My Genealogy Hound

HEZEKIAH S. CONE, book-keeper and traveling salesman for R. W. Montross, at Galien, was born in New Haven, Conn., August 17, 1835. His ancestors were for several generations identified with the history of the State of Connecticut, where they were well and favorably known. The first representative of the family in America was Daniel Cone, who emigrated hither from Scotland as early as 1626 and made settlement in East Haddam, Conn. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Horatio Cone, a native of East Haddam, who was reared to maturity in the city of his birth. His wife bore the maiden name of Polly Selden, and was born in the Nutmeg State.

Grandfather Cone’s family consisted of seven children, all of whom reached mature years, as follows: Peleg, father of our subject; Hezekiah, whose death occurred in Connecticut; Daniel, a resident of Moodus, Conn.; Zachariah, who resides on the old homestead at East Haddam, Conn., the birthplace of so many of his name; Elizabeth, who lives in Connecticut; and Jeannette and Henrietta, both of whom are married and reside in New York State. Peleg Cone was reared in East Haddam and married Miss Ann, daughter of William Brace, of Connecticut. After his marriage he engaged in the silver-plating business at New Haven for a number of years, but later removed to Oxford, Ohio, in January, 1851, where he purchased an hotel and for a time superintended its management. Subsequently he disposed of the hotel and, embarking in the real-estate business, continued thus engaged for many years. His death occurred in 1882.

Of the family of seven children, five survived to maturity, as follows: Adeline, wife of James Smith, a retired capitalist of Liberty, Mo.; Elizabeth, who married Dr. A. A. Barnett, a prominent physician of Jerseyville, Ill.; Cornelia, widow of Dr. George W. Keely, of Oxford, Ohio; our subject; and Franklin, who is a well-known banker and real-estate dealer at Oxford, Ohio. The two deceased are William, who died at Benton, Ark.; and George, who was a prominent and successful grocer, residing in Oxford, Ohio. The father of this family was an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a liberal contributor to its various enterprises. He was especially interested in educational matters and served for some time as a member of the School Board. His wife is still living and makes her home in Oxford, Ohio.

In the public and High Schools of New Haven, the subject of this sketch received an excellent education and laid the foundation of the practical knowledge he now possesses. At the age of eighteen, he accompanied his father to Oxford, Ohio, and soon afterward went to Springfield, Ill., where for three years he was engaged as a clerk in a general mercantile establishment of that city. Returning thence to Oxford, he succeeded his father in the hotel business and was thus engaged until the War of the Rebellion commenced, after which he was employed in the Quartermaster’s department until the close of the war. Later he spent one year in Oxford, and thence removed to Buchanan, Mich., where, in partnership with J. W. H. Smith, he engaged in the handle business, the connection being maintained for thirteen years.

Mr. Cone was similarly engaged at Charlotte, Mich., for three years, at Vandalia, Mich., for seven years, and at Bradner, Ohio, for one year. Returning to Galien, he entered the employ of R. W. Montross in 1881, and has since filled the position of traveling salesman and book-keeper for the establishment. A stanch Democrat, he has served in various official positions, to which he has been elected on the party ticket. He has held the office of Treasurer of Galien Township, Township Clerk (while residing in Cass County) and has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the village, also of the Board of Education. He was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention at the time Gegole was nominated for Governor, and has frequently served as delegate to county conventions. .

May 9, 1859, occurred the marriage of Mr. Cone to Miss Charlotte A., the daughter of John Stilt, and a native of Belfast, Ireland, who emigrated to America at the age of about fifteen years. Four children complete the family, namely: Mary, widow of George A. Blakeslee; George, who is railroad agent for the Michigan Central at Mattison, Ill., also express agent at that place; and Jennie and John, who are with their parents. The position occupied by this family in the social circles of Galien is one of much prominence and popularity, and they are highly regarded throughout the community where they have resided for so many years.