From conception, to military service, to gardening, to the company kept, John T. Cobb’s life is captivating. John’s mother was a young cook for Dr. George Cobb—probably her former enslaver given her last name. She likely grew up alongside Dr. Cobb’s son, Thomas, who at 14 years of age, became John’s father. It is unknown if John’s parent’s relationship was of genuine affection, careless youthfulness, carry-over from enslavement’s brutal culture of sexual exploitation, or some combination of the three, but not surprisingly, John and his mother had to leave.
Raised by his mother, John completed a 2nd grade education and as an adult, married Lula Reynolds on December 28, 1893. In a twist of irony, Lula was a cook for John’s father Thomas, and Lula’s employment meant that Thomas recognized John as his son. John and Lula raised five daughters. Three daughters graduated from Tuskegee Institute where John had a close relationship with Booker T. Washington. Whenever he came to Auburn, Dr. Washington stayed at John Cobb’s house on White Street.
John answered the call to service. The Spanish-American War erupted in April of 1898. John Cobb enlisted into the 3rd Alabama Volunteer Infantry out of Mobile where he earned the rank of sergeant. The war was short-lived, and John did not see combat, but his rank was indicative of his character. John was discharged less than a year later at the end of the war.
Although John was a house painter by trade, he loved to farm and garden. John saved a Century Tree while visiting Clemson, South Carolina and spent over 19 years caring for the plant. Additionally, John was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church—the first African American church in Auburn—and later a deacon at White Street Baptist Church. After a remarkable life, John passed away on January 20th, 1944.