Thomas M. Cochran, born c1830 in Mississippi, was an original member of the "Brierfield Rebels," a mounted company recruited in Carroll Parish, Louisiana. He enlisted as the junior second lieutenant at Providence, Louisiana, on August 10, 1861; and was mustered into Confederate service at Memphis, Tennessee, on September 1, 1861. The company became Co. D, 6th Battalion Arkansas Cavalry. He resigned on November 14, 1861, due to some issue regarding promotion.
He received a commission as captain on February 27, 1862, after helping to recruit another mounted company, the "Macon Cavalry," in Madison Parish, Louisiana. This company enlisted at Delhi, Louisiana, on March 6, 1862, and was assigned as Co. F, 6th Battalion Arkansas Cavalry.
On May 15, 1862, the 2nd and 6th Arkansas Cavalry Battalions were consolidated to form the 2nd (Slemons') Regiment Arkansas Cavalry. The two Louisiana companies, Cos. D and F, were consolidated into one company, Co. C, of the new regiment, with Captain Cochran in command. On the last known muster roll of the regiment, dated April 30, 1863, Captain Cochran was present, commanding company.
Sometime after this, the regiment was transferred to the Trans-Mississippi Department. There is little information known about the regiment after its return to Arkansas. Captain Cochran was promoted to lieutenant-colonel on July 20, 1864, and later that year the regiment was on Price's Missouri campaign. It was decimated at Mine Creek, Kansas, on October 25, 1864. The remnants were reorganized as the 18th Battalion Arkansas Cavalry. I don't have any information on Thomas M. Cochran subsequent to his promotion to lieutenant-colonel.