Edson B. Cole
Edson B. Cole, general manager of the Galena Clay Products Company, of Galena, is a well-known citizen and general farmer of Berkshire Township, residing on his valuable farm of 142 acres, which is situated one-half mile northeast of Galena. Mr. Cole was born March 6, 1864, in Trenton Township, Delaware County. Ohio, and is a son of Thomas and Harriet (Leak) Cole.
The parents of Mr. Cole were both natives of Trenton Township, where their respective fathers. Merreen Cole and Cooper Leak, were early settlers. Thomas Cole was reared and educated in his native township and engaged in farming there until 1870, when he sold out and removed with his family to Warren, Huntington County. Indiana. Five months later he returned to Ohio and bought a farm in Harlan Township, Delaware County, on which he remained until his death. May 15, 1882, when he was aged fifty years, one month and five days. His widow, who was born December 14, 1835, still resides on the farm in Harlan Township. Of the family of nine children, four survive, as follows: Ervin, who is engaged in farming in Harlan Township; Ella, who married William Crabill, residing at Centerville, Delaware County; William, residing in Genoa Township, Delaware County; Edson B., whose name begins this sketch.
Edson B. Cole obtained a common school education and remained on the home farm until the age of twenty-one years, when he hired out to neighboring farmers and after the death of his father, worked his mother's farm for two years. For the twelve succeeding years he rented land in Harlem Township, and in 1902, he purchased his present property in Berkshire Township. Here he carries on general agriculture. His property is favorably located for increasing value, being so close to the growing city of Galena, and Sunbury and he has already seen the wisdom of his investment. In the spring of 1907 the enterprise known as the Galena Clay Products Company, was organized for the manufacture of tile and brick. The officers are: William Roberts, president; James Rose, vice-president: Joseph J. Adams, secretary; F. C. Bennett, treasurer, and Edson B. Cole, general manager. The prospects of the company are bright.
On March 6. 1889, Mr. Cole was married to Estella Van Fleet, who was born in Galena, Ohio. April 4. 1867, and who is a daughter of Hiram and Thirza (Bancroft) Van Fleet. They have one daughter, Velmah E., who was born March 30, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Cole and daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been a steward since 1905. For a number of years he has been very active in church work, has served as chairman of the Board of Trustees, been a class leader and superintendent of the Sunday school. In his political opinions Mr. Cole is a Democrat and since 1903, he has been clerk of the Galena Special School District. Fraternally, he is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Galena Lodge, No. 404.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens by James R. Lytle