Colusa County Biographies

Robert Cosner

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

            Robert Cosner was born in Lancaster County, March 22, 1831.  He 
passed his early life on the paternal farm.  In 1839 his family removed to Ohio. 
 Here young Cosner received instruction in the common schools, and afterward 
attended the Vermilion Institute, at Hayesville, Ohio, during three sessions.  
For several years he worked at the carpenter�s bench, and so, fortified with a 
fair education and a useful trade, he was equipped for his life-work.  He came 
to California in 1852 and at first engaged in mining for a few months.  Then he 
worked at his trade, and was employed as a mine superintendent.
            In 1860 he was elected Sheriff of Amador County, which office he 
filled for three terms.  While in this county he became warmly attached to Hon. 
James T. Farley, and did much toward electing him to the United States Senate.  
Mr. Cosner removed to San Francisco in 1870, and he became interested in lands 
in Yolo and Colusa Counties.  He was appointed secretary of Reclamation District 
No. 108, and held that office sixteen years.  In 1873 he was appointed 
superintending engineer of that district.  Mr. Cosner removed from the southern 
part of the county in June, 1886, severing his official connection with the 
Reclamation District, and came to the county seat to reside.  He was urged in 
1888 by many of his friends to permit his name to be used as a candidate for the 
office of County Treasurer.  There were a number of candidates, the vote was 
divided, and Mr. Cosner received a handsome support, though not quite sufficient 
for success.
 
�Colusa County� � by Justus H. Rogers � Orland, CA � 1891 � pp 403