The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1882-02-25
In MemOrlaIn.

Another of Gods noble men gone to his rest.
The announcement OF the death of Dr. Alvin
Coles caused ii shock to his many friends, al
though they had long known his enteebled con
dilIon.
His was life of more than ordinary interest
Those who have known him as the plain. mod
est unaSsuming man that he was during his
residence in this city, perhaps would not recos-
nize in DR.. Coles the tower of strength he had
been.
DIR. Coles was born in the state OF Connecticut
in the year 1904. When he was auite young his
father removed to Ithaca, \, Y, then new cOun.
try There he lived until his majority, making
the best use OF such educational advantages az
the country then afforded. Daring this time he
also studied medicine, and after leaving the pa
ternal roof he went to the Berkshire Medical Col
lege, at that time one OF The Oldest and best IN
situations Of its kind in the country, where ne
completed his medical educstion. He com.
menced practice at Rochester, X T., remaining
there two years, when he removed TO Fremont,
Ohio, then a mere Struggling Village, surrounded
by bowling wilderness. The natural advantage,
of this now famous country attracted other young
men of spirit and enterprise like DR.. Coles, and
in Il few short years what had been wilderness
was transformed 10y their genius and labor into
garden of Eden. For thirty years he was one of
the leading spirits in every public enterprise in
that country. With him were associated Judge
Otis, now Il Chicago capitalist, Hon. Mr.. Bur
chard, uncle and guardian OF eX-President Hayes,
and other prominent men OF thai section, who
afterward became famous. He knew eX-Presi-
dent HAYES and Gov. Foster boys and young
men, and although differing from them politi-
cally, always took II lively interest in their pc
htiCai advancement.
There was not public enterprise undertaken
of any nature, whether political or commercial,
that had for its object the advancement Of his
section, in which he was not one of the leading
spirits. He was associated with Judge Otis, Mr..
Burchard and Others in building what is now
part Of the Michigan Southern railroad from
Cleveland to Fremont, and was elected one of the
first board OF directors. He was also elected
auditor Of his county for two terms and served
40 acceptably that he was urged to serve another
term, but refused, 1t interfeTed with the prac.
tiCe of his profession.
While he was deeply interested in enterprises
of secular nature, he never forgot his religious
duties. He and three other men of wealth and
prominence built large and comm odiOus Epis-
copal church at their own expense. They en-
ployed minister whom thew also paid.
About the year 1851, the Doctors health fail
ing him, he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where
he remained two years. He then removed to
Farm Ridge, in this county, where he lived with
his daughter, Mrs. Hester. His health improv-
ing somewhat, he engaged in light practice IN
til 1860, when he removed to Ottawa, where ne
still pursued his profession, although not active
ly, as his health would not permit. In 1864 he
was married to Mrs Mary Richardson, of this
city, who still survives him.
After a short Illness he died on the 10Th inst
at the ripe old age OF n years.
A long and beautiful life, fully rounded in ia
completion, is quietly closed. As he lived so
he died Patient unohtrusive. faithful IN all
thirg-, IN iitr wa N,Iii, iLr lou.. frui'ion,
perfect harvest. An atfectiOnaie friend, trusted
physician, consistent Christian, he was esteem
ed and honored by all who knew him and peace
fully leaving the scene Of these earthly labors.
We know that he has entered Into the rest thF
renaneth unto the people of God"
\ FRIESp.