COLE, Thomas Leonard Homer 1840 - 1893

COLE, RUSSELL, MIKESELL, UMPHREY, HALL, HUNTLEY

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 5/25/2021 at 20:23:27

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, September 27, 1893
Page 3, Column 7

Died in a Chicago Hotel.

T. L. H. COLE, a former resident of this city whose home has been in South Ottumwa for several years past, died in a room at the Wheeler House, No. 18 Quincy street, Chicago, Friday afternoon about 2 o'clock. Mr. COLE had been a sufferer from an affection of the heart for some time past, and the coroner's inquest developed the fact that he died from "organic heart disease," and that one of the valves "was abnormally swollen." Before the inquest was held an undertaker attempted to secure possession of the body by claiming that he was a deputy coroner and actually carried away a portion of the dead man's clothing in order that he might establish his claim. This reprehensible action gave rise to some disagreeable complications.

The remains were brought to this city and interred here Monday. Rev. E. L. Schreiner conducted the funeral services, while the Knights of Pythias had charge of the ceremony.

Mr. COLE was fifty-three years of age. He came to this city in 1871, and November 6th, 1873, was married to Mrs. Fannie RUSSELL, who died here April 24th, 1880. Three children were born to them, only one of whom, Miss Nettie, is now living. In 1883 Mr. COLE was married to Miss Belle MIKESELL (sic - Mrs. Belle MIKESELL UMPHREY), who survives him. The family left Fairfield about four years ago and has since resided at Kearney, Neb., Chicago, Ill., and South Ottumwa. Mr. COLE was a man of generous impulses and he had many friends wherever he lived. His family will have much sympathy in its affliction and the peculiar circumstances under which it occurred.

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"The Fairfield Tribune"
Wednesday, September 27, 1893
Page 2, Column 2

PERSONAL.

... Mr. Horatis N. COLE, of Rising, Nebraska, arrived in the city Monday, called here by the death of his brother, T. L. H. COLE. ...

(same publication and page, but Column 3 -- )

Sudden Death of Thomas COLE.

Friday night of last week, word was received of the sudden death in Chicago of T. L. H. COLE, of Ottumwa. Mr. COLE left Tuesday morning for Chicago to visit the World's Fair. He was not in the best of health before going as is told by one who talked with him, as he said he did not know whether it was best for him to go or not, as he was not feeling well. Friday morning he went out to the Fair grounds and at noon returned to his room in the hotel. About two o'clock in the afternoon the landlord hearing a noise in his room went to ascertain its meaning, and found Mr. COLE lying dead in his bed.

On investigating some cards were found on his person giving the name of a restaurant man in Chicago. He and his wife were immediately notified and came and identified him as Mr. COLE. whose acquaintance he had made while running a barber shop in that city some time ago. At the coroner's inquest which was held, death was pronounced due to heart disease, to which he has been subject. Word was immediately telegraphed to his wife, and the remains were brought to this city by J. Bell, of Aurora, Illinois, Sunday morning at eight o'clock. Mr. COLE was well known in this city, having been a barber in this city for many years, and made many warm friends during that time. He was born in West Union, Adams county, Ohio, April 7, 1840, was married twice, the first time to Mrs. Fannie RUSSELL, of this city, who died some years ago. Three children were born to them, only one of whom still lives. About the year 1882 he was married to Mrs. Belle HUMPHREY (sic - UMPHREY), who still survives him.

The funeral was held at the residence of Mrs. George MIKESELL, Sunday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. E. Shriner conducting the services. Deceased was fifty three years of age. The Knights of Pythias attended the funeral in a body.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, IA, in Lot Old.P.365 with first wife Fannie E. HALL RUSSELL COLE. Second wife Belle MIKESELL UMPHREY subsequently married William HUNTLEY, died in 1895, and is buried under her maiden name of MIKESELL in Lot Old.P.168, also in Evergreen Cemetery.