A. W. Cochran, sec. 4; P. 0., New Salem; was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1815; his father, James, a native of Ireland, was in the war of the Revolution, and present at St. Chair’s defeat. His mother, Elizabeth, was a native of Germany. Our subject came to this county in 1865. In 1851 he married Miss Rebecca Cornwell, born in 1825, and they had 10 children; only 5 of these are living. Mr. C. has followed butchering, and of late, farming and trading on the Mississippi river. He has held the office of School Director for the remarkably long period of 44 years, and in Ohio was School Treasurer. During the war he supported 13 families while the husbands and fathers served in the field. Mr. Cochran had an exciting experience in Ohio during the war, which we relate. While he was electioneering for McClellan, a man who was both preacher and doctor, accompanied by 8 soldiers, came to Mr. C. and threatened to hang him; but when the soldiers learned that Mr. C. was supporting 13 soldiers families they released him and were about to hang the reverend doctor, when they were dissuaded by the kindly feeling of Mr. Cochran.

History of Pike County Chapman & Co. 1880 (People/ Towns / Religion/ )