Henry Clay Cochrane

Background

Henry Clay Cochrane was born on November 07, 1842 at Chester, Pennsylvania, United States. He was the son of James L. and Sarah Jane (Gillespie) Cochrane.

Education

Henry was educated in the Upland Normal School and the Friends’ Central High School at Philadelphia.

Career

In 1861 Cochrane was appointed as a second lieutenant to the Naval Service second lieutenant. He was in almost constant action, however, and in January 1863 was officially commended for coolness and courage. He continued in active duty throughout the Civil War and received several official commendations for meritorious services.

He was commissioned first lieutenant on August 20, 1865. As with all marines, his duty included tasks in times of peace as well as war, and in October 1867 he rendered exceptional service during an epidemic of Asiatic cholera. The Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Zeilin, commended him in the following words : “The moral courage displayed by yourself and command is as praiseworthy as the most conspicuous gallantry on the field of battle”.

During the following decade, Cochrane performed his work faithfully in various parts of the world and in July 1877 had command of the United States Arsenal at Washington, D. C. , during the labor riots. He received his captaincy on March 16, 1879, and about the same time published “The Naval Brigade and the Marine Battalions in the Labor Strikes of 1877”.

From 1881 to 1884 he was Fleet Marine Officer in the European Station, and in July 1882 he was present at the British bombardment of Alexandria, Egypt, where he later aided in the reestablishment of the United States consulate. Cochrane had command of the Marine detachment sent by the United States to the Paris Exposition in 1889. The end of the century found him a major, promoted on February 1, 1898, and in active and meritorious service in the Spanish-American war.

On January 11, 1900, he was commissioned colonel and the same year was appointed governor of the Peninsula of Cavite. So beloved was he by the natives that one of the cities requested permission to name a street for him. After service in the Boxer trouble in China and routine duties in this country, he was retired with the rank of brigadier-general on March 10, 1905.

After returning to his native city, he became actively identified with many civic enterprises and for several years was president of the board of trade. He was also a noted lecturer and orator.

Achievements

• Henry Clay Cochrane was recognized for his service during the American Civil War and the Spanish–American War. For his military service, he received the order of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor and an official compliment from the Secretary of the Navy.

Membership

Cochrane was a member of many societies, both civilian and military, the latter including the Military Order of Foreign Wars.

Connections

On June 30, 1887, Cochrane married Elizabeth Lull, daughter of Captan E. P. Lull, U. S. N. , and they had a daughter and a son, the latter becoming an officer in the United States Navy.

Father:

James L. Cochrane

Mother:

Sarah Jane (Gillespie) Cochrane

Spouse:

Elizabeth Lull