Howe Peyton Cochran

Howe Peyton Cochran (September 18, 1834−September 28, 1892; aged 58) served as the first superintendent of the City of Charlottesville School System. Cochran died, after less than three months in office, on September 28, 1892 and was succeeded by Frank A. Massie, who continued in office until July 1, 1901.

Capt. Howe P. Cochran served through the war in the ordinance department of the Confederate army, and was a member of one of the most prominent and influential families in central Virginia. He was the brother of Judge John L. Cochran, of Charlottesville.

Born in Augusta County, he attended the University of Virginia (1854-1858). Appointed to the Virginia Military Institute, (the oldest cadet at time of admission), he left after for 6 weeks. Enlisted on July 18, 1861 at Richmond as a Sergeant. On August 1, 1861, he mustered into the Albemarle Light Artillery and served as Ordinance Officer in Pickett's Division. He was discharged on May 27, 1862.

Although chartered as an independent city in 1888, Charlottesville continued to share public resources with Albemarle County. On July 1, 1892, the city's public system separated from the county and Howe P. Cochran was elected by the city council to serve as the first superintendent of the Charlottesville Public School System. Three months later, Cochran died in office on September 28, 1892. He was succeeded by Frank A. Massie, who continued in office until July 1, 1901.

Cochran died in Staunton, Virginia; burial was at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, Virginia.

SKETCHES OF THE DEAD

CAPTAIN HOWE PEYTON COCHRAN. BY MRS. JOHN M. PRESTON.

Howe Peyton Cochran, fourth son of John Cochran and his wife Margaret Lynn Lewis, was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, September, 1834, and died in Staunton, Virginia, September 28th, 1892. He was educated at "Hanover Academy" and at the University of Virginia, graduating from the latter institution. He married, first, Miss N. L. Carrington, who left one son. His second wife was Miss Jennie Lewis Kent, by whom he had one daughter. He devoted himself to literary pursuits and attained an enviable reputation as a scholar. Before the war he was Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the University of Virginia. He entered the army at the first call, and was in Magruder's command near Williamsburg, with the title of Captain. In 1863 he was transferred to the Ordnance Department of Pickett's Division with the title of Major. He was a member of the Charlottesville Presbyterian Church.