In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1867, Grand River township
From History of Madison County, Iowa, and its people (1915)
J. H. COCHRAN.
Among the retired farmers of Winterset is J. H. Cochran, who is a native of this county, born in Grand River township on the 2d of November, 1867, a son of Wesley and Elizabeth (Hamlin) Cochran, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Cochran of this review was reared upon the homestead in Grand River township and entered the public schools there at the usual age. He also attended school at Macksburg and took a commercial course at Drake University, thus fitting himself to manage his business affairs efficiently. His father, who was an extensive landowner, gave him a farm and he began his independent career as an agriculturist. He now owns two hundred acres of land in Monroe township and eighty acres in Grand River township, while his wife also holds title to eighty acres in Monroe township. While actively engaged in farming he received a good annual income from his labors, as he planned his work well, j)wanted his crops in good season and saw that everything about the place was kept in good condition. Four years ago he retired from the cares of active life and is now living at his leisure in Winterset.
Mr. Cochran married Miss Estelle Polk, a native of Indiana, born in 1871. A sketch of her father, Charles Polk, is found elsewhere in this work. Mr. Cochran is a republican and has served acceptably as clerk of Monroe township. His wife is a member of the Congregational church and he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Winterset. He is a representative of a family that has for many years been influential in the advancement of the agricultural interests of the county and he has added to the respect in which the name of Cochran is held. His home, on West Washington street, is known for its generous-hearted hospitality and both he and his wife have many loyal personal friends.
As printed in History of Madison County, Iowa, and its people (1915). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Named in this biography: Charles Polk (b. 1838)
The printed record stops around 1915. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.