 |
 NOCH DOLE, deceased. During the early
history of the American Colonies Stephen
Dole (or McDole as some claim), a native
of Scotland, settled in Massachusetts, where he
reared a family. Among his children was Stephen,
Jr., who, after reaching manhood, married and became the father of Col. Stephen Dole, one of the
first settlers of Bedford, N. H., where he took up
his abode in 1779. Col. Dole was the father of
nine children, namely, Richard, William, Jane,
Joseph G. ; Enoch, of our sketch; Anna, Friend,
Betsey and Sallie. The fifth child of the family above named is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Bedford, N. H., in 1788. and was reared tinder the home roof, and during early manhood learned the cabinet-maker’s trade, but afterward followed carpentering and plastering, lie left his native State while a young man, migrating first to Ohio, and thence to Terre Haute, Ind. He located on a farm near the latter city, and was content to follow the life of an agriculturist until resting from his earthy labors, his decease occurring March 30, 1855. The marriage of Enoch Dole and Miss Harriett P., daughter of Stephen and Prudence (Sumner) Dexter, was celebrated at the home of the bride in Danville, Vt., in 1809. Stephen Dexter operated the first scythe factory in the United States, and spent the greater part of his life in the Green Mountain State, where his remains were finally laid to rest. Three sons and one daughter of Enoch Dole settled near Mattoon, Ill., namely, Joseph C., Charles M., Stephen Dexter and Sarah Ann. The latter is the widow of William M. Barr, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Stephen departed this life at his home March 17, 1885. The household included ten children, and the four mentioned came to this State while the country was practically a wilderness. Their names are familiar among the pioneers who still survive, and with whom they labored in common to develop the re- sources of Central Illinois. They proved themselves self-sacrificing, industrious and enterprising, and as having inherited in a marked degree those traits of character which distinguished their honored father. Those who knew Enoch Dole entertained for him the profoundest respect, and found in him a man of great kindness of heart, and always willing to serve his friends or his community. One of the sons, William P., also a native of Vermont, is a resident of Washington, and was Commissioner of Indian affairs under the administration of President Lincoln. He has, by a life of industry and a wise investment of funds, secured a competency, and the latter years of his life are being spent in ease and. comfort. He married Miss Elizabeth Gordon, daughter of the late Daniel Gordon, of Beloit, Wis. |
 |
| Return To Contents |
|