This installment begins around 1868. William and Elizabeth have been married 30 years. William is approximately 50 years old and Elizabeth is 46.
A Peaceful, Happy Life In Iowa
Anxious to own land to farm and a comfortable home, William learns of property for sale in southern Iowa. Purchasing acreage, they head back East at a leisurely pace. This time the sights of the West through Utah, Colorado and the Midwest are enjoyed. Once arriving in Iowa, a new home was soon built and the farm established. The family settled in for a very happy way of life for the next 20 years.
William B. finished school in Iowa (photo left - Jefferson Academy 1875), became a teacher, studied law and practiced in Knowlton, Iowa. He married Viola Bonebrake, one of his pupils; he was 19 and she was 18. To them were born four sons and one daughter. All of these children were delivered by their grandmother, Elizabeth. Elizabeth doted on her grandchildren; and they were very much a part of her life.
Sadly, in October 1889, the handsome Irish gardener at age 71 was finally laid to rest. William led an exciting life and married his love. He survived the Irish Famine, overcame bigotry of the English, the mean streets of the immigrant towns, and the harsh conditions of gold mining. Eventually, finding peace on a small farm in Iowa.
Life wasn’t over for Elizabeth, though; and many challenges were in store for her in the years to come. It was time to head West again—to the farthest reaches of the Country in Washington State.
[Note: The youngest son of William Buckingham Cole is my grandfather, Joseph Franklin Cole.]
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