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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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HENRY C. COLE. The following is a brief sketch of the career of Mr. Cole. He is a member of the H. C. Cole Milling Company, of Chester, and devotes the greater part of his time and attention to purchasing supplies in the way of grain for their large mills. A native of this city he was born May 13, 1852, and is the fourth child in a family of six children born to Herman C. and Emily (Cocks) Cole. He passed his boyhood in attendance at the public schools, and later continued his studies in the University of Illinois at Champaign. In 1873 he returned to this city and engaged with his father in the milling business. He continued thus employed until the death of the latter, in 1874, when the business was transferred to the three sons, the other members of the firm being Charles B. and Zachary T. They operated under the firm name of H. C. Cole & Co. until July, 1888, when the style was changed to the H. C. Cole Milling Company, by which it is known throughout this portion of the state.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Blanche Dolbee occurred April 24, 1878. Mrs. Cole was born June 5, 1852, in Alton, and was the daughter of Shadrach R. and Hannah E. Dolbee. By her union with our subject have been born three sons and three daughters, to whom they are giving good educations, fitting them to occupy honorable positions in life.

Mr. Cole has always been keenly alive to the interests of his county, and has been an important factor in promoting them. He has been the recipient of public honors from his fellow-citizens, who have recognized his superior business tact and other fine qualifications and have called him to assist in the administration of public affairs. He has been Alderman of the city, and is at present a member of the School Board.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Randolph County, Illinois family biographies here: Randolph County, Illinois Biographies

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