Benjamin Cole, merchant, Mount Sterling, was born April 3, 1840, and received a good education. The greater portion of his life has been spent in farming. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Third Indiana Cavalry, and served two years and four months. He was regimental butcher for five months, and the remainder of his service was as division butcher. He was wounded in the hip, at Metapona River, August 8, 1863, and was discharged, after which he returned to Mount Sterling, and engaged in merchandising. In January, 1866, he sold out and went to Illinois, and engaged in the butchering business at Pana. In 1867 he returned again to Mount Sterling, and followed farming until 1871; then engaged in present business, which he has continued ever since. He was married, September 7, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Cotton, born October 24, 1846, and their three children are Charles E., born June 13, 1870, died October 22, 1871; Alice M., born October 15, 1872, died September 3, 1873; Lillie D., born September 2, 1874. Mrs. Cole died November 16, 1875, and Mr. Cole was married September 26, 1877, to Miss Sarah A. Stewart, born near Moore's Hill, November 27, 1850. This marriage has been blessed by one child, Cynthia A., born July 11, 1880. Mr. Cole was appointed postmaster of Mount Sterling, April 15, 1877, and has held the office ever since. His first wife was a Baptist. He and his present wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Cole's father James Cole, was born in Warren County, Penn., May 22, 1814; his mother, Jane (Scott) Cole, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., February 17, 1812, and were married May 28, 1832. They raised ten children: William R., born April 19, 1832, died July 4, 1834; Jacob S., born May 11, 1835; Amelia, born October 14, 1837; Benjamin, born April 3, 1840; Caroline, born December 2, 1842; John, born October 21, 1845, died February 12, 1884; Charles W., born April 21, 1850; Mary A., born December 29, 1848; James, born March 31, 1854; Jennie, born Aril 28, 1856. The mother died May 22, 1884. The father followed farming up to 1885, since which time he has been trying to lead a retired life.
Source: History of Switzerland County, Indiana 1885. Chicago, Illinois: Weakley, Harraman & Co., 1885
Transcribed by: Sheila Kell