Joshua Cole
Joshua Cole, deceased, was born near Baltimore, Md., on the 3d day of July, 1789. He was a son of Broad Cole. When yet a small child his father settled in Kentucky, remained until 1798, when he moved to Ohio, and located in Fairfield County, remained a few years, when he then moved to Pickaway County, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. On the 7th day of February, 1811, he married Miss Susannah, daughter of Daniel and Rachel Ranier, then of Pickaway County, but a native of New Jersey, where she was born January 9, 1792. On the 22d day of August, 1812, he enlisted under the command of Captain Reed. and served about six months in the war of 1812. In about 1819 or 1820 he came to Shelby County, entered the southeast quarter of section 6, Turtle Creek Township, and then returned to his home in Pickaway County. In 1821 he came back to his land, and with the help of two men which came with him he cleared about nine acres, and again returned to his home in Pickaway County. In March, 1822, he brought his family to Shelby County, and stopped at Ebenezer Stephens, near Hardin, until he could erect a cabin, which he completed, and moved his family some time in April. There were no settlers north of Mr. Cole nearer than eleven miles for some time after he moved. On this farm he remained, making clearing and farming his business until 1845, when he rented his farm, and moved his family to Sidney, where they lived until 1851, when he returned to Turtle Creek Township, and moved his family on the farm in same section, joining his old home farm on the west, on which he passed the remainder of his days. His companion died September 15, 1876. He died October 20, 1876. He reared a family of seven children, viz., Cynthia, Nancy, Rachel, Broad, Nathan W., Susannah, and Joshua R.; all of whom are yet living except Joshua R., who died with cholera August 3, 1854.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883