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| ALGenWeb : County Index : Coffee County : Judge John W. Brock |
The following is an excerpt from a highly recommended book titled "Coffee Grounds-A History of Coffee County, Alabama 1841-1970" by Fred S. Watson:
Judge John W. Brock was the tenth Probate Judge of Coffee County, and served one term from 1940 to 1946.
John was the son of Hugh E. and Lena Watson Brock; born March 11, 1893 in New Brockton, Alabama. His father, Hugh, was founder of New Brockton, building the first residence there in 1871. He later opened the first store, and was the first postmaster.
John was one of 15 children. He was reared in New Brockton, attending elementary school there and later graduated from high school in Enterprise. He attended a business college in Montgomery. He served in the United States Army during World War I.
He was married to Lillie Jones of New Brockton, January 3, 1919. To them were born three children: Dr. Jack Brock, of Dadeville, Alabama; Ben J. Brock and Mrs. George L. Collier, both of Elba, Alabama.
Judge Brock took an active part in the Baptist church, American Legion, Masons, Shriners, and Rotary Club.
During his business career, he served as store clerk and bank cashier. Judge Brock's first venture in county politics was in 1934. He ran for Clerk of Circuit Court, was elected and served a most successful six-year term of efficient and courteous service. His second venture in politics was also successful. In November, 1940, he was elected for the office of Probate Judge of Coffee County, by a flattering majority. He served in this office six years.
Various construction projects were limited during his tenure of office due to World War II, but Judge Brock's prime objective was to bring Coffee County, a debt ridden county, to one of a solvent nature which he attained.
After serving one term as Probate Judge, Judge Brock returned to the banking profession, where he served as cashier and director of the Elba Exchange Bank until retirement.
Judge John W. Brock died May 5, 1954 in New Brockton where he made his home all his life. He lived a life of dedicated service to the county he loved, and did his part in making it one of the finest counties in Southeast Alabama.
NOTE: The creator of this page is honored to have the above information which was compiled by Mr. Fred S. Watson as a part of this ALGenWeb site. If you would like to read more important facts concerning earlier Coffee County and its citizens, I DO highly recommend the reading of "Coffee Grounds-A History of Coffee County, Alabama 1841 - 1970" by Fred S. Watson.
