Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Cole, William H. 1903 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Sandy Heintzelman sheintz@iserv.net July 15, 2011, 12:25 am Lyons Herald, 22 Jan 1903 The funeral of Wm. H. Cole was held from the house Monday, being in charge of the Lyons Royal Circle, of which the daughter of deceased, Mrs. Davis and her husband are members. The pall-bearers were Messrs. Albert Keefer, Lorenzo Lindley, James Root and Walter Alger, Rev. J.R. Bowen officiated. Interment in the Lyons cemetery. Mr. Bowen prepared and read the following obituary of deceased: “Another of Lyons early settlers has passed from among us to that bourne from which none ever return. Wm. H. Cole was born in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county, N.Y., April 1, 1823, and died at Lyons January 16, 1903, his earthly pilgrimage lacking but little over two months of 80 years. Before reaching his majority he had mastered the trade of boot and shoemaking, which at that time meant more than today, where so much of the work is done with machinery and by the piece. July 15, 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie E. Heath, and about a year later emigrated to Michigan. Many interesting incidents might be given regarding the journey and of early life in Michigan. From northeastern New York they in due time reached Buffalo, thence crossing Lake Erie to Detroit. After reaching the then small village of Battle Creek he was advised that a better opening might be found at Grand Rapids and at one decided to push for that place, though encountering an obstacle that would have discouraged many less resolute. His funds were so nearly exhausted he could only pay stage fare for one; so putting his young wife aboard the old lumbery coach, he struck out on foot keeping apace with the stage, and reaching Grand Rapids with but 10 cents in his pocket. Stating his case to the landlord at the hotel they were promptly told to come right in and make themselves at home, with the assurance that the young man could find plenty of work at his trade, and at good prices. The couple came to Lyons in 1848 where they have since resided. During these 55 years of residence here Mr. Cole has ever enjoyed the esteem and respect of those who have known him best. The family consists of three daughters, Mrs. R.E. Davis, of Lyons, Mrs. N.D. Millard of Florida, and Mrs. Alice A. Walker, of Detroit, who was unable to be present on account of illness. Mr. Cole was a charter member of the Lyons Masonic lodge, as well as the oldest living member. Although not a member of any church he was liberal in support of the ministry and always treated ministers with due consideration and respect, often remembering them with a pair of specially made fine boots. During my 9 years of acquaintance I have on numerous occasions had long and pleasant conversations with him. I found him quite conversant with the bible and an admirer of the sacred book, claiming it to be the foundation of all good laws, and its teachings and influence of untold benefit to the world. He often talked about the future life and what might await us beyond the grave. He was fully aware his time here was short. The last time I met him, before leaving his place of business, he remarked, “Well, Elder, I’m still here but it will not be long before I’ll be sleeping up in the cemetery.” We shall all miss his pleasant greeting. To all the grief stricken family we extend our sincere sympathy.” File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/c/cole14766nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 3.9 Kb