Stampless folded letter wrapper from Washington Cockle of Peoria, ILL

Red Peoria, Illinois circular town marking with an excellent paid "5" marking in a toothed oval.

Wrapper only from Washington Cockle, prominent lawyer, newspaper publisher, businessman and politician in Peoria, Illinois.

Born in New York in 1811, he later moved to Peoria County, settling in the Brimfield Township area during its early development. He became deeply involved in local politics and media during the mid-19th century. Historical highlights from his life in Illinois during the 1850s include:

Newspaper Ownership: Cockle owned and edited the Peoria Democratic Press. He ran the publication until the fall of 1851, at which point he sold the establishment to Enoch P. Sloan.

Political Career: Emerging as a notable figure in central Illinois politics, Cockle served as a member of the Illinois State Legislature.