Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1915
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 628
EDWIN E. COLE

A man's reputation is the property of the world, for the laws of nature have forbidden isolation. Every human being either submits to the controlling influence of others or wields an influence which touches, controls, guides or misdirects others. If he be honest and successful in his chosen field of endeavor, investigation will brighten his fame and point the way along which others may follow with like success. The reputation of Edwin Ervin COLE, one of the leading citizens of Woodbine, Harrison county, Iowa, has been unassailable all along the highways of life, according to those who know him best, and his wide circle of friends bears ample testimony to that fact.

Edwin Ervin COLE is a native son of Harrison county, having been born about one mile north of the town of Woodbine on January 11, 1867, son of Dr. John S. and Diana (WERLEY) COLE. Elsewhere in this volume will be found a biography of Dr. John S. COLE, in which is set forth at length information regarding the early family history of the COLEs and WERLEYs.

Edwin E. COLE received his education in the schools of his native town, attending the grade schools in his earlier years and later was graduated from the high school. He had evinced an interest in agricultural pursuits and for several years, or until the age of twenty-two, he followed this calling. By that time having decided that another line would be more to his liking, he became associated with C. W. REED in the retail drug business in Woodbine. This association was first formed in 1890 and continues at the present time. Mr. COLE is a man of genial and kindly nature which especially fits him for any business which caters to the public and the high regard in which he is held by his fellow townsmen testifies to the thoroughness of his service.

On July 11, 1904, Mr. COLE was united in marriage with Bessie DONALDSON, daughter of James DONALDSON, who was among the early settlers of this county and one of its most faithful citizens. To Edwin E. and Bessie (DONALDSON) COLE have been born three daughters, Velva, Dorothy and Marjorie, all of whom remain at home with the parents.

Mr. COLE is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party and is intensely interested in all that relates to that party's affairs. He is at the present time serving the town of Woodbine as a member of its city council and has in many ways contributed of his influence and ability to the advancement of public interests. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is one of the members of that order who takes more than a passive interest in its affairs. Mr. COLE is properly numbered among the substantial citizens of this locality, having contributed in many ways to the advancement of the community interest and is in every way deserving of mention in the biographical section of the history of his county.

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