My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM H. COLE is a contractor and builder in the city of Jamestown, and was born at Fairfield, Herkimer county, New York, January 22, 1848. His parents are Elisha and Lucy A. (Bailey) Cole, both of whom are descendants of western New York’s early settlers. His grandfather, Elisha Cole, Sr., was a native of Herkimer county, this State, but early in life emigrated to Chautauqua county and bought a farm near the town of Mina. He married and became the father of three children, two sons and one daughter: Spencer H. went to Herkimer county, Canada, and located; Temperance married Joe Moyer and also settled in Canada, but afterwards removed back to the United States, locating in Michigan; and Elisha, Jr. (father). He was a democrat and continued to manage his farm until his death. Eaton Bailey (maternal grandfather) was a native of this county, being one of its earliest settlers, removed to Chautauqua county and located near Mina, but after a season’s residence there removed to Jamestown and practiced his art, that of a cooper, until his death, which occurred in 18 — . His wife was Sallie Bucklyn and they had a family of eight children, equally divided as to sons and daughters. Mr. Bailey was a member of the Universalist church and in politics a republican. Elisha Cole, Jr., was born in 1825 within the borders of Herkimer county, this State, near Fairfield, and came to Chautauqua county in 1856, remaining here ever since and now living in Jamestown, where he busies himself attending to his farm and gardening. He married Sallie Bailey and reared a family of three sons and four daughters: James B., a painter and paper-hanger, resides in Jamestown; Frank K., also a painter, residing at Jamestown; and William H. ; the daughters are all married.

William H. Cole received his early education in the common schools of Chautauqua county and on attaining his majority began life as a common laborer. He came from Herkimer county early in life to Jamestown, continued laboring until 1879, when, embarking in business, he began as a contractor and builder, which he has since pursued and has attained prominence and the reputation of a reliable and trustworthy man.

His wife was Alice E. Graves, a daughter of Watres Graves, and was born in northeastern Pennsylvania. Three children have blessed this union, two sons and one daughter: Jay W., Roy H. and Lucy M.