Kentucky Gem Whiskey

Provenance: Ken Schwartz Collection

The Kentucky Gem Whiskey is one of the most sought-after western fifths in antique bottle collecting circles. It is believed that there are less than five of these examples known. We can best understand Theodore G. Cockrill by looking at a few historical newspaper clippings.

THEODORE G. COCKRILL

From Contemporary Biography of California’s Representative Men: With Contributions from Distinguished Scholars and Scientists, Alonzo Phelps, A. L. Bancroft, 1881 

THOUGH the life of this gentleman is not a record of grand achievements or stirring incidents, yet it presents a pleasing picture of courage under misfortune, and ultimate success by dint of perseverance. He was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, July, 1834. His father, Larkin D. Cockrill, a native of South Carolina, is now living in Sonoma County, California. During his early life, Missouri was a mere wilderness, and his parents being very poor, he received but a limited education, beyond what he contrived to teach himself by devoting his leisure moments to study.

In 1853, the family set out across the plains for California. During the journey, which occupied five months, young Theodore drove an ox team every day, and took his regular turn at standing guard. At the age of nineteen he engaged in farming, in Sonoma County, California, a little later in life, he worked in a saw-mill, and then on a milk-ranch. After this, he traded in cattle, making five thousand dollars the first season, and becoming bankrupt the second. Next he obtained a situation in a dry goods store in Petaluma, where he saved a small sum, with which he bought a farm, and again embarked in an agricultural life. Just as a fine crop was about to be gathered he fell very ill, and in consequence suffered another failure and disappointment. On recovering, he determined to forever relinquish farming, and secured a clerkship in the town of Bloomfield, where he soon after opened a news depot. Here he was very successful. Before long, he occupied a large store, and commenced purchasing real estate. In 1864, he removed to San Francisco, and on the twenty-second of October of the following year he married Mary Francis, daughter of William Potter, of Petaluma.

A. J. Bryant was then of the firm of Bryant and Morrison, wholesale liquor merchants. Having decided to dissolve this partnership, and appreciating Mr. Cockrill’s business qualities, Mr. Bryant invited him to join the new firm of A. J. Bryant & Company. In 1868, Mr. Bryant disposed of his interest to Mr. G. L. Bradley, and in 1872 the title of the house was again changed and has since remained T. G. Cockrill & Company.

In 1873, Mr. Cockrill was unexpectedly solicited, by the leaders of the democracy, to accept a nomination for chief of police. He neither expected to be elected, nor desired the position, yet finally consented to allow the party to use his name. His great popularity is shown by the fact that although the general republican ticket was successful, he received a majority of over four thousand votes. He served but one term; and considering his business more pleasant and reliable than the cares of office, positively refused to be nominated for re-election.

Mr. Cockrill enjoys social intercourse and is prominently connected with secret and other societies. A freemason for twenty years, he is a past master of his lodge and has been senior grand warden of the Grand Lodge of California. He is chairman of the committee on charters of the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M., of the State of California, and has been a member of that lodge for fifteen years. He is also eminent among the Odd Fellows, being a past grand of Apollo Lodge No. 123, and past high priest of Unity Encampment No. 126, I. O. O. F. He belongs to the Red Men, the Past Arch of Druids, the order of the Eastern Star, the St. Andrews Society, and other less noted associations.

An obituary for Theodore G. Cockrill from the San Francisco Daily Morning Call, June 26, 1899

A FORMER CHIEF OF POLICE PASSES AWAY – Theodore G. Cockrill, Chief of Police in the early 70’s and at one time a prominent politician of this city, died yesterday morning at his home, 1911 Broderick street. He was close upon the completion of his sixty-fourth year, lacking but one month of that life mark.

About two weeks ago, Mr. Cockrill was stricken with paralysis, and since that time his dissolution was expected momentarily. Hemorrhage of the brain hastened his end, which came in the early hours on Sunday morning. The deceased was a pioneer settler in California. In 1852 he crossed the plains, devoting the first few years of his California life to prospecting and farming. Latterly he came to San Francisco and engaged in the liquor business on a large scale.

In 1872 he was elected by popular vote — as was then the custom — to the office of Chief of Police. His political opponent was ex-Chief Crowley, who succeeded him in the following year. Cockrill proved a potent police director, and his administration was one of the best experienced in the city. After the expiration of his term of office Cockrill returned to business, but met with reverses. After the dissolution of his firm he was connected with Van Bergen & Co.

Mr. Cockrill stood in the first rank as a successful lodge member. The highest honors of Masonry and Druidism were conferred upon him. He will be buried at Bloomfield, Sonoma County, on Tuesday. He leaves a widow and three children.

Primary Image: Kentucky Gem Whiskey bottle imaged on location by the FOHBC Virtual Museum midwest studio led by Alan DeMaison.

Support Image: KENTUCKY GEM SOUR MASH COPPER DISTILLED WHISKEY AGENTS TG COCKRILL & CO. SAN FRANCISCO. 1872-1879. The Kentucky Gem is one of the most sought after western fifths in today’s market. Cockrill was quite the entrepreneur and actually the chief of police in San Francisco at one time. This conflict between public servant and whiskey producer became a controversy. Once it was revealed that Governor Booth was also a liquor dealer, things quieted down. After his political career, Cockrill became a salesmen for N. Van Bergen. It is believed there are less than five of these known. This was found in a remote area of Nevada. There is some damage, better explained in the video, which entails a ding on the corner base edge and a no harm open bubble. – Jeff Wichmann, American Bottle Auctions, Auction 57

Support: Reference to Whiskey Bottles of the Old West by John L. Thomas, 2002

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