Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Page 1057

DENNIS R. COLE. The name of this lamented citizen of Sedgwick County, who passed to his rest on the 14th of November, 1881, is remembered as that of one of the first settlers of Rockford Township, and of a man who assisted greatly in its development and prosperity. He was by nature liberal and public-spirited, and wherever he took up his abode maintained an interest in the people around him, and contributed to the best of his means and ability to their improvement socially, morally and financially. No man is more worthy of representation in a work of this kind, and there is none whose name is held in more grateful remembrance.

             Our subject was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., March 19, 1816, and was the son of Allen and Hope (Sallies) Cole, who were probably natives of New York and spent their last years in that State. Dennis was educated in the common schools of his native State, and when a young man and commencing business on his own account, made his way to the vicinity of Burnett, Dodge Co., Wis., where he engaged in farming for about fifteen years.

             Mr. Cole, while a resident of Wisconsin, was united in marriage with Mrs. Julia (Forward) Redington, who was the widow of Charles W. Redington, a native of New York State and the daughter of Benjamin F. and Betsey (Cook) Forward. Mrs. Cole was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., Dec. 18, 1822. Her parents were natives respectively of Connecticut and New Hampshire, and spent their last years in Wisconsin and New York respectively. The mother died in middle life in the spring of 1842, and the father, surviving a period of forty years, rested from his earthly labors when quite aged, in 1882.

             The marriage of Miss Julia Forward and Charles W. Redington took place in 1853, and they became the parents of one child, who died unnamed. To Mr. and Mrs. Cole there were born the children whose record is as follows: Benton O., born in Burnett, Wis., July 15, 1858, married Miss Emily Barnard, a native of Canada, and is living in Derby; Franklin B. C., born Aug. 9, 1862, remains with his mother and superintends the operations of the farm; Braton J. was born. Jan. 26, 1868, and is living at home; Bertha J. was born Nov. 8, 1869, and is a very popular and accomplished young lady, with a good education and making a specialty of music.

             Mr. Cole came to Kansas in 1877, and purchased the quarter-section of land which comprises the present fine homestead. The land has been thoroughly cultivated and improved, with good buildings and fences, while a flourishing orchard and trees of the smaller fruits contribute to the attractive features of the home and provide the luxuries of the season for the family use. Mr. Cole steadily declined becoming an office-holder, although taking a lively interest in political affairs, and being one of the most earnest supporters of the Republican party. He was a man universally respected and one whose word was considered as good as his bond, on his death the county lost one of its most honored and useful citizens. Mrs. Cole proved herself full worthy as the companion and helpmate of this excellent man. She is a lady greatly respected in her community, and a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church.

[ Home ]