GUSTAVUS B. COCHRAN—The universal esteem and respect in which Gustavus B. Cochran is held by the citizens of Camilla is based on the useful and substantial contributions he has made to the social, civic and business affairs of this community throughout his long and distinguished life. Prior to his retirement he owned and operated extensive farm properties, on which he is credited as being one of the first men in south Georgia to raise cantaloupes. He also is listed as founder and still retains a partnership in a livery stable business here and for the past quarter of a century has been president of the Planters and Citizens Bank of Camilla, though he recently has taken no active part in the management of this institution.

Mr. Cochran was born at Flint, October 2, 1861, the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Smith) Cochran, both deceased, the former in 1888 and the latter in 1899. His father, who was one of the early pioneers of this State was born in 1805 and was one of the most prominent and successful planters of his generation. Mr. Cochran received a general education in the public schools of his native community and after completing his studies, assisted his father in the management of the family farm. It was here that he was to become a pioneer in the cantaloupe industry, being one of the first in this section of the State to raise the fruit on a large scale. In 1915 he had a hundred carload output, which was shipped throughout the country. In 1903 Mr. Cochran and his brother, R. T. Cochran, founded the firm of G. B. Cochran and Brother, a concern dealing in live stock of all types, which they conducted until about 1930, when G. B. Cochran took his nephew, R. S. Cochran, in the firm and who now manages the business. This venture gradually supplanted his other activities and in 1936 he definitely retired from all types of active business, including the presidency of the Camilla Planters and Citizens Bank, which he still heads as president despite the fact that he no longer exercises his official powers. He also retains his partnership in the Cochran stables. Mr. Cochran formerly took part in the social and fraternal life of his community, and during 1889 served one term as county treasurer of Mitchell County. He attends the Baptist Church. Today he not only is held in esteem and affection as one of the oldest and most prominent citizens in Camilla, but also as one of its most able and influential citizens.

On October 26, 1893, at Clinton, North Carolina, Mr. Cochran married Mattie Olive James, a native of Sampson County, a former school teacher, and they were the parents of two sons: I. Robert James, who was a first lieutenant in the United States Aviation Corps as chief observer of the 8th Aerial Squadron during the World War, and was killed in action in 1918, during the Argonne drive, in France. 2. Atwood B., who was graduated from Mercer University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and is now assistant cashier of the Planters and Citizens Bank in Camilla.

Cooper, Walter Gerald. The Story of Georgia. Vol. Biographical, The American Historical Society, Inc., 1938.