My Genealogy Hound
Below is a family biography included in The History of Switzerland County, Indiana published by Weakley, Harraman & Co. in 1885. 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.
* * * *
BENJAMIN COLE, merchant, Mount Sterling, was born April 3, 1840, and received a good education. The greater portion of his life has been spent in farming. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Third Indiana Cavalry, and served two years and four months. He was regimental butcher for five months, and the remainder of his service was as division butcher. He was wounded in the hip, at Metapona River, August 8, 1863, and was discharged, after which he returned to Mount Sterling, and engaged in merchandising. In January, 1866, he sold out and went to Illinois, and engaged in the butchering business at Pana. In 1867 he returned again to Mount Sterling, and followed farming until 1871; then engaged in present business, which he has continued ever since. He was married, September 7, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Cotton, born October 24, 1846, and their three children are Charles E., born June 13, 1870, died October 22, 1871; Alice M., born October 15, 1872, died September 3, 1873; Lillie D., born September 2, 1874. Mrs. Cole died November 16, 1875, and Mr. Cole was married September 26, 1877, to Miss Sarah A. Stewart, born near Moore’s Hill, November 27, 1850. This marriage has been blessed by one child, Cynthia A., born July 11, 1880. Mr. Cole was appointed postmaster of Mount Sterling, April 15, 1877, and has held the office ever since. His first wife was a Baptist. He and his present wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Cole’s father, James Cole, was born in Warren County, Penn., May 22, 1814; his mother, Jane (Scott) Cole, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 17, 1812, and were married May 28, 1832. They raised ten children: William R., born April 19, 1832, died July 4, 1834; Jacob S., born May 11, 1835; Amelia, born October 14, 1837; Benjamin, born April 3, 1840; Caroline, born December 2, 1842; John, born October 21, 1845, died February 12, 1884; Charles W., born April 21, 1850; Mary A., born December 29, 1848; James, born March 31, 1854; Jennie, born April 28, 1856. The mother died May 22, 1884. The father followed farming up to 1885, since which time he has been trying to lead a retired life.
* * * *
This family biography is one of 215 biographies included in The History of Switzerland County, Indiana published in 1885 by Weakley, Harraman & Co. For the complete description, click here: Switzerland County, Indiana History and Genealogy
View additional Switzerland County, Indiana family biographies here: Switzerland County, Indiana Biographies
Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.