My Genealogy Hound

Phillip M. Cole, one of the leading citizens and prominent farmers of Oakland County, who owns and occupies a fertile, well cultivated farm of 200 acres in sections 22 and 23, Oakland township, was born December 20, 1838, in Washington township, Macomb County, Michigan, and is a son of Christian and Sarah (Mann) Cole, both of whom were natives of Warren County, New Jersey.

Christian Cole was born March 30, 1812, and was a son of John and Hannah (Rush) Cole, natives of Warren County, New Jersey, who removed with their children to Washington township, Macomb County, Michigan. There Mrs. Hannah Cole died and John Cole spent his last years with his son Christian. Of the 10 children born to them, but two survive, — Mrs. Elizabeth Gulick, a widow, residing at Romeo, and Mrs. Hannah Maria Gulick, widow of James Gulick, now of Oxford township, Oakland County. The parents of our subject were married in New Jersey, and in 1834 came to Michigan, settling in Washington township with John Cole and family. There Christian Cole resided some three or four years, engaged in a black-smithing business, and then purchased a farm in section 24, Oakland township, Oakland County, where he engaged in farming the remainder of his life. His death occurred February 18, 1893, at the age of 81 years. His wife was born August 19, 1812, and died June 20, 1876, aged 64 years. Christian Cole was an intelligent and representative citizen and filled a number of positions in the government of the township. Seven children were born to Christian Cole and wife, namely: Elizabeth, deceased; Phillip M., of this, sketch; Lanah, wife of John Major, of Macomb County; Catherine, deceased; George, of Oakland township, Oakland County; Margaret, wife of Melvin McClure; and Sarah, wife of Edward Farmer, of Rochester, Oakland County.

Our subject was but a child when his parents moved to Oakland township, where he was reared and educated in the common schools. His interests have been centered in fanning all his life, and he has been very successful. His fine farm of 200 acres is located very conveniently between Rochester and Orion, giving him two excellent markets. While Mr. Cole’s land bears abundantly all the products of this section, it seems particularly well adapted to fruit culture, and many choice varieties are raised.

In 1861 Mr. Cole married Elizabeth Chapin, who was born and reared in Pennsylvania until the age of 11 years, when her father, Charles Chapin moved to Oakland County, where he died. A family of seven children were born to our subject and his estimable wife, of whom he was bereaved October 18, 1894, at the age of 50 years. The children are as follows: Ladorah, wife of Ellsworth Axford, of Oakland township, Oakland County; Charles, who lives at home; Sarah, wife of George Ford, of Detroit, Michigan; Alice, wife of Samuel Carey, of Rochester, Oakland County; George, of Orion, township, Oakland County; Lillie, wife of Ward Carey, of Oakland township, Oakland County, and Bertha, who lives at home.

Politically Mr. Cole is a Democrat. He has taken great interest in public matters and on various occasions has held township offices, serving most acceptably as township treasurer.