George Cochran, one of the substantial and valued farmers of Walla Walla county, living on section 27, township 8 north, range 37 east, was born December 2, 1873, in the township where he still makes his home, his parents being James W. and Cynthia A. (Angel) Cochran, both of whom were natives of Missouri, where they were reared and married. In 1864 they determined to try their fortune in the west and made their way to Walla Walla county, Washington, crossing the plains with ox teams in a wagon train of forty wagons. While en route they endured all the hardships and privations incident to the trip and after coming to this state they experienced all those things which constitute features in pioneer life. They took up their abode on Russell creek but in 1866 or 1867 removed to the Willamette valley of Oregon, where they remained until called to their final rest. The father died December 8, 1915, having for a considerable period survived his wife, who passed away May 9, 1904.
GEORGE COCHRAN
MRS. GEORGE COCHRAN
George Cochran was reared at home, acquiring his education in the public schools, and after his textbooks were put aside he continued to work upon the homestead farm, being thus engaged up to the time of his marriage, which occurred November 10, 1901, Miss Grace W. Meiners, a daughter of Martin Meiners, becoming his wife. Her father removed to this county from Illinois in 1882 or 1883 and is now living retired in the city of Walla Walla. The old homestead farm of the Cochran family was deeded to George Cochran and his two brothers some years before the marriage of the former and upon that event was taken over entirely by George Cochran, who purchased the interests of his brothers in the place. He has since owned this property, comprising two hundred and eighty-five acres of rich and arable land. He has brought his fields to a high state of cultivation and annually gathers large crops. He raises the cereals best adapted to climatic conditions here and he studies the needs of the soil, keeping his land at all times in good condition by the judicious use of fertilizer and by the rotation of crops.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cochran have been born six children, of whom five survive, namely, Cynthia W., Kay M., Ena G., Ira J. and George Allen. In religious faith Mrs. Cochran is a Lutheran. Mr. Cochran belongs to Welcome Lodge, No. 117, I. O. O. F., of Dixie. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party, and while he has never sought nor desired office he has served as a member of the school board and loyally defends all those interests and activities which he believes will prove of benefit to the community. As a business man he is thoroughly progressive and reliable and wherever he is known he is spoken of in terms of warm regard.