The John Coale (Cole) Family

Gateway to Texas: History of Orange County
edited by Dr. Howard C. Williams
Page 231

John Coale (18OS-1875) was born in St. Landry Parish. His parents were James Coale and Jemima Curtis, who were married in Natchez Territory in Mississippi in 1785. John Coale married Rachel Hayes in Opelousas, Louisiana, on July 27, 1823. Both were eighteen years old at the time. Ultimately, they had nine children.

It is believed that he migrated to Texas in 182.3 to receive a Mexican land grant. However, some problem occurred and he never received the final title.

It is known that he lived in the Cow Bayou Settlement. He was mentioned in several documents, although there is no record that he owned land. He was listed with Richard Ballew, John Harmon, and Thomas Hart on a committee to select a suitable place for the seat of justice of the new municipality of Jefferson. George Patillo mentioned him as one of the early citizens that he remembered. Also, he was mentioned by Captain George w. Hargraves as one of the men who served during the Texas Revolution. He thereafter turned his interests to cattle and cattle-raising, along with his brother and his children. His oldest son, David, married Louisa Stephen. His son, Joshua, died in April of 1903, and was buried in Orange County. John's other children married Stephensons, Burrells, Mills and Williamsons. The elder Coale died on April 20, 1875, and was buried in the John Coale Cemetery in Orange. His wife, Rachel, died on November 21, 1890, and is buried at the Abshire Ranch Cemetery in Liberty, Texas.

Submitted by Ricky Bubb
Used with permission

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