Cochrane, William (1793-1887)

COCHRANE

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 12/8/2016 at 23:49:24

The Advocate-Tribune newspaper, Indianola, Iowa, Thursday, December 30, 1886, p.6

A GATHERING OF THE PATRIARCHS
Mine host, A. P. Keeney, of the Madison House, the oldest landlord in Indianola, had a remarkable gathering at this popular hostelry on Christmas day. He invited all the prominent old widowers of this vicinity to eat a Christmas dinner with him. The patriarchal flock that answered the summons were a most interesting group of time-worn veterans.

WILLIAM COCHRANE, the next on the list, follows closely in age. He was born in Berkely county, Virginia (now West Virginia), May 2, 1793, and will be 94 years old next May. He came to Iowa about the close of the war [Civil War], or some 22 years ago, settling in the north-eastern part of the county, where he had a pottery for a number of years. Feeling that his Master was entitled to his more active service than this business permitted, he quit it and for a number of years went around from house to house distributing the gospel and other religious works. A number of years ago his failing strength was no longer sufficient for active duty as a colporter and he retired. A few years ago, however, he went to Dakota, preempted a homestead, made the necessary improvements, lived there the prescribed time and perfected his title to his claim. For a number of years he had made his home with his son, Joseph. His figure is well known on our streets; he is a highly respected citizen. His eyesight is fairly good, he writes a legible hand and walks with a slightly unsteady tread. But oh, how many men in the prime of life and all the pride and glory of their strength have been cut down, while he has tottered on, as it were on the very verge of the grave.