Aberdeen Weekly News Monday, July 29, 1901
N. M. Cole, one of the pioneers of Brown county, died at his home in Columbia on Saturday, after an illness of a number of years. The deceased was one of the settlers who came to Brown county in 1880 from Greenville, Mich., and he settled in Columbia, building the second or third frame dwelling put up in the James River valley between Huron and Jamestown. He gave his time to farming principally, though he served in various capacities, from deputy county treasurer under Tom Boyden to postmaster at Columbia. He resigned as postmaster about two years ago on account of failing health and since that time had not been engaged in any regular occupation.
At times he was able to be about and at others was confined to the house, and gradually grew worse until the end came. His remains were taken through Aberdeen this morning enroute to his old home in Michigan, where the funeral will take place.
Nathaniel M. Cole:
Further research: Veteran's record Columbia, SD 1895, 1897, 1899
~Transcribed by volunteer researcher, Kathy Smith