Cocke, Zitella, 1840-1929.

Zitella Cocke, author, teacher and musician was born on November 10, 1840, in Marion, Alabama, to a prominent family. Her father, Woodson St. George Cocke, was a planter and her mother, Mary Elizabeth (Binion) Cocke, was a Latin scholar, musician and linguist. Zitella was educated by her mother and private tutors before entering Judson Female Institute. She graduated Judson in 1856 with honors and traveled to Europe to study music. Zitella taught music at Judson Female Institute for many years. In April 1861, she took part in the presentation of the Confederate flag of the Marion Rifles, which took place on the lawn of Judson.

After her years teaching at Judson, Zitella relocated to Boston where she taught voice and piano while she wrote and published her poetry and short stories. Among her works are The Doric Reed, Cherokee Rose and Other Poems, and Grasshopper's Hop, as well as several short stories. Many of her poems include subjects of different aspects of life in Alabama. She was a staff member of the Youth's Companion and wrote for newspapers such as the Boston Transcript. Zitella received international fame throughout Europe and was honored with an election to become a member of the Author's Club in London, England. Though she resided for many years in Bosston, Mass., Zitella always thought of herself as an Alabamian and even refused an offer to have her name among New England's great women. Zitella died on Dec. 3, 1929, at the home of a niece in Gadsden, Ala. and was buried with her family in Marion, Ala.