Josephine Garis is born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, to John Garis, a civil engineer, and Irene (Fitch) Garis. Her lineage included John Fitch, the inventor of an early steamboat prototype.

Josephine's father's profession likely exposed her to mechanical concepts early in life. Information on her specific early schooling is limited, but she would have received basic education appropriate for a girl of her social standing during that era.

Josephine Garis marries William Cochran (the 'e' was added later), a dry goods merchant and politician, in Shelbyville, Illinois. The marriage brought her into a more affluent social circle.