Robert M. Cochran
Robert M. Cochran was born May 1, 1846, at Manchester, Ohio. His father was Robert A. Cochran and his mother's maiden name was Elvira Bailey, daughter of John Bailey, of Winchester, Ohio. His father was a native of Adams County, Pennsylvania. They were married at Winchester, Ohio. They had twelve children, of whom Robert M. was the sixth. Our subject went to school at Belfast, Highland County, Ohio, his parents having moved there in 1848. His father was a cabinet maker and be followed that trade in Manchester, with L. L. Conner. Our subject lived in Belfast until 1861. In 1859, he began to learn the blacksmith trade with George Sailor, of Highland County. He continued that until June 24, 1861, when he enlisted in Company I, 24th Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a period of three years as a private. He was appointed Corporal, May 9, 1862. He was afterwards appointed Sergeant, September 19, 1863, he was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga in the right ankle and was laid up for six months. This wound produced tendo achilles and anchylosis. He was wounded in the shoulder at Stone River by a spent buckshot. He was in all the engagements and battles during the time of his service. He was discharged June 23, 1864, by reason of expiration of term of service. He enlisted as a Private of Company H. 175th Ohio Regiment, for one year's service, on September 27, 1864. He was mustered out with the Company, June 27, 1865. He was with this regiment at the battle of Franklin, and after the war he traveled for the Franklin Nursery at Loveland, Ohio, and was engaged in that until 1872. He traveled in Virginia and in Meigs, Lawrence, Gallia and Vinton Counties, in Ohio.
He was married March, 1, 1870, to Miss Madeline Oliver, daughter of John Oliver, of Adams County, and located at Dunbarton, Ohio, where he resided until 1880. In 1872, he began to farm two miles east of Peebles and has carried on a farm there ever since. On the first of October, 1897, he was appointed Postmaster at Peebles, Ohio.
He then removed to Peebles and he has resided there ever since. He has one child, a son, Edwin, who married Miss Jessie Budd and resides on the farm near Peebles, where he resided prior to his removal to the village. He was Census Enumerator in 1890, but has held no other public offices than above mentioned. He has always been a Republican and believes in that faith and is an active member of that party.
He is a citizen of high character and an efficient public officer.
From History of Adams County, Ohio from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time - by Nelson W. Evans and Emmons B. Stivers - West Union, Ohio - Published by E. B. Stivers - 1900