My Genealogy Hound

DR. J. C. COLE, a prominent and successful veterinary surgeon residing in Benton Harbor, is a native of Canada, having been born in Kingston, March 21, 1851. He is the son of Hiram and Fannie (Spencer) Cole, natives of Canada, the father having been engaged by the Government. Hiram Cole moved to Watertown, N. Y., in 1861, and is now Internal Revenue Collector there. He was a soldier in the Mexican War, Florida War and the late rebellion. His childhood years were passed in a comparatively uneventful manner in his Canadian home, and at the age of fourteen he went to New York and was educated in the schools of Watertown, that State. He availed himself to the utmost of the excellent opportunities given him for acquiring a practical education, and through diligence in his studies gained a wide range of information and broad knowledge of men and historical events.

Returning to his old home in Canada at the age of twenty-one years, our youthful subject commenced the study of veterinary surgery, and became familiar with the best thoughts of acknowledged authorities and authors in that profession. His readings were conducted under the preceptorship of Dr. Edson and Dr. Edward Field, the latter being a man of note in the profession and a graduate of the Edinburgh Veterinary College, Scotland. After conducting his studies in this manner for some time, our subject entered the Veterinary School of Montreal, where he remained until completing the course of instruction in the institution, when he was graduated. He was also graduated from the Veterinary School, established for the treatment of horses.

It will thus be seen that the Doctor has had every advantage in the way of getting a perfect theoretical knowledge of veterinary surgery, and he is a man of recognized skill and efficiency in the profession. He has been very successful in the treatment of horses, and in fact all varieties of stock. His practice is by no means confined to Benton Harbor, but extends throughout the surrounding country, including a number of adjoining counties. The Doctor conducted his practice for a time in Canada, whence in 1883 he came to Benton Harbor and has since made his home in this city, devoting his attention exclusively to professional duties.

In 1886 the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Emma, daughter of Myron and Mary Hinkley, natives of New York. Mrs. Cole was born, reared and educated in Benton Harbor, and now, in addition to performing her household duties in a most capable manner, also fills the position of teacher in the Benton Harbor High School. The home is blessed by the presence of a son, Philip H., a manly little child, in whose training his parents take a deep interest and care. Politically, Dr. Cole is a stanch adherent of Republican principles and has represented the First Ward as Alderman for two terms. Socially, he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.