Joseph M. Cole (Biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler


JOSEPH M. COLE, farmer, P.O. Oak Valley, was born in Green County, Ky., in 1840, but was raised in Alabama and Arkansas.  He served in the First Arkansas Cavalry three years on the frontier. In 1865, he emigrated to Kansas, locating in Douglas County.  January 1867, settled in Greenwood County; February 1868, settled in Howard County, before the survey was made, and settled on a peice of land on the Elk River, and put up the first cabin below Longton, and four miles below any other settler, and there were but five families.  Lawrence was the nearest place where supplies could be had, and flour was from $7 to $10 per 100 pounds, coffee, forthy-five cents per pound, and at one time Mr. Cole and a party with him were thirteen days on three days' rations, on account of high water.  His claim is on Section 30, Township 31, Range 13, a half a mile from market.  Has a choice piece of land on which he has raised ninety bushels of corn to the acre, and is noted for raising the largest wheat crops in the town.  He has a good orchard, fifteen acres of pasture, a fine stone house, 17 x 27, with an ell 15 x 17, two stories high.  He is a good farmer and a genial gentleman.  He was married in 1872 to Miss Louisa J. Bonebrake, of Wilson County.  They have one son, Joseph A.  Mr. Cole has served as constable of his township