A.P. Cobb Sr.

Alton Parks Cobb, Sr. born April 13, 1912 -December 20, 1984, lived a life of service throughout his adult life in Nash and Edgecombe Counties. He earned a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from North Carolina State University in 1936. His family included wife Gladys Sparrow Cobb, daughter Judith Cobb Mehle and son, Alton Parks Cobb, Jr. He has a granddaughter, grandson and a great grandson residing in the area.

 

Cobb is mostly known as a dedicated public servant during his time as mayor of the town of Battleboro from 1965 to 1984. His outstanding contributions include serving as Farm Extension Agent in Surry County, NC, as farm manager with M.C. Braswell Farms and also was a Battleboro Town Council member from 1956-1969. Cobb was a faithful member of Battleboro United Methodist Church serving in many capacities.

 

When he was forced to retire after permanently losing his sight, Mr. Cobb turned his attention to serving the town of Battleboro as its mayor for the next 15 years. Thus became an inspiration to many. During his tenure, Battleboro received the Governor’s Community of Excellence in 1980. It was said that the town truly missed his leadership after his death in 1984. Because of Mayor Cobb’s leadership, Battleboro became, as the town plates read, “A Nice Place to Live.”

Leadership Roles & Accomplishments:

  • Served as Mayor of Battleboro and on Town Council
  • Board of Edgecombe County
  • General Hospital Board of Trustees
  • Battleboro Community Volunteer Fire Department
  • Region L Council of Governments Board of Directors
  • North Carolina Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
  • Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award, 1967
  • Rocky Mount Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks
  • North Carolina Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, 1979
  • Twin County Cooperative Breeding Association Director, 1948, 1951
white male businessman