We have assembled these notes about Robert Cochran and Letitia Reed as part of our research of potential collateral Cochran lines of Nancy Cochran, spouse of Isaiah Pickett [1]. The 1850 census reports that Robert Cochran was born in Pennsylvania. Based on his reported birth in Pennsylvania and reports of other researchers, it is very plausible that Robert was a son of Stephen Cochran whose will was date September 3, 1790 in West Fallowfield, Chester County, Pennsylvania, naming Robert as a son under age 21. However, the places of residence of this Robert Cochran are near other Cochran descendants of Thomas Cochran of Mecklenburg County. Thomas Cochran of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina also had a son Robert of about the right age to match the spouse of Letitia Reed. [2] We seek further evidence about the ancestry of Robert Cochran spouse of Letitia Reed.
Robert Cochran, spouse of Letitia Reed, lived in Lincoln and Rutherford County, North Carolina by 1791. We have found no evidence of a relationship or any interaction between the family of Robert Cochran and Letitia Reed with the Cochran family that we are following.
A biosketch reported:
Robert Cochran, born between 1768 and 1771, in Pennsylvania. Robert married Letitia Reed in 1791, in Lincoln County, North Carolina, and they had four sons - John, Reid, William K., and Robert Jr.; and three daughters - Frances (Norvill), Mary (Guffy), and Nancy S. (Moore). Robert and Letitia established a prosperous plantation in Rutherford County, North Carolina. In his will, Robert left his wife the "mansion" and three slaves (Andrew, Mary, and their daughter Lucinda), in addition to the furniture, tools, and horses; and left three other slaves (Priscilla, Adaline, and Elizabeth) to his daughters. Robert's will was written August 04, 1848. He passed away July 8, 1851.
[http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/5801399/person/-1392075883/story/283cc7e1-3ae8-4058-b355-7a2620c59400]
1767 John Guffy was granted 246 acres on both sides of the north fork of Camp Creek. This is where Robert Cochran, spouse of Letitia Reed, lived in 1850. [3]
1768 Robert Cochran was born at this time, according to his 1851 tombstone. [4]
1791 Robert Cochren and Letitia Reed applied for a marriage license on November 8, 1791, in Lincoln County, North Carolina. Robert Cochren and John Read posted bond. There were signatures for Robert Dickson, Robert Cochren, and John Reed. [5] [6]
1791 Robert Cochren and Leteetia Reed were married on November 8, 1791, in Tryon and Lincoln County, North Carolina. [7] [8]
1824 Robert Cockran Jr. and Pamela Norvill were married on January 14, 1824, in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Wyley J. Norvill was bondsman. Witnessed by T.F. Birchett, D.C. [9] [10]
1825 An inventory of the estate of John Reed, deceased, was filed in court by Robert Cochran one of the executors of said deceased. Bulletin of the Genealogical Society of Old Tryon County, August 2005, page 130.
1830 Robert Cockran Junior lived in Rutherford County, North Carolina in a household with free white males: 1 (20 thru 29); and free white females: 1 (20 thru 29); and 1 slave. [11]
1831-33 The estate of Robert Cochran Jr was administered by Robert Cochran and Pamela Cochran. The legatees named were nearly the same as the legatees of the estate of Robert Cochran, who died in 1851. Perhaps Robert Senr had a son named Robert Junr, spouse of Pamela. Perhaps Robert Cochran Senr and widow Pamela were administrators for thestate of Robert Cochran Jr.
1831 Robert and Pamela Cochran, administrators for the estate of Robert Cochran, deceased, presented an inventory dated August 6 at the Rutherford County court. [12]
1833 Robert and Pamela Cochran, administrators for the estate of Robert Cochran Jr, deceased, made final settlement of the estate at the Rutherford court in April. The estate was divided with one third for the widow (unnamed), and the rest divided among 8 legatees: Martha Guffy's children, Rebecca Longs children, John Cockran, Fanny Norvill, William Cochran, Ried Cochran, Mary Cochran, and Nancy Moore. [13]
1834 Robert Cochran sold 106 acres of land to William K Cochran. The land was on the east side of Little Camp Creek in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Dated August 24. [14]
1837 James Guffey was granted land on waters of Little Camp Creek. [15]
1838 Mary Cochran and James F Guffey were married on May 2, 1838, in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Cornelius Clements was bondsman. The 1850 census listing for Robert Cochran suggests that this might be the marriage of his daughter Mary (born about 1806). [16] [17] [18]
1843 Mary Cochran and Robert E Guffey were married on December 13, 1843, in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Robert Cochran was bondsman. The 1850 census suggests that this Mary was born about 1822, so she was likely a different person from the daughter of Robert. [19] [20]
1850 Robert Cochran (age 79, born in Pennsylvania) lived in Camp Creek, Rutherford County, North Carolina, in a household with Letitia Cochran (age 78), Mary Guffy (age 45), and Martha Guffy (age 25). Robert Cochran was a farmer. [21] Nearby listings included Wm Cochran and J H Reed.
1850 Mary Guffy (age 28, born in North Carolina) lived in McDowell County, North Carolina, in a household with Robert E Guffy (30), and Frances D Cochrun (15). [22]
1851 Robert Cochran died on July 8 at age 83 and was buried at Brittain Cemetery, Rutherford County, North Carolina. [23] [24]
1851 The will of Robert Cochran, of Rutherford County, North Carolina, (typed copy) was dated August 4, 1849. [25] [26] [27]
Robert Cochran, 4 Aug. 1848, Spring Ct. 1851. Wife, Letitia plantation whereon I live including mansion, house, furniture, tools, Negro man Andrew and Negro woman Mary & her child Lucindah, 2 horses. Son, Reid Cochran, trustee to manage and take care of all property of his mother's. Sons Wm. K. & Reid Cochran to divide Negroes at death of my wife. Plantation at her death to go to son Reid. Grandsons Benjamin, Joseph, John & George Cochran, sons of Sarah Cochran, widow of John Cochran, dec'd. 50 a. where said. Sarah Cochran now lives, she's to have use of said Land during her widowhood. Daughter, Francis Norvill, my Negro Priscilla; daughter Mary Guffy my Negro Adaline. Grandau. Martha L. Guffy my Negro Elizabeth, two beds & furn. and a horse, saddle & bridle worth $50. Grandchildren Geo. W. Guffy, Cynthia R. Guffy, Robert N. Guffy & Elizabeth E. Guffy $25 each. Daughter, Nancy S. Moore $1 having received her share. Grandchildren, the children of Rebecca Long, $25 each. (no names stated) Extrs: son Reid Cochran & George W. Logan. Wit: A.B. Long, William Long.
1851 The account of the estate of Robert Cochran was recorded by Reed Cochran and George W. Logan. Notes named Robert E Guffy, Joseph Parker, and G.W. Logan. Other names: Martha C Guffy, W.K. Cochran, Wm Kochran, A.B. Long, and others. Purchasers of items included William K Cochran, Wm Cochran, Wm Allen, and John A Guffy, among others.[28] [29]
1857 The estate sale for Littia Cockran was recorded on December 25 by W.J. Novel. Purchases were made by Guffy family members, W.K. Cochran, Sarah Cochran (bible), and Benjamin Cochran, among others. [30] The settlement was dated August 27, 1869. [31] The estate sale for Letitia Cochran listed sales to Wm K Cochran, John A Guffy, G. S. Norville, Sarah Cochran (bible), among others. W. J. Norvill, administrator. [32] [33]
Notes about the family of Thomas Cochran of Mecklenburg are shown below. Some of these notes might belong above with the family of Robert Cochran and Letitia Reed. It is difficult to distinguish these families:
1779 Lincoln and Rutherford Counties were formed from Tryon County, which was formed from the western part of Mecklenburg County in 1768.
1786 Thomas Cochran wrote his will in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, dated March 14. The will named wife Sarah and son Thomas. Lands of 150 acres, 65 acres adjoining, and 200 acres on Twelve Mile Creek were listed. Four youngest sons Eleazor, John, William, and Robert (under age 21) were named. A negro wench named Chloe was mentioned. Sons Thomas and James were named. James could inherit clothing "if he comes or sends for them within two years" after Thomas' decease. Daughter Jean, wife of Andrew Rea was named. Wife Sarah, son Eleazor and John McCorkel(?) were named executors. Witnessed by John Osburn, William Huston, and William Dorber. Son Ealez'r Cohren acknowledged receipt of 130 pounds from the will dated July 23, 1791. [34] [35] [36][37] [38] [39]
Two of Thomas's sons had land near Camp Creek in Rutherford County, North Carolina, where Robert lived in 1850. Twelve Mile Creek is southeast of Charlotte (now Union County). Little Camp Creek and Richardsons Creek are further west in Rutherford County. However, the language in one deed suggests that the two creeks were near each other, so perhaps the names have changed. We seek clarification about the location of these properties.
1775 James Cockerham was granted 200 acres on Stewards fork of Richardsons Creek joining Henry Hagot on the Waggon Road in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. [40]
1780 Thomas Coughran was granted 200 acres by the state of North Carolina, dated March 24. The land was on both sides of Jacks branch, a branch of Twelve Mile Creek, starting on the bank of the camp branch. [41]
1798 Thomas Cochran Sen and wife Sarah sold 200 acres of land on a branch of 12 Mile Creek to their son Eliaser Cochran on July 23. The land was adjacent to Camp branch creek. [42]
1800 Robert Cochran lived in Salisbury, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina in a household with males: 1 (under 10) and 1 (26 thru 44); and females: 1 (16 thru 25). [43]
1802 William Elliott sold land to Robert Cochran, both of Rutherford County, North Carolina, on January 11, 1802. The 121 acre tract was on a branch of Second Broad River by Craig's line and Captain Abraham Enlou's corner. Witnessed by F Walker and Achabald Feming. [44] [45]
1803 John Cochran, of Greenville County, South Carolina, granted power of attorney to brother Robert Cochran, of Rutherford County, North Carolina, regarding his father's estate, in the county of Lincoln. Dated September 1. [46]
1803 Robert Cochran was granted 5 acres of land in Rutherford County on the west side of second Broad River long branch, joining James Logan and Frances Logan and his own old survey. Dated December 16. [47] [48]
1805 Robert Cochran patented land in Rutherford County, on the Broad River, adjacent to James and Frances Logan. [https://www.ancestry.com/media/viewer/viewer/bcb9c3c8-300d-4e06-bbea-30526949c833/23131580/1361083443]
1806 The February quarter session court of Mecklenburg County named Moses Cockran, Thomas Cochran junior, and Robert Cochran as residents for duty. [49]
1810 Robert Cochran lived in Rutherford County, North Carolina in a household with free white males: 4 (under 10), 1 (10 thru 15), and 1 (26 thru 44); and free white females: 2 (under 10), 2 (10 thru 15), 1 (16 thru 25), and 1 (26 thru 44); and 2 slaves. [50]
1813 Robert Cochran, of Rutherford County, purchased land from William Tate, of Buck County. The 200 acre tract was on Little Camp Creek, adjacent to Smarts corner, Clatons line, his own line, Angess Newsis line. Michael Tanner lived on the tract, which was granted by patent to Moses McCarly in 1768. Dated January 14. [51]
1814 James Pickett Jr, Charles Pickett, and Robert Cockran witnessed the will of Thomas Stark in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Dated October 4. [52]
1814 Robert Cockrum was listed on the Muster Rolls, Third Reg, Mr, Rutherford County. [53]
1819 Robert Cokrin was granted 20 acres on 12 Mile Creek adjacent to lands of William Redford, John Thompson, John McCreny and William Houston. [54]
1820 Robert Cochhorn lived in Rutherford County, North Carolina in a household with free white males: 1 (10 thru 15), 1 (16 thru 18), 2 (16 thru 25), and 1 (45 and over); and free white females: 1 (10 thru 15), 1 (16 thru 25), and 1 (45 and over); and 3 slaves. [55] Philip Hinson Jr, Philip Hinson Sr, Thomas Henson, William Read, John Guffee, and James Guffee Sr were listed nearby. John Cochran was listed in the previous page.
1830 Robert Cockran lived in Rutherford County, North Carolina in a household with males: 1 (60 thru 69); and females: 1 (5 thru 9), 2 (20 thru 29), and 1 (50 thru 59). [56] John, Reed, and William Cochran were listed alphabetically, in the census in Rutherford County.
1834 Reed Cochran sold 100 acres of land to William Cochran. The land was on Little Camp Creek in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Witnessed by John Cochran. Dated May 23. [57]
1840 Robt Cochran lived in Rutherford County, North Carolina in a household with free white males: 1 (70 thru 79); and free white females: 1 (15 thru 19) and 1 (50 thru 59); and 15 slaves. [58] Nearby listings included Wm Cochran, and Henry Cochran, Geo M Reed, Jno Guffey Sr, Jno Guffey Jr.
Research Notes:
Robert Cochran was buried in Brittain Cemetery, which is near Camp Creek. Despite the different ages reported in 1850 and at his death in 1851, this is plausibly the same Robert Cochran.
1815 Robert Cochran, of Rutherford County, North Carolina, sold land to W'm Tate. Dated February 30. [59]
1863 The estate sale for Benjamin Cockran was recorded on December 17 by R.E. Guffy. Purchases were made by George Cochran, among others. [60] [61] [62]
1863 The estate sale for Joseph M Cockran was recorded on March 9 by R.E. Guffy. [63]
1873 The estate of Joseph M. Cochran was administered by R.E. Guffy, in Rutherford County, North Carolina. [64] [65]
1874 The settlement of the estate of Henry Cochran was recorded in Rutherford County, North Carolina. [66]
Robert Cochran in other counties:
1797 Robert Cochran surveyed 640 acres of land on Big Creek, Cumberland County, North Carolina, on October 30, 1797. The survey reported that Atkins and McAlpen's land was adjacent. [67] Another document indicated the land was adjacent to his own land. There may have been more than one tract. [68]
1806 Robert Cochran, of Rowan County, North Carolina, dated his will of November 6. [69]
The following biosketch might conflate this Robert Cochran, spouse of Letitia Reed, with Robert, son of John Cochran and Rebecca Lindsay [70] We have found no evidence that Robert, son of John Cochran and Rebecca Lindsay, was a spouse of Letitia Reed. We seek further evidence to clarify these potential relationships.:
Robert's mother was Rebecca Lindsay. Robert married Letitia Reed on November 8, 1791. She was the daughter of John Reed.
Robert and Letitia reared a family of eight children. The children are: (1) Martha Little (Patsy) believed named for her maternal grandmother. Martha was born in 1792 and married A.R. Guffey. She passed away on November 26, 1823. She and her husband are buried in Brittain Church yard. (2) Rebecca Lindsay born April 22, 1795 probably named for her paternal grandmother. She married a Long. (3) John was born February 13, 1796 and died on September 20, 1842. He married Sarah Johnson on January 27, 1818. He lived a few hundred yards west of his father's home. (4) Frances born December 2, 1797 married a Norville. (5) William Kerr born June 11, 1803 married Jane L. Allen on June 24, 1828. He died on September 8, 1862. (6) Reid was born on September 18, 1805. He married Mary Allen on September 7, 1826. Believed to have lived on Cane Creek in McDowell County. He left North Carolina and headed for points west in 1859. (7) Ninian was born October 24, 1807. He is the seventh Ninian in this line of the family. Of all other lines, not one has a Ninian. (8) Nancy L. was born October 7, 1809. She married Tilemus Moore. On the 1850 Census, she was shown living in Macon County.
Robert and Letitia lived on 300 acres in the Westminster Community which they purchased in 1817. The 300 acres lies between Brittain Presbyterian Church and Pisgah United Methodist Church.
Robert passed away July 8, 1851 and was laid to rest in the Brittain Presbyterian Church yard. [71]
[1] Janet and Robert Wolfe, Genealogy Page for Nancy Cochran, spouse of Isaiah Pickett, ancestors of Robert Wolfe, [JRWolfeGenealogy].
[2] Janet and Robert Wolfe, Genealogy Page for Thomas Cockerham of Mecklenburg County, [JRWolfeGenealogy].
[3] North Carolina, Land Grant Files, [AncestryRecord].
[4] North Carolina Digital Collections, Rutherford County Cemetery Survey Records, [URL].
[5] North Carolina Marriage Records, [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[6] North Carolina, Index to Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868, [AncestryRecord].
[7] North Carolina Marriage Records, [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[8] North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979 , [FamilySearchImage], [FamilySearchRecord].
[9] Brent H. Holcomb, Rutherford County, North Carolina, Marriages, 1779-1868 (1986), [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[10] North Carolina Marriage Records, [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[11] United States Federal Census, 1830, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[12] North Carolina Probate Records, 1735-1970, Rutherford, Record of Estates, 23, [FamilySearchImage].
[13] North Carolina Probate Records, 1735-1970, Rutherford, Record of Estates, 88, [FamilySearchImage].
[14] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Deed 40-215, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[15] North Carolina, Land Grant Files, [AncestryRecord].
[16] North Carolina Marriage Records, [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[17] North Carolina Marriage Records, [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[18] Rutherford County, North Carolina, U.S., Marriages, 1779-1868, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[19] Brent H. Holcomb, Rutherford County, North Carolina, Marriages, 1779-1868 (1986), [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[20] North Carolina Marriage Records, [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[21] United States Federal Census, 1850, [AncestryRecord].
[22] United States Federal Census, 1850, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[23] Find A Grave Memorial 12894378, [FindAGrave].
[24] Find A Grave Memorial at Ancestry.com, [AncestryRecord].
[25] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Probate record Will E-270, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[26] North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, [AncestryRecord].
[27] North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, copy of will in a folder, [AncestryImage].
[28] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Probate record Estate C-434, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[29] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Probate record Estate C-434, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[30] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Probate record Estate D-316, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[31] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Probate record Settlement A-14, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[32] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Probate record Estate D-316, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[33] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Estate Folders, [FamilySearchImage].
[34] North Carolina County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions (Mecklenburg County), Wills, 1749-1869, Original will of Thomas Cochran with acknowledgement of Eleazor, image 483, [FamilySearchImage].
[35] Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Wills 1763-1930, A-190, 1786 will of Thomas Cochran, [FamilySearchImage], [FSCatalog].
[36] North Carolina Probate Records, 1735-1970, A-190, [FamilySearchImage].
[37] Brent H Holcomb, Mecklenburg County North Carolina, Abstracts of Early Wills, 15, [URL].
[38] North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, [AncestryRecord].
[39] North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, [AncestryRecord].
[40] North Carolina, Land Grant Files, [AncestryRecord].
[41] Record of deeds, (Mecklenburg County, North Carolina) 1755-1959; index to deeds, 1763-1955, 12-720, see also 12-721 to Tran Cockran?, [FamilySearchImage].
[42] Record of deeds, (Mecklenburg County, North Carolina) 1755-1959; index to deeds, 1763-1955, 16-29, [FamilySearchImage].
[43] United States Federal Census, 1800, [AncestryRecord].
[44] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Deed 20-57, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[45] William B Bynum et al. "Robert Cochran and Descendants," The Heritage of Rutherford County, North Carolina, Volume 1 (1984), 161.
[46] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Will Book C-116, [FamilySearchImage].
[47] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Deed 22-340, number 322, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[48] Henry Mouzon, An accurate map of North and South Carolina (London, Printed for Robt. Sayer and J: Bennett, 1775), [LibraryOfCongress Map], [LibraryOfCongress].
[49] North Carolina, Mecklenburg County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, image 514, [FamilySearchImage].
[50] United States Federal Census, 1810, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[51] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Deed 28-302, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[52] North Carolina Probate Records, 1735-1970, Rutherford, Will C-120, [FamilySearchImage].
[53] North Carolina, Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1790-1890, [AncestryRecord].
[54] North Carolina, Land Grant Files, [AncestryRecord].
[55] United States Federal Census, 1820, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[56] United States Federal Census, 1830, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[57] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Deed 40-320, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[58] United States Federal Census, 1840, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[59] Broken:https://www.ancestry.com/media/viewer/viewer/ebd6cad4-222c-40c2-86d6-c0fffdada969/23131580/1361083443.
[60] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Probate record Estate D-803, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[61] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Probate record Settlement A-12, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[62] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Estate Folders, [FamilySearchImage].
[63] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Probate record Estate D-813, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[64] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Settlements A-58, [FamilySearchImage].
[65] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Estate Folders, Joseph M Cochran, [FamilySearchImage].
[66] Rutherford County, North Carolina, Settlements A-65, [FamilySearchImage].
[67] North Carolina, Land Grant Files, [AncestryImage].
[68] North Carolina, Land Grant Files, [AncestryImage].
[69] Rowan County, North Carolina Will G-49, [FamilySearchImage].
[70] Janet and Robert Wolfe, Genealogy Page for Robert, son of John Cochran and Rebecca Lindsay, [JRWolfeGenealogy].
[71] Broken:https://www.ancestry.com/media/viewer/viewer/c770c654-13f6-4303-9562-b65ac7fbe7f7/19718340/842976915.