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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of St. Francis County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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J. H. Cole. In passing through Eastern Arkansas it would be impossible to meet a gentleman of more marked characteristics than J. H. Cole, the subject of this sketch. He is a typical Tennesseean, and a man of more than ordinary physical strength and activity, and the observer needs to be no expert to recognize in him a person of unyielding determination and will. He still stands erect and walks with the agility of a man of forty years, although three score years and two have passed their mantle upon him, his birth occurring in 1827. He spent his boyhood days in Stewart and Humphries Counties, Tenn., but the monotony of his quiet life made him restless and the opening of the Mexican War gave him an opportunity to see life in its most exciting phase. Eagerly embracing the opportunity, he enlisted in 1846, and followed the fortunes of the war until its close, participating in the famous battles of Monterey and Buena Vista At the close of hostilities he went to New Orleans, and for two years engaged in the drug business. Returning thence to Tennessee, shortly after he was married in Carroll County to Miss May Mathews, and moved to Hickman, Ky., where he accepted a position as marshal and wharf-master. He then came to Madison, the old county seat of Arkansas, landing there in September of 1857, having made the journey from Helena in a dugout or canoe. In Madison he opened a livery business, acting as agent for the line to Hot Springs, and contractor for the lines from Helena to Cherokee Bluff. At the breaking out of the war he joined the Fifth Arkansas State Troops, under Ristor, but when they joined the Confederate army he left and took charge of Hardee’s wagon train for Missouri. He was suddenly taken ill, and obliged to come home, but afterward reported to Col. Walker, and was with him in the fight at Helena. He was taken prisoner by Powell Clayton, a short time after receiving his parole; and was once charged with the burning of a boat, and on trial for his life, but Clayton proved him in his hands as a prisoner at the time, which act saved his life. As soon as the war closed he opened at Madison the first store in St. Francis County, under the firm name of Cole & Prewett. He received all the goods with which to conduct it from New Orleans on credit, through the influence of friends, and from that departure made a fortune. The firm continued till the Governor of the State called for civil instead of marshal law. A committee was appointed to select some reliable man to go and secure the commission from the Governor, but, although various parties were appointed, no one would undertake the venture; accordingly Mr. Cole—always fearless as he was shrewd—started without telling any one of his intention. He went on horseback to Memphis, and from there by boat to Little Rock, where he secured an interview with the Governor, and received the commission. He then returned home and immediately called together some of the most reliable men of the county, appointing them to the various offices. Then in a field close to an old court house, he organized the first county court after the war. The records had been buried there during the war. The commissioner of the post came and ordered him to jail, but he read him the commission from the governor, showing him that his time of service had expired the day before. Mr. Cole was not in favor of secession, but went with his State when it seceded. A man by the name of Inge was sent from Mississippi before the war for the purpose of preaching secession. Mr. Cole made the remark to Judge Pierce of the county, that it would have been better if South Carolina had slipped into the sea than to have slipped out of the Union. The secessionist procured a pistol and cowhide, and began to whip Mr. Cole. A fight ensued, in which Mr. Inge was killed. Our subject was afterward wholly exonerated by the court. When Forrest City became the county seat of St. Francis County, Mr. Cole closed up his business and came here. At this place Hugh H., the only child, died. He was a rising young attorney of the place, and a graduate of Lebanon Law School. Since his death Mr. Cole and wife have been disconsolate, and have tried to forget their sorrow in traveling. They have gone as far North as possible, visiting every point of interest mentionable. They were for a period abroad, spending some time in Dublin, Ireland. Mr. Cole recently united with the church, a large audience congregating to hear his experience. He is beloved by all who know him, and is well worthy the respect and deference paid him, for though he is perhaps a trifle eccentric, a mean act is something he has yet to do. He is a favorite in society and business circles, and though witty and quick at repartee, he never wounds a friend and there is no sting in his mirth. He, with his honored wife enjoys that which is so much to be desired—an unsullied name, and the sincere love of a host of friends. His grandfather was a native of Virginia and the third settler of Nashville, Tenn.

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This family biography is one of 87 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of St. Francis County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: St. Francis County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional St. Francis County, Arkansas family biographies here: St. Francis County, Arkansas Biographies

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