Cole, Joshua 1854-1922

COLE, RUCKER, JENKINS, HOLDEN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/18/2012 at 16:40:28

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; April 14, 1922

JOSHUA COLE
--------------------
The Good Life of a Faithful Christian
and Honorable Citizen

Joshua Cole was born in Henry Co., Ill., July 19, 1854, and departed this life at the home of his son, Charles L. Cole, in Grinnell, Monday, April 10, 1922, aged 67 years, 8 months, 21 days. His mother died when he was an infant. In the year 1870, at the age of 16, he came to Iowa with his father, who located on a farm near Kellogg. While still a young man he apprenticed himself to A. Whitcomb to learn the trade of harness-maker, which trade he followed continuously for almost 50 years.

On January 9, 1875, he was united in marriage to *Cynthia Rucker of Belle Plaine, who preceded him to the eternal home almost 8 years, passing away September 24, 1914. To this union four children were born: Mrs. Myrtle Jenkins, of Grinnell, Iowa; Mrs. Dora Holden of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Charles Leroy Cole of Grinnell, Iowa; and Orville Cole of Stratford, Oklahoma.

About 30 years ago he began the Christian life in the Salvation Army, in which service he was active for about nine years. At the organization of the Friends' church at Grinnell he became a charter member, and lived a simple and honest Christian life unto the end. In the last few years, owing to severe suffering, he was unable to attend services as in former years.

He was always courteous, faithful, and honest in his dealings with his fellowmen. In his home life he was cheerful and kind, teaching by quiet example the value of Christian living. The death of his wife left a deep vacancy in the life of Mr. Cole, but Christian fortitude sustained him in cheerfulness and peace to the last.

His last illness was marked by the most intense suffering, yet he was enabled to maintain the same patience and cheerfulness until death relieved him. During these days of helplessness he was tenderly cared for in the home of his son, C. Leroy Cole, and all was done that kind hands could do for his comfort. To his pastor a short time before the end he said: "Everything is all right and I am ready to meet God."

Funeral services were held at the Friends Church Wednesday, April 12, at 2:30 p.m., which were conducted by Rev. Emma Rosenberger and her husband, Prof. H.E. Rosenberger. The sermon by the pastor was based on the words of the Gospel: "What I say unto you I say unto all--Watch." The songs used were, "There's No Disappointment in Heaven," a duet by Geo. W. Richards and Miss Rachel Richards; "The Home of the Soul," and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" by a quartet, composed of G.W. Richards, Professor Rosenberger, Mrs. J.P. Fowler and Rachel Richards.

The bearers were C.L. Cole, T.B. Jenkins, Arthur Holden, Eugene Jenkins, Earl Jenkins and Roy Holden.

Interment was in Hazelwood on the family lot.

Transcriber Note: *Synthia Rucker