Williamson Robert Winfield COBB (M)
b. 8 June 1807, d. 1 November 1864
Pop-up Pedigree

     Williamson Robert Winfield COBB Williamson Robert Winfield Cobb was the son of David Cobb, and the brother of Bryant Cobb. He served as in the Alabama State House of Representatives in 1844 and 1845. His most notable acheivement, however, was serving as the representative for Jackson County in the U.S. Congress from March 4, 1847 to 30 January, 1861. ¹ He was the last congressman from his state to leave Washington after the outbreak of the civil war, regretting his state's decision to secceed from the Union. On his tombstone is inscribed "14 years service to his country."

Williamson died on November 1, 1864. His brother Bryant, was involved in settling Williamson's estate. He wrote a letter to the U.S. Congress requesting compensation on Williamson's behalf for $3,500-worth of supplies provided to the federal army during the winter of 1863-64 while the army took winter quarters on his plantation and town property at Bellfont, Jackson County, Alabama. ²

Williamson is buried with his wife Catherine and his brother Bryant in "Cobb Cemetary" in Madison County near the Flint River bridge on the old highway 431 leading from Big Cove towards Owens Crossroads. In June 1994 Mary Jane and I visited the gravesite, which is located on the original tract of land settled by David Cobb. At that time the graveyard was in a copse of trees surrounded by a cornfield. The graveyard was in very poor shape and the headstones were broken and weathered; however, Bryant Cobb's headstone was still fairly legible and, with some imagination, one could still make out Katherine' and Williamson Cobb's headstones. The size and layout of the graveyard suggests that additional people are also buried there -- more than likely David and Martha Cobb. ³

For an excellent example of one of Williamson's most notable achievements see "Williamson R. W. Cobb and the Graduation Act of 1854," By LEAH ATKINS, in The Alabama Review, Volume 28, Number 1, , pages 16-31, January 1975. He was US Representative To Congress. He was born on 8 June 1807 at Rhea County, Tennessee. He was the son of David COBB and Martha BRYANT. Williamson Robert Winfield COBB married Catherine A. ALLISON on 1 September 1825 at Madison County, Alabama. Williamson Robert Winfield COBB died on 1 November 1864 at Near Bellefonte, Jackson County, Alabama, at age 57. He was buried on 4 November 1864 at Cobb Cemetery, Madison County, Alabama; Burial date estimated based on time of death. Tombstone is in Cobb Cemetery near the Flint River Bridge on road to New Hope, Madison Co., Ala. Inscription says: W.R.W. Cobb, 14 years service to his country.⁴