Col. Lemuel Cobb, the father of Andrew B., was born at his father's home near Parsippany, May isth 1762. He did not in early life enjoy even ordinary advantages for obtaining an education; but his thirst for practical knowledge and the indomitable energy of his character supplied the place of these facilities. It is said that he pursued the study of his profession (that of a civil engineer and surveyor) while attending a saw-mill. In thus surmounting the obstacles which were in the way of his early advancement he developed those qualities which fitted him for his subsequent successful career and which were inherited by his son. Prominent in military affairs and in politics he took lively interest in the development of the locality, was long one of the judges of the court, and filled other places of trust. He was thrice married. His first wife was Mary, daughter of Benjamin Smith, whose only surviving child, Elizabeth, became the wife of Benjamin Howell, of Troy. His second wife was Susan Farrand, daughter of Ebenezer Farrand, by whom he had six children, of whom two only survived him, Julia A., wife of W. C. H. Waddell, and Andrew B. His third wife was Elizabeth Shaw, by whom he had no children. He died April 1st 1830. He was a member of the board of proprietors of the eastern division of the State, and for many years the surveyor-general of that division. In the practice of his profession he availed himself of his opportunities for acquiring land, and he left an estate of more than ten thousand acres5618