James Cole is one of the prominent citizens of Rose Grove Township. He is a native of England, born in Somersetshire, June 11, 1836, the youngest of three children of John and Mary (Counsel) Cole. The father died three months before the birth of our subject, and the mother afterward married Robert Durston, with whom she came to America in 1857, and now lives in Iowa, but has again been widowed. James was reared in England, and for twelve years worked at the bakers's trade. In 1856 he came to the United States and for nine years lived in Dubuque, Iowa, and from there moved to Humboldt County, where he lived ten years. In 1875 he came to Hamilton County, and first rented land four years of George Frost. He then bought 200 acres of wild land, which he improved until he now has one of the best farms in the township. He has added to his first purchase until he has 240 acres on section 9 and 120 acres on section 4. His improvements are good, and he has a fine grove of four acres and also an excellent orchard of all kinds of fruit adapted to this climate. Mr. Cole was married in 1856 to Maria Kidgell, and to them was born one daughter, Mrs. Jennie Minard, now of Dakota (North and South Dakota). His wife died in the winter of 1858. In 1865 he married Miss Alice Frost, daughter of George Frost, of Williams. They have five children - Mrs. Anna Minard, of Fort Dodge; John, Carrie, George and Charles. In politics Mr. Cole is a Republican. He has served his township as trustee, and at present is treasurer of the school board. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Book: Webster and Hamilton Counties, Iowa

James and Maria (James' first wife) came to the United States in 1856. They arrived in New York on May 30, 1856 aboard the British Ship Try (Fry). They departed from Bristol, England.