History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, 1884



J. R. Cochran Biography

J. R. Cochran, deceased, was among the first bankers of Erie City, Penn.; he was born in N.H. March 30, 1814, son of John and Mary (Butler) Cochran; his parents were both natives of N.H. He came himself in 1840 to Erie, where for a time he was engaged in the marble business; he afterward engaged in banking business in Erie City; he was a successful business man, of great energy and force of character, and was highly respected for his good morals and sound sense.

At his death he left many friends and but few, if any, enemies; he took a great interest in schools, and was Director of Erie Academy for many years.

For two terms he represented Erie County in the State Legislature, with honor to himself and credit to his constituents; he was in full sympathy with the Union cause in the late war, and after the battle at Gettysburg he left his business for the battle-field to take care of the wounded, to which many Erie soldiers can testify; he succeeded in accumulating a handsome fortune; his religious belief was with the Universalist Church; in politics was a Republican.

He was united in marriage, May 5, 1839, to Sophia Curtis, daughter of P. Curtis, and of English descent - an amiable, Christian lady. This union was blessed with a family of five children, all are now living, viz.: Vinne M., wife of Henry D. Young; Laura, wife of James Bliss; Ella M., at home; George R., in the West; and Clara E., at home. Mr. Cochran died in 1878 in Erie City, where his widow still resides.


Source: History of Erie County, Pennsylvania; City of Erie; Chicago; Warner, Beers & Co.; 1884












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