Eli Cole

Elihu/Eli Cole an African American was born January 1, 1800, in Logan County Kentucky according to his obituary on the front page of the Rural Republican but the death record said he was born in South Carolina. He moved to what would become Lawrence County in 1807.

During the Indian wars (1811) the whole settlement near what is now Russellville were compelled to live in Fort Allison while soldiers stood guard over those who tended the corn patches for their substance. Cole, still a young lad, when in the fort performed the light duties assigned to him creditably and was a favorite of the officers.

The obituary noted that “he was always held in high respect by his neighbors, was a good and peaceful citizen, and kind charity was always extended to his fellowmen.” He lost one son in the Battle of Petersburg during the Civil War in 1864.

Mr. Cole’s old associate, Austin Tann who died some years before served under General Harrison and was present at the famous council held in Vincennes with Tecumsah.

He died December 5, 1878, in Russell Twp, Lawrence County Illinois at ae 78 years, 11 days and 5 days. The cause of death according to his death record was an abscess of the knee joints and general debility from old age.

Eli had gone to Lawrenceville to have his will prepared on January 18, 1875, three years before his death. In it he declared he was 74 years of age. At his death he wanted all his real estate divided equally among his children, Emmanual Cole, Rebecca Ann Goins, Cynthia Ann Anderson, Julia Ann Goins, and Jemima Ann Morris. All his personal property was to be sold and the proceeds distributed among his children.

Additionally, he bequeathed $30 to Martha Portee, $30 to Abigail Portee, and $30 to Amanda Portee. (No relationship provided but genealogists state they were his stepchildren.)

Then if Franklin Mitchell complied with the Articles of Agreement on file in the County Clerk’s Office, he would receive what had been agreed upon. (Researchers have not located this document yet)

Furthermore, any debts were to be collected and distributed between his five children. He appointed Emmanuel Cole and Benjamin Anderson to be executors and dispensed with the requirement of bond. He signed his will with his “x”, and it was witnessed by Henry A Clubb and B L Cunningham both of Lawrenceville.

Tilford Portee/Porter offered the will for probate stating that Eli died about December 5, 1878, at his residence in Russell Twp. (Note the spelling of his name on the will was Elihu Coal)

Burial was in Portee Cemetery, Bond Twp, Lawrence County Illinois.