COCHRAN, ROBERT

The Cochran family of Minto. Robert Cochran, the oldest of the family, was b. in Co. Cavan, Ire., in 1827, and came to Canada with his brother James Cochran, and sister, in 1849.

They settled first in Peel Co., where Robert Cochran put up a saw-mill, which he ran successfully for some years. James, who was only ten years of age, worked first for his board and clothes, and later at $2 per month, his wages being finally raised to $4 per month. He drove a team on construction work on the G.T.R., and later drew the cedar posts for fencing the right of way.

Robert came up to Minto in 1857, and purchased 167 acres on the town line, con. 18. Mr. Ogram, who set. about the same time on the Normanby side, was the only settler in this section.. There were no roads or clearings at this time; Mt. Forest was but a hamlet.

Two years later, James Cochran came up to Minto, and shortly after coming bought lot 27, con. 18, from Matthew Burnett, for $700, paying $80 in cash, and the balance on time at 10 per cent. int. He m. Ann Beamish of Normanby, and here they started to carve out their fortune from the bush.

From this small beginning he has become one of the most successful and influential citizens in the township, owning 215 acres of well cultivated land in the homestead farm, besides starting his family in life.

He makes a specialty of thoroughbred and Durham grade cattle, Oxforddown and Leicester sheep, of which he raises the best in their respective lines. He is a member of the L. 0. L., and a Methodist; in politics a Conservative. Issue: William J., George A., Robert W, Richard B. and Joseph, who are large farmers in Man., each owning 320 acres; Mrs. Robert Witherow, Mrs. William Nichol, Man.; Francis S., in Normanby; Mrs. John Noble, Mrs. Ralph Noble, both Grey Co.; Thomas H. and Harvey S., on the home farm.