I need help finding family.
My ggreat grandfather was Thomas Cothran born 1812 in IL and died in Missouri or Arkansas. He was in the 1850 census of Lawrence County Arkansas and the 1860 census of Howell County, MO.

I suspect Thomas was married twice. Once to a Rachel? and again to Penelope Ogle. His children include my great grandfather Hiram B. Cochran and Elvira, Elizabeth, Silas P. Cothran.

I cannot find Thomas after 1860 but, he may be related to the Independance County Cochrans who returned to IL during the war. Hiram was found with the Elizabeth (Joseph Jefferson) Cochran family in 1870 of Jackson County IL.

Any help will be appreciated. I am at a brick wall.