Hugh M. Cochran, oldest resident of Morgan County, Ohio, oldest Mason in Ohio; died September 18, 1922, had he lived until December 9th, he would have been 97 years old. He was born at Zanesville, Ohio, December 9, 1925, son of John L. and Mary C. Cochran, who came from Scotland and were early settlers. His father was engaged in the tobacco business at Zanesville.
John Lowrey Cochran, a brother, came to McConnelsville in 1837. Later Hugh came and continued in his brother’s employ until 1850, making cigars and plug tobacco. From 1885 till 1892, he was interested in business at Zanesville and Rochester, N. Y.
On February 16, 1853, he married Mary R. Bozman, daughter of John R. Bozman, who died April 1907. To this union were born: Mary L. Cochran, deceased; Mrs. Fannie B. Thompson of Zanesville, John B. and M. A. Cochran, both of San Diego, Cal.; Hugh M. of San Francisco, Cal.; and F. Wayland Cochran of McConnelsville; Mrs. Ella Beckett, deceased, left one daughter, Mrs. Daisy Middleton of Mansfield, Ohio.
Hugh Cochran was a member of the Baptist Church, high in Masonry; one of the most active and remarkable men of Morgan County.
Transcription from Morgan County Herald 21 Sept. 1922