Word was received here early Monday morning from Lansing of the death of Walter S. Cole the day before at his home in that city. He was a veteran of the Civil War and his death was partly due to paralysis of the brain. For many years he had suffered with lung trouble, caused by a bullet wound received in the war, but it was not until a week ago that he was taken seriously ill. The wound was one cause of death.

The remains were taken to this place and impressive services were held in the Odd Fellows Hall, where a large concourse of our citizens paid the last respects to one of Polkton’s honored citizens. The service was conducted by Rev. S. B. Ford in charge of the Odd Fellows, and the G. A. R. society, in both of which orders he was a respected member.

Walter S. Cole was born in Fowlerville, New York, August 20, 1837, and came to Michigan in 185?, settling in Polkton township, where he worked on a farm and taught school during the winter months. When the war broke out and the call came for volunteers he enlisted at Detroit in Company H, Fourth Michigan Cavalry. His company participated in a number of battles and shortly after the skirmish at Wilson’s Creek Road he was captured and confined in Libby Prison for several months before he was exchanged. Although suffering with a fever, he rejoined his company, and while riding under a tree near Atlanta, he was shot through the left lung. For four days he was carried in an ambulance wagon with no medical attention and came very near dying from hunger and exposure, but finally recovered sufficiently to receive his discharge and return to his home near Coopersville in the latter part of 1864. His company, under the command of Captain A. H. Potter, was among those which assisted in the capture of Jefferson Davis.

Mr. Cole was discharged as a sergeant and was in line for further promotion when he was seriously wounded. After the war he was married to Miss Emily Williams, who did not long survive, and later to Miss Emma Giles. In 1901 he went to Lansing and accepted a position in the auditor general’s office, which position he held at the time of his death.

Mr. Cole has been prominently identified with the interests of this village and township and filled every office with credit to himself and his constituents. In March, 1881, he sold his farm and entered into partnership with D. Cleland and engaged in the general mercantile business under the firm name of Cleland and Cole. One month later their store and stock of goods was destroyed by fire which was a great loss to them.

Mr. Cole served one term as county clerk, being elected on the Republican ticket in 1888. Two years later he was renominated, but was defeated by the Patrons of Industry movement, which swept like a tidal wave over this country.

He served the village as president in 1898, was justice of the peace several years, and was supervisor of Polkton Township for six years. He was a staunch Republican, an honored citizen of Coopersville, and served this county acceptably in all his official capacities.

The deceased is survived by his wife, four daughters and one son: Mrs. Etta Wellman, of Beaumont, Texas; Mrs. L. M. Murray, Coopersville; Miss Irene Cole, Lansing; and Lytle Cole, Grand Haven, and one sister, Mrs. G. H. Hazelton, of this place.

(Buried in Coopersville Cemetery)