Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing
Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",
published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
ANDREW J. COLE is to be mentioned
among the wealthy and respected citizens of Lincoln county. He resides
about four miles north from Creston on an estate, part of which was gained
by rights from the government and the balance through purchase. The
same is one of the well kept farms of the county, is in a high state of
cultivation and producing large, annual returns.
Andrew J. Cole was born in Virginia, on May
21, 1864. His parents were Andrew and Mary (James) Cole, natives
also of Virginia. The father was a farmer and also taught school.
He fought during the Civil War and later gave his attention to farming.
Our subject was well educated in the common schools of his native state,
then returned with his father on the farm until he had reached his majority.
At that time he came west to Walla Walla where he was employed for a few
years and in 1892, he journeyed on to Lincoln county. Here he selected
a timber culture claim and a homestead where he now resides. He has
given his attention to farming since then. He has purchase land until
he owns an estate of eight hundred and eighty acres. When Mr. Cole
came to Lincoln county, he had no finances and started here with a capital
of two strong hands and a determined spirit. He has succeeded in
a very excellent manner and his success is due to his indomitable will
and sagacity.
In 1900, Mr. Cole married Miss Mary G., daughter
of Peter J. and Mary A. (Sherwood) Barbre, and a native of Virginia.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cole two children have been born, Eugene and Homer J.
Peter J. Barbre was a descendant of the Barbre
family well known in North Carolina. Some of the ancestors were among
the earliest settlers in Sampson county, that state, and at one time they
owned a large portion of the county and were prominent in the affairs of
state. Peter J. early migrated to Virginia and settled in Washington
county. In 1860, he married Miss Sherwood, whose parents came from
England. Mr. Barbre served in the Civil War.
In this work appears biographical mention
of several of Mr. Cole's family, who were worthy pioneers of this county.
Our subject had a full share in the hardships and arduous labors incident
to pioneer life, and has won his way to wealth and prominence by virtue
of his worth and ability, as have also the other members of the family.
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