COLE, Horace, Mrs.
Portrait & Biographical Record Winnebago & Boone Cos., IL. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1892, pp 296-297

It cannot be expected in a work of this kind where but brief biographical sketches of prominent citizens of the county are mentioned, that justice can be done this much esteemed and venerable lady, and yet she has been identified with the county for so long, and her name is so familiar to all, that it is no more than just to dwell upon her career, not as empty words of praise, but the plain statement of still plainer truth.

Mrs. COLE was born in Litchfield County, CT, 27 May 1795, and was the daughter of Joseph and Dianthy (MOTT) FRISBY, both CT people and farmers.  Her father died in Vernon [Oneida County], NY, in his 90th year.  He was twice married and became the father of three children by his first union and five by his second, the latter marriage being to the mother of Mrs. COLE.  Mrs. FRISBY remained a widow 36 years, and with her daughter, Mrs. COLE, came West from Erie County, PA.  The latter was married in Westmoreland, NY, 11 Mar 1813, to Mr. Horace COLE, who was a weaver, but never followed his trade after his marriage.  He was in the War of 1812, was Orderly Sergeant, and was in the battle of Sackett's Harbor.  After marriage Mr. and Mrs. COLE resided for 14 years at Prattsburgh [Steuben County], NY, but moved from there to Chautauqua County [NY], and thence to Erie County, PA.  Later, or in 1846, they came to Roscoe [Winnebago County, IL], resided in the village for two years, and then settled on the farm of 140 acres which has been Mrs. COLE's home ever since.  Her husband passed away in May 1862, when about 70 years of age.  He had never had a strong constitution, but was well educated and thoroughly posted on all subjects.  In his younger days he had been a Whig in politics, but later he became a stanch Republican.  In his religious views he was a Congregationalist, and was an active official of that church.

Mr. and Mrs. COLE became the parents of 11 children, five of whom are now living:   Abigail, now the widow of Amos  TUTTLE, resides in Roscoe; Hiram B., a farmer in New Milford Township; Seth B., a lawyer and for many years a judge in NY, now resides on the Hudson River; Edwin D., a single man, owns the home place and cares for his mother; and Sarah C., is now Mrs. W. H. BERNARD, her husband a Congregationalist minister of Miles [Jackson County], IA.  The children deceased are an infant daughter, unnamed; William, died at the age of five years.  Theodore G., died at Magnolia [Rock County], WI, 20 Jan 1857, when 33 years of age.  He was a missionary to Africa, going to Liberia, and thence to the Congo County in 1853.  Three years later he returned, the climate being too severe for him, and died with an abcess on the liver; his mission was successful, but cost his life.  He left a widow who had accompanied him to Africa.   Another daughter of Mrs. COLE, Nancy, aged 17 years, returned to Prattsburgh to attend school under her brother, Seth B. COLE, who was Principal of that Academy for 14 years, and there died.  [Note that only 9 of the 11 children, 5 living and 4 deceased, are mentioned.]

Edwin D. COLE, who is residing on the home place as above mentioned, is one of the representative agriculturalists of the county, and a man of much energy and determination.   He cared for his parents, and assumed the management and responsibility of carrying on the farm at the age of 16.  He is a faithful and tender son and a man much esteemed in the community.  During the first 10 years of his experience on the [p 297] farm, he had to market his crops at Chicago and Milwaukee, and later at Belvidere, going with teams, and often selling his wheat (the principal crop for market) for 50 cents a bushel.  The father had entered 40 acres of this 140 acres, and purchased the balance at $4.25 an acre.  Most of the acreage is under cultivation, but there are 40 acres in timber.  Mr. COLE makes no speciality of any certain branch of farm work, but is a good general farmer, raising such stock as hogs, cattle, and horses.  He would try and raise sheep, were it not for the depredations of the wolves, which are very numerous yet in that county.  His venerable mother is a grnd old lady, and though feeble in body, is still bright in mind, remembering distinctly many interesting events that have occurred in her long pilgrimmage.  On 27 May 1892 she was 97 years old.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.