He established a political and social dynasty that firmly seated itself as among the most prominent in Virginia.

Richard Cocke was born in 1597 at Pickthorn, Stottesdon, Shropshire and baptized Dec. 13, 1597 at Sidbury.

[6] Richard Cocke "Gentleman" patented 3,000 acres near the lands of John Price, Thomas Hallam and Thomas Harris in Henrico County on March 6, 1636, and expanded his holdings further on March 10, 1639, with an additional 2,000 acres.

[7] Cocke's last acquisition was in partnership with John Beauchamp on June 21, 1664, consisting of 2,974 acres on the south side of the Chickahominy.

[9] In addition to his service in the House of Burgesses he was also a Colonel of the local militia and a justice of the court.