Background
Cochran was born in Appoquinimink Hundred, near Middletown, Delaware, son of Robert and Rebecca Ryland Cochran.
governor of Delaware politician
Cochran was born in Appoquinimink Hundred, near Middletown, Delaware, son of Robert and Rebecca Ryland Cochran.
There were no known children of this marriage. He was a “leading farmer and fruit grower.”
Cochran was elected to the New Castle County Levy Court in 1838 and 1846. In 1874 he was elected Governor of Delaware by defeating Isaac Jump, the Republican candidate and served from January 19, 1875 until January 21, 1879.
He was the first governor from New Castle County in thirty years, and was regarded as a progressive governor, advocating improvements to the school law, and reapportionment of the General Assembly, to more fairly reflect the population of New Castle County.
The reapportionment proposal was not approved. The General Assembly did, however, pass legislation requiring businesses serving the public “to provide equal accommodations for those who might be deemed obnoxious by others” This effort to deny civil rights to African-Americans was to remain on the books until 1963.
Elections are held on the first Tuesday after November 1. The Governor takes office the third Tuesday in January, and has a four-year term.
Hall of Governors Portrait Gallery.
Portrait courtesy of Historical and Cultural Affairs, Dover
Delaware Historical Society. Website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. (302) 655-7161
University of Delaware.
Library website.
181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717. (302) 831-2965.
He was a member of the Democratic Party, who served as Governor of Delaware.