirth, also claiming his newborn infant, and his cherished childhood home burned down in 1900. He sold off large portions of his land and became a practitioner of alchemy, spending years unsuccessfully attempting to make gold. Cocke strongly opposed prohibition, stating in 1919, “There are a few gentlemen in Virginia still, and they are not dominated by Methodist preachers.” Cocke died in Oakland of kidney failure on February 19, 1922.

References

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  1. ^ Cocke, Edmund R. (1841–1922) encyclopediavirginia.org. Retrieved 5 October 2021
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  • Populism and the Black: A Study in Ideology and Social Strains by Cornel Justin Reinhart