Kit Carson County, Colorado
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Kit Carson County Pioneers:

Milen and Savannah Cochran, daughter Naomi (Cochran) and Loyd Harman, daughter Eva (Cochran) Armitage, son Clifford Cocran, 7 South 42 West


Milen was the son of James Cochran and Margery Grant. Robert was born October 5, 1802 in Washington County, Pennsylvania, marrying Margery in 1825 in Harrison County, Ohio, and died March 7, 1877 in Fayette County, Illinois.

In 1850 Fayette County, Illinois, Robert Cochran is farming, 48, Marjory 41, with Washington 27, Rebecca 25, Shipley 20, Wesley 19, James 17, Charlotte 14, Marjory 12, Mary Anne 6, Isabella 4, and Milan 2.

In 1860 Fayette County, Robt. is 51, M.E. 40, "Mila" 12, Windfield 10, W.H. 6, Isabell 13, Maggie 4, and five-month old Clara.
Milan Cochran married "Sarah Ann" Fitzpatrick on October 30, 1870 in Fayette County, Illinois.

In 1880 Madison County, Illinois, Milan Cochran is 32, a carpenter, with Savannah 28, Martha 8, Milan 4, May 1, and boarder William H. Cochran 23, a farm laborer.

In 1889 Milan Cochran of Cedarville, Kansas was granted an invalid pension.


Naomi's brother Clifford Virgil Cochran registered for WWI in Stratton, born November 8, 1898, a carpenter working for father M.N. Cochran of Stratton.


Savannnah 57 and Milen Cochran 62 were farming in Kit Carson County in 1910, with Robert 15, Eva I. 17 both born in Illinois, and Grover 23 born in Kansas.
In 1910 for work on bridge - Milon Cochran was paid $53, Grover Cochran $33, and J.K. Armitage $48.

Milen Cochran proved up two quarters in section 6, 6S 42W, Kit Carson County, in 1913. This is likely the older Milen...

It wouldn't be far from the claim of his brother James Cochran 1833-1916, who's buried in Goodland, Kansas. 1904 Goodland "James Cochran, of Wallace county, recently moved in a small frame building, located it in the northwest part of town and fitted it up for a dwelling. He bought the house of George Murray, who lives northwest of town."
Another brother Winfield Scott Cochran 1850-1926 is buried in Goodland.
1898 Goodland "Norman McColvey is herding for W.S. Cochran."
Orlie Cochran of Grant township is staying at A. Fender's and attending normal." (probably a school training conference.)

In 1920 Smith County, Kansas, Savannah 68 is living with Grover 31 and Robert J. 24. Ada Cody 30 is a telephone operator, divorced, with Thelma Cody 9.

In 1925 Smith County, Kansas, S. A. Cochran is 72, born in Indiana, coming to Kansas from Illinois. With her is Ada "Coda" 35 and Thelma 14, both born in Kansas.

Savannah Ann (Fitzpatrick) Cochran 1852-1940 is buried in Cedar, Smith County, Kansas, # 33217467. Milen 1848-1914 is also buried there, # 33217468.


MILEN (the son)

In 1880 Collinsville, Madison County, Illinois, John Bowden is a coal miner, 33, born in England, with Edna 35 born in Illinons. Maude 6 and Edna 2 were born in Illinois.

Milen N. Cochran married Maude Bowden on August 16, 1898 in St. Clair County, Illinois. (Maude's brother Ralph G. Bowden 1885-1917 is buried in Collinsville, Illinois. He was the son of Jno. Bowden of England and Edna Wichart - probably Edna Withers, who was in Madison County in 1870 with Richard and Edna Withers..) "Richard Withers, a blacksmith, and enterprising man, had, at one time, quite an extensive plow factory. "

April 15, 1879 - a tornado struck Collinsville, Illinois "A cluster of tenement houses owned.by Richard "Withers was badly damaged, but the occupants were unharmed."
Bond County, Illinois history includes "John Riley's present wife was Mrs. Elizabeth J. KINGSBURY, daughter of Richard WITHERS, of Collinsville, this State. Mr. WITHER's wife was Edna JOHNSON, her father being Mr. JOHNSON, one of the first settlers in Madison County. By his last wife Mr. RILEY has three children - Evaline S., Anna E. and John E.
"Mr. Warren McCaslin married, in 1887. Gussie A. Goad, a daughter of Wil- liam M. and Amanda J. Goad, who are now living, retired from agricul- tural pursuits, in Greenville. Mr. and Mrs. McCaslin have three daugh- ters and an adopted son, namely: Ruby B., wife of Ralph G. Bowden, of Collinsville, Illinois; Gladys A., deputy county clerk; Cora Pearl; and James Y. "
"Apr 14, 1917 - Ralph G. Bowden committted suicide on Tues night at 7:30, in front of his wife's home at 328A N Tenth St, by shooting himself. His wife had an application for a divorce, and he wanted a reconciliation. Had lived in Collinsville until two years ago when they moved to E St. Louis, IL. The funeral was held Sun at 2 pm at the home of his aunt, Mrs. J. W. Turner at 205 N Morrison Ave, interment at Glenwood Cemetery, Collinsville, IL. "

Another brother September 9, 1908 Edwardsville, Illinois "Miss Katherine Beatt., the pretty operator at the long distance board of the Central Union Exchange in Collinsville, and Walter Bowden, clerk at the Hustler Mer- will spend their honeymoon. On their return to Collinsville Mrs. Bowden will, for a time at least, resume her position at the exchange."
Walter had a daughter Urith Bowden Alexander 1910-1995 buried in Okmulgee, Oklahoma # 171453494.


Edna is widowed in 1900 Collinsville, born Feb 1845 in Illinois, a landlady. Edna B. is 21, Ralph 15,a nd Walter 13.

In 1900 Madison County, Illinois, Milan Cochran is a house carpenter. , born Oct 1874 in Illinois, married two years to Maude July 1873 Illinois, have Clifford November 1898.
On the same page in 1900 are Maude's mother Edna B. Bowden, widowed, with Edna B. 21, Ralph 15, and Walter 13. Also is Edna's mother Edna Withers born July 1813 in Kentucky, widowed.

In 1910 St. Clair County, Illinois, Milen M. is 35, Maud 35, Clifford V. 11, Edgar B. 9, Naomi I. 7, Eleanor M. 5, Dorotha M. 4, and Leslie M. 2, all born in Illinois.


One grand-daughter told us that Maude died about 1910, and is buried in Stratton.


Milen Newton Cochran registered for WWI in Kit Carson County, a carpenter, born October 17, 1875. His nearest relative was Savannah Cochran of "Ceder Smith Co Colorado." (Should be Cedar, Smith County, Kansas)

In 1930 Colorado Springs, Milen N. is widowed, 54, living with son Clifford V. 31 and Mattie A. 30. They have Clifford Jr. 6, Stewart G. 4, and Walter E. 3.

In 1940 Denver, Clifford is a warehouse manager for a lumber company, with Martha and the three sons. They all were in Alamosa Colorado in 1935. Milan is 69, divorced or widowed, born in Illinois. He was in Colorado Springs in 1935.

"Miles" N. Cochran died September, 1942, - thanks to the Denver Public Library.

September 7, 1942


ELEANOR

Eleanore Marie Cochran was born October 6, 1904 at Collinsville, Illinois to Milen N. Cochran and Elizabeth M. Bowden, dying November 1978.


In 1920 Kit Carson County, David O.Beahmis 40, with Ivah E. 37, both born in Kansas. Herschel is 17, Golda Mae 14, and Mildred eight months.

In 1930 Tillman County, Oklahoma, Herschel is 27, Eleanor 25 born in Illinois. Herschel J. 6 Kenneth 5, David 3 born in Kanss, Geraldine 1 in Oklahoma.

June 1936 Edwardsville, Illinois "Walter Bowden, West Frankfort, Miss Edna Bowden, Winslow, Ariz., and Mrs. Herschel Beahm of Grandfield, Okla., are visiting their cousins Misses Daisy and Margaret Turner."

They're in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1950 and in Denver in 1960.

Herschel O. Beahm had a small estate probate in Denver in 1962. The Denver Public Library obituary index has him in the Denver Post May 21, 1962, page 29.


Eleanor died in Arlington Virginia November 27, 1978, and was to be buried in Crown Hill, Denver.

Geraldine Marie Beahm Vosler, 81, died Aug. 30 in Lander. She was born Aug. 15, 1928, in Grandfield, Okla.
Geraldine, or "Jerry" was the fourth of six children born to Herschel O. Beahm and Eleanore Marie Cochran Beahm.
In 1937 she first moved to Colorado to live with her Aunt Golda Mae and Uncle E.G. "Gray" Spurlin and cousin "Bud" Spurlin because of her asthma. The Beahm family followed later and they settled in Derby, Colo., before moving to Cheyenne in 1943.
Jerry graduated from Cheyenne High School with the National Science and Scholarship Honor Award. She worked as a "soda jerk" at Rodell Drug Store, a cub reporter for the Cheyenne Tribune newspaper, and a Union Pacific time keeper. Jerry Beahm married Albert C. Vosler of Cheyenne in 1948. During her 48-year marriage to Albert Vosler she was not only a wife and mother, but also the bookkeeper for their construction company. They had 40 years in the construction business and the company was included in the Dunn and Bradstreet listing of American businesses.
Jerry was active in the First Christian Church from 1943 until her illness in May 2009. The church was her rock during her entire life. She served in countless volunteer positions such as teacher, prayer circle, meals to the home bound, Co-Pilots, Lydia Group and various committees. She also enjoyed the friendship of the Yak n Snack Club and Eastern Star. She was a 4-H leader and was active with the Laramie County Republican Party as an election judge for many years. Her generous spirit touched all who knew her. Family and friends frequently sought her out for guidance. Her intellect never faded.
She is survived by four children; Peggy Miller of Dubois, Ramona Pearson of Buffalo, Connie McRae of Lander and Kenneth Vosler of Cheyenne.
She had 15 grandchildren: Travis Pearson, Amanda Vosler, Ryan Miller, Megan Peterson, Jeff Pearson, Heidi Miller, Tony Barnes, Luke Vosler, Cara McRae, Kyle Miller, LuAnn Barnes, Christian Vosler, Katie Pearson, Mike McRae and Nina McRae. Also six great-grandchildren: Trey and Aiden Pearson, Faith and Josh Barnes, Maya and Cole Peterson. Her sister, Nancy Fiederer, also survives her. Jerry has numerous nieces, nephews, sister-in-laws, and brother-in-laws. She will be sorely missed.
She was preceded in death by husband, Albert C. Vosler; parents, H.O. and Eleanore Beahm; four brothers: H.O. (Tex) Beahm, Kenny Beahm, David Beahm, Jack Beahm; and in-laws, Floyd and Valborg Vosler.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First Christian Church, 27th and Carey, Cheyenne.
Pastor Kurt Borgaard and Pastor Cindy White will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church of Cheyenne.

CLIFFORD

In 1900 Furnas County, Nebraska, James Turman is farming born Januarune 1864 in Nebraska, with Clara Oct 1865 Illinois. Grace is 14, Katie 13, Roy 11, Ray 10, Lee 9, Fred 7, and Mattie A. born June 1899 in Nebraska.

James, Clara, Fred Mattie and Ethal V. 8 are in RFawlins COunty Kansas in 1910.
James 1863-1914 is buried in Haigler, Nebraska # 71761729, with Clara E. (Turner) Turman 1866-1922 # 71761700.

Clifford, per a daughter, was born about 1898, and died March 5, 1954, buried in Crown Hill, with Mattie (Truman) buried with hi, dyking November 12, 1981. Her parents were buried in Haigler, Nebraska.


Stuart Gene Cochran passed away November 22, 2012 in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on May 12, 1925 to Clifford V. and Mattie Ann (Turman) Cochran. He spent his early years growing up with his brothers Clifford, Jr. and Earle in Colorado Springs, Hooper and Alamosa. In 1937 the depression led the family to relocate in Denver, where he spent the next years excelling in school, sports and activities. Stuart was Head Boy at Denver West High School, President of the National Honor Society, President of the first All City Student Council, starting center on the football team. was named to the All City Baseball team in 1943, and met the love of his life Lorraine Forbes. After graduation, Stuart enlisted in the Merchant Marines, a division of the U.S. Coast Guard, and served his country for three years sailing on unarmed oil tankers, delivering aviation fuel to our troops and supporting the war effort throughout the Pacific theatre, Hawaii, Philippines, India, including a trip through Japan shortly after the conclusion of the war. Stuart married Lorraine prior to his final tour of duty, returned after the war to begin their life together, and also was greeted by the arrival of his new baby sister, Helen. Over the next six years two sons and two daughters completed the household, and the family moved to Lakewood in 1955. During these years Stu rose to General Manager of the Denver Milk Producers, and shared his love of baseball as a six year coach in the Lakewood Baseball Association, highlighted by a league championship team in 1963. In 1966 he transferred to corporate headquarters of Bruning Corporation, moving to Arlington Heights, Illinois, rising to Director of Administration for AM International over a twenty year career. Stuart was a great fan of the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies and the CU Buffs. In his later years he enjoyed the growth of his family with the addition of four grandchildren whom he adored, and who adored him. Stuart is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Lorraine, and children Linda (Rich) Winder, Gary (Ann) Cochran, Craig (Kaye) Cochran and Janet (Craig) Fairbairn, and grandchildren Colin, Caitlin, Tierney and Kevin. He is also survived by his brother Clifford Cochran, and sister Helen (Bill) Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews. Stuart was a loving husband, supportive father, adoring grandfather, and trusted friend to many. We loved him dearly and he will be missed beyond words. Services will be held in Colorado at a later date. Stuart was recently honored as a 50 year member of the Lakewood Masonic Lodge No. 170. The family suggests donations to the Shriner's Hospital for Children,2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60635.
Published in Denver Post on Dec. 23, 2012 -
GROVER

Grover 1887-1924 is buried in Smith County # 33217469. So is Martha Elnora Tulley, 1871-1961 # 33409192.

MARTHA

In 1900 Smith County, Martha E. Tulley born August 1871 in Illinois, married 7 years to Thomas O. Tulley 30. She's had three kids, two living. Harry April 1895 born in Kansas, Bessie February 1898 in Illinois.
Martha Elnora is with Thomas in Smith County in 1910-1920. In 1940 she's 68k, living with single son Harry Tulley 44.

Martha Elnora Tulley 1871-1961 # 33409192 and Thomas Oliver Tulley 1870-1929 are also buried in Cedar.

MARJORIE

Marjorie Belle (Cochran) Armitage 1881-1970 is buried in Colorado Springs # 33131166. "married October 29, 1908"

ADA

Ada Cochran, born about 1890, had married William J "Cocy" (Cody) on February 28, 1910 in Kit Carson County. She was with William in 1910 Smith County, and Ada Ethel Cody and William divorced in Kit Carson County in 1911.

She's in Smith County Kansas and 1920. In 1930 she's in Colorado Springs, as Ada E. Elliott, with daughter Thelma I. Cody 19.
She's a cook at an institution, divorced, 40, born in Illinois, with daughter Thelma Cody, 19, born in Colorado, no occupation. Ada Elliott, 50, is in Los Angeles in 1940, living with daughter Thelma Mahler, a stenographer, 29, married to Francis E. Mahler, 27, a hotel waiter. All three were in Colorado Springs in 1935.
Thelma Peebles, born August 11, 1910 in Kansas, died in Los Angeles County April 13, 1983, mother Cochran, father Cody.

Frances Mahler, a waiter, was divorced when he enlisted in the army in 1941.

Francis Joseph Mahler 1913-1996 is buried in Ontario California # 141795846

He's likely the son of Francis J. Mahler who divorced Alice E. Mahler in 1921 in El Paso County, Colorado.
1912 "Alice Black, a Colorado Springs girl, and F.A. Mohler were married in New Orleans Wednesday following their release from the parish jail. Mohler was recently convicted of passing worthless checks and was give a jail sentence. Miss Black might have gone free, it is said, but she preferred to stay with Mohler. A short time prior to their arrest in News Orleans they hade been in similar trouble in Connecticut, but escaped. Mohler came to Colorado Springs about a year ago from Pittsburg, Pa., and wond the girl's affections. When he returned east she followed him."



NAOMI

In 1920 Jackson County, Oregon, Loyd Harmanis 18, with Naomi I. 17, and two-month-old Golda. Brother Earl Harman 24 is with them.

In 1930 Yuma County, Loyd is widowed 28, Goldie M. 10, Alfred L. 8, Richard J. 6, and Marquita P. 1.

Loyd Harman 1901-1982 is buried in Loveland # 151644814, Married Esther L. Sass Nov 16, 1938.


Marquite Harman, age 11, born in Colorado, is living with grandmother Mathilda Harman 68 in 1940 Eaton, Colorado. Both were in Loveland, Colorado in 1935.

LESLIE
In 1930 Leslie is in Arkansas with Lola, and in 1940 in Stark County, Ohio with Lola 30 born in Oklahoma, with Darlene 9, born in Kansas.

Leslie Milan Cochran, born about 1908 in Belleville, Illinois, died May 15, 1990 in Colorado. Daughters were Norma Brown, Darlene Vetts, Dorothy Stevens, and Janice Edwards.
In 1930 Cowley County, Kansas, Norma M. Cochran is 3, Donald L. 1, both born in Kansas, with parents Richard B. Dye 27 and Lillie 23 born in Kansas.

All four are still in Arkansas City in 1940.

"Norma M. Brown, 88 formerly of Ponca City died Tuesday, May 5, 2015 in Guthrie, OK. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City. Pastor Mark Berry will officiate. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery. Norma was born June 19, 1926 to Leslie Milan Cochran and Lillie Marie (Brooks) Cochran in Arkansas City. Lillie married Richard B. Dye on April 9, 1930 who adopted and raised her. Norma attended…" Arkansas City High School, graduating in 1945. She also continued her education at Cowley County Junior College, Northern Oklahoma Junior College and Pioneer Vo-Tech in Ponca City.
On June 14, 1958 she married Sammie Clark Brown in Arkansas City where the couple made their home and moved to Ponca City in 1967. Norma was an accounts receivable clerk for Albertson Distribution Center. She was a member of Eastern Heights Christian Church in Ponca City.
She is survived by her daughters, Lynn Calder and husband, Mike of Macungie, PA, Robyn Fezer Coyle of Ponca City; son, Rex Brown and wife, Suzie of Guthrie, OK; grandchildren, Ashley Gorday and husband, Jack of Fairhope, AL, Chris Calder of Scranton, PA, Tyler Fezer and wife, Michele of Jenks, OK, Sgt. Mitchell Fezer and wife, Shanna of San Antonio, TX, Tate Fezer of Ponca City, OK, Sabre Johnson, Beth Smith and Wesley Freeman all of Guthrie, OK; great grandchildren, Grayson Gorday, AJ Gorday, Liam Calder Gorday, Christian Fezer, Connor Fezer, Bricen Duff, Jonah Duff, Katty Thompson, Clyde Freeman, Austin Fezer and Alex Fezer.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Lille Dye; husband, Sammie C. Brown and a brother, Donald Dye.





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