Early Republic of Texas
Under the early constitutions, the county judge was known as the chief justice and was appointed to a four-year term by the Congress of the Republic of Texas.
Cochran County Judges
Select a name to view the available biographical and historical information.
County Judge
Richard T. Campbell
County Judge
J. D. Caldwell
County Judge
Jesse Reed Bond
County Judge
Jerry Lee Winder
County Judge
George A. Graham
County Judge
Lucien L. Price
County Judge
R. C. Strickland
County Judge
Glenn W. Thompson
County Judge
E. Fredrick Stockdale
County Judge
J. A. Love
County Judge
Dan E. Keith
County Judge
Robert J. Yeary
County Judge
James St. Clair
County Judge
Billy D. Carter
County Judge
Pat Sabala Henry
History of the County Judge's Office
The development of the office under the constitutions of Texas.
The Office Becomes Elective
In 1841, the office of chief justice became elective. Under the Texas constitutions of 1845 and 1861, the term of office was shortened to two years.
The County Judge Title
Under the Constitution of 1866, the title of chief justice was changed to county judge, and the term of office was again set at four years.
Abolishment and Reestablishment
The office was abolished under the Constitution of 1869. It was reestablished by the Constitution of 1876 as an elective office with a two-year term.
The Modern Four-Year Term
In 1954, a constitutional amendment increased the term of office from two years to four years.
Responsibilities of the County Judge
The county judge serves as both the presiding officer of the commissioners court and the judge of the county court. The judge's duties vary according to the population of the county. Judges serving rural counties, such as Cochran County, generally have broader judicial responsibilities.
Sources and Contributions
Sources: Texas State Historical Association and Texas Association of Counties .
If you know of a county judge who is not listed, or if you have photographs, maps, documents, corrections, or stories you would like to share, please email me .