Cockerill House
a.k.a. Judge Stephenson House
115 E. Main St., West Union, OHThe Cockerill Home was constructed in 1850 by Joseph Randolph Cockerill (1818-1875). Cockerill served in the Ohio House of Representatives in 1852-53 and 1868-72. He was commissioned by Ohio Governor Todd in 1861 as Colonel of the 70th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He displayed gallantry during the Battle of Shiloh and was recommended by Generals Grant and Sherman for promotion to Brigadier General. He was not given this promotion by Congress until after his resignation from the service, Cockerill's second son, Joseph Daniel Albert Cockeriu (1845-1896) was better known as John A. Cockerill and lived in this home from 1850 to 1868.
After serving as a drummer in the Civil War in 1862, John started a career in journalism setting type for the West Union newspaper, Scion. In 1863 he became part-owner and editor of The Democratic Union also in West Union. He served as Journal Clerk in the Ohio Legislature from 1868 to 1871 and was Colonel on the staff of Governor William Allen in 1872. John then edited newspapers in Hamilton and Dayton, Ohio before accepting a reportorial position at the Cincinnati Enquirer. He later became editor of the Enquirer as well as co-founder/editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, co-founder/editor of the Washington Post and editor of the Baltimore Gazette, New York World, New York Morning Advertiser, and the New York Commercial Advertiser. He was a special war correspondent for the New York Herold at the time of his death, John A. Cockerill is known as the "Father of the New Journalism and was a pioneer in the use of photographs in daily newspapers. Cockerill is also credited as being one of the first syndicated newspaper columnists and originated the Sunday "magazine" section of daily newspapers. He was elected president of the New York Press Club for four successive terms and was presented "The Order of the Sacred Treasure" by the Emperor of Japan for having undertaken a mission of detente between that nation and Korea.
The Cockerill Home was later occupied by Will P. Stephenson, Judge of the Common Pleas Court of Adams County from 1915 to 1932. Stephenson was appointed to the Ohio Supreme Court in 1932 by Governor George A. White.
Local significance of the building:
After serving as a drummer in the Civil War in 1862, John started a career in journalism setting type for the West Union newspaper, Scion. In 1863 he became part-owner and editor of The Democratic Union also in West Union. He served as Journal Clerk in the Ohio Legislature from 1868 to 1871 and was Colonel on the staff of Governor William Allen in 1872. John then edited newspapers in Hamilton and Dayton, Ohio before accepting a reportorial position at the Cincinnati Enquirer. He later became editor of the Enquirer as well as co-founder/editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, co-founder/editor of the Washington Post and editor of the Baltimore Gazette, New York World, New York Morning Advertiser, and the New York Commercial Advertiser. He was a special war correspondent for the New York Herold at the time of his death, John A. Cockerill is known as the "Father of the New Journalism and was a pioneer in the use of photographs in daily newspapers. Cockerill is also credited as being one of the first syndicated newspaper columnists and originated the Sunday "magazine" section of daily newspapers. He was elected president of the New York Press Club for four successive terms and was presented "The Order of the Sacred Treasure" by the Emperor of Japan for having undertaken a mission of detente between that nation and Korea.
The Cockerill Home was later occupied by Will P. Stephenson, Judge of the Common Pleas Court of Adams County from 1915 to 1932. Stephenson was appointed to the Ohio Supreme Court in 1932 by Governor George A. White.
Military; Law; Politics/government; Communications
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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Ohio has a rich tradition of aviation history, with several famous aviators hailing from the state. In addition to the Wright brothers, who invented the airplane, other notable Ohio aviators include Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, and Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world.
About Adams County
Adams County Timeline
Adams County, Ohio, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, who held the region as hunting grounds. In the late 1700s, European settlers began to arrive in Adams County, establishing the first permanent settlements.
During the early 19th century, Adams County experienced significant growth and development. The county was named after John Adams, the second President of the United States. It became a prominent center for agriculture, known for its fertile soil and favorable climate. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the mid-1800s further stimulated growth, facilitating transportation and trade.
Adams County also played a role in the Underground Railroad, a network of routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada. The county's proximity to the Ohio River made it an important stop on the journey to freedom. Many abolitionists in the area, such as John Rankin, helped enslaved individuals seek refuge and provided assistance along the way.
In the 20th century, Adams County faced the challenges brought by industrialization and economic change. The decline of agriculture and the closure of local industries led to a period of economic struggle. However, in recent years, Adams County has made efforts to revitalize its economy through tourism and outdoor recreation, attracting visitors to its natural beauty and historic sites.
Today, Adams County continues to be a place of significance and natural beauty, with a growing population and a diverse mix of cultures. Its historical sites, such as the John Rankin House and the Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve, stand as testaments to the county's rich past. As Adams County looks to the future, it strives to preserve its heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
During the early 19th century, Adams County experienced significant growth and development. The county was named after John Adams, the second President of the United States. It became a prominent center for agriculture, known for its fertile soil and favorable climate. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the mid-1800s further stimulated growth, facilitating transportation and trade.
Adams County also played a role in the Underground Railroad, a network of routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada. The county's proximity to the Ohio River made it an important stop on the journey to freedom. Many abolitionists in the area, such as John Rankin, helped enslaved individuals seek refuge and provided assistance along the way.
In the 20th century, Adams County faced the challenges brought by industrialization and economic change. The decline of agriculture and the closure of local industries led to a period of economic struggle. However, in recent years, Adams County has made efforts to revitalize its economy through tourism and outdoor recreation, attracting visitors to its natural beauty and historic sites.
Today, Adams County continues to be a place of significance and natural beauty, with a growing population and a diverse mix of cultures. Its historical sites, such as the John Rankin House and the Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve, stand as testaments to the county's rich past. As Adams County looks to the future, it strives to preserve its heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Adams County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Adams County, Ohio.
- 1787 - Adams County is established as the first county in the Northwest Territory.
- 1790 - The county's first permanent settlement, West Union, is founded.
- 1798 - The first courthouse is built in West Union.
- 1803 - Ohio becomes a state, and Adams County is part of the new state.
- 1828 - The Ohio and Erie Canal reaches Adams County, boosting trade and transportation.
- 1865-1869 - The Civil War and its aftermath bring significant changes to Adams County.
- 1877 - The Ohio River flood devastates the county, causing significant damage.
- 1920s - Adams County experiences economic decline due to the Great Depression and the decline of coal mining.
- 1967 - The Adams County Amish community is established, leading to an increase in tourism and cultural diversity.
- 1987 - The Ohio Valley Career and Technical Center is opened, providing vocational education opportunities.
- 2005 - An observatory, the John T. Wilson Homestead Observatory, is opened to promote astronomy and scientific education in the county.