Cobb, Howell (1815–1868), a United States political leader. He was born in Cherry Hill, Georgia. Cobb was a congressman, 1843–51, and was elected speaker in 1849. He was governor of Georgia, 1851–53. Cobb was named secretary of the treasury by President Buchanan in 1857. Although he had opposed secession, Cobb became president of the constitutional convention that formed the Confederate States of America in 1861. He served in the Confederate army, reaching the rank of major general.