*Bessie Helen Cole (1890-1973)

Born 11 June 1890, Elbert, Colorado
Social security: 533-66-0347

Parents: James Madison Cole (1852-1936) and Clara Emiline (Emma) Runner (1852-1890)
Children: Frances Elaine Plumb (1917-2011), Harold Roselle Plumb (1909-1978)
Siblings: Jessie Ellen Cole (twin),

Bessie's father James had 7 children with first wife, Emma. She died when twin daughters were 18 months old (of pneumonia), and the twins were sent to live with their aunt in Iowa. Emma's sister, Nellie, came to help with the children, and James married her. He had 3 children with second wife. (Oral history: Frances Plumb Huntington).

1900 census, listed as 9-yr-old niece living with Cyrus and Ariadne Wolverton (along with her sister Jessie), birthday June 1890. In Bedford City, Bedford Township, Iowa.



Bessie driving Roselle's surrey while they are dating


January 30, 1907: Dating Roselle (see below for transcript of letter that I have from him to her).

Grammy has a story about the fact that there was another boy who was interested in Bessie, so she asked her father to tell him that she couldn't date until she was 16. So then, when Roselle came courting, she had to wait.

Married to: Roselle John Plumb in 19 June 1907 on the Cole homestead. The circuit riding preacher Rev. J. N. Davis officiated.

[State of Colorado Marriage Record Report, County Elbert, Plumb Roselle J married Cole Bessie H in Eastonville, Colorado on 6/19/07. Officer who performed ceremony: J.N. Davis. Title: Min. Address: Longmont, Colo. ]

1909: birth of Harold Rozelle Plumb

1910 Census has her living in Clifton, Mesa, Colorado, with Roselle and Harold (1).

1917: birth of Frances Elaine Plumb

Roselle and Bessie with Frances

1920 Census has her (29, job "none") living in Canon, Fremont, Colorado with Roselle, Harold R. (11), and Frances E. (2 1/2).

1930 Census has her (39, job "none") living in Spokane, Washington with Roselle, and Frances E (12). He is listed as a pastor in the Methodist church.

1935 listed on 1940 census as living in "same place" (1400 Breeze Street, Pasadena) as 1940 census.

1940 Census has her (49) living with Roselle at 1400 Breeze Street, Pasadena, Los Angeles, California.

1942 US WWII draft registration card has him and Bessie living in Walla Walla at 827 Washington St. Telephone is 1144. Roselle's employer is the Nazarene church on Clinton and Alder.



Death: 22 December 1973, Walla Walla Washington
[U.S. SS Death Index has her dying in Dec 1973.]