Goodspeed's Biography of Thomas L. Cole, Grant Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Jackie Dill Date: 27 Jul 2003 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** Thomas L. Cole, one of the leading farmers, and a popular mill man of Grant County, was born in Gibson County, Tenn., March 15, 1840. His father, Moses Cole, was a native of Illinois, born in the year 1812, who moved to Tennessee in 1838, and the same year married Miss Elizabeth Rogers, of that State, by whom he has had five children, three boys and two girls, named: Susan A., Thomas L., James R., Angeoma and Robert D. He was a farmer by occupation, and fairly successful in his calling, owning about 160 acres of very fertile land at the time of his death, February 4, 1848. Both parents were members of the Baptist persuasion, and the mother, who survives her husband, is residing in Grant County with her son, James R. Thomas L. was educated in Prairie County, Ark., and acquired a good moral and literary training in his youth. On February 8, 1868, he was married to Mrs. Sarah Bradshaw, a daughter of William and Judy Price, natives of Tennessee. By this union three children were born: Florence T., James M. and Dollie. His first wife died August 28, 1885, and on December 18, of the same year, he was married to Mrs. Amanda A. (Blanton) Fansatt, an estimable and attractive widow, and daughter of Alexander and Lucinda Blanton. This union gave them two daughters: Jennie B. and Lillian C. Mr. Cole has been exceedingly successful in his farming and milling operations, and owns about 500 acres of fertile land, with some ninety acres under cultivation. In connection with these, he also owns and works a saw and grist mill and cotton-gin combined, which form a very profitable source of revenue. In Masonic circles, he stands high; he is now secretary of his lodge, and has held a membership for over seventeen years. He also belongs to the Wheel, and has filled the offices of president and secretary in that body. For a period of eleven years or more he was justice of the peace for his township, and discharged his duties with a dignity and wisdom that excited the admiration and respect of his fellow-citizens. In religious faith he and wife are members of the Baptist Church, being liberal contributors to all laudable enterprises.