US Congressman. He graduated from Pella's Central College in 1887 and became a newspaper reporter for the Des Moines Register, rising through its ranks to become City Editor and then Associate Editor. In 1898 Cole became part owner and Editor of the Cedar Rapids Republican, and he later founded and edited the Cedar Rapids Evening Times. In 1921 he was the successful Republican nominee for the US House of Representatives seat left vacant by the resignation of James W. Good. Cole was reelected to five full terms and served from July, 1921 to March, 1933, choosing not to run for reelection in 1932 because his seat had been eliminated by redistricting. During his service in Congress he became known as "Corn Sugar Cole" for his efforts to increase the use of corn sweetener as a way to increase Iowa farm production during the agricultural depression of 1925-1926. Cole was also the author of several books, including: "A Bit of Holland in America" (1895); "The Two Great Canyons" (1907); "A History of the People of Iowa" (1920); "From Four Corners to Washington" (1920); "From Washington to Four Corners" (1922); "I Remember, I Remember: A Book of Recollections" (1936); "I am a Man: The Indian Black Hawk" (1938); and "Iowa Through the Years" (1940). After leaving Congress, Cole resided in Washington, DC and Cedar Rapids, and he died at his nephew's home after having been ill for several months.
US Congressman. He graduated from Pella's Central College in 1887 and became a newspaper reporter for the Des Moines Register, rising through its ranks to become City Editor and then Associate Editor. In 1898 Cole became part owner and Editor of the Cedar Rapids Republican, and he later founded and edited the Cedar Rapids Evening Times. In 1921 he was the successful Republican nominee for the US House of Representatives seat left vacant by the resignation of James W. Good. Cole was reelected to five full terms and served from July, 1921 to March, 1933, choosing not to run for reelection in 1932 because his seat had been eliminated by redistricting. During his service in Congress he became known as "Corn Sugar Cole" for his efforts to increase the use of corn sweetener as a way to increase Iowa farm production during the agricultural depression of 1925-1926. Cole was also the author of several books, including: "A Bit of Holland in America" (1895); "The Two Great Canyons" (1907); "A History of the People of Iowa" (1920); "From Four Corners to Washington" (1920); "From Washington to Four Corners" (1922); "I Remember, I Remember: A Book of Recollections" (1936); "I am a Man: The Indian Black Hawk" (1938); and "Iowa Through the Years" (1940). After leaving Congress, Cole resided in Washington, DC and Cedar Rapids, and he died at his nephew's home after having been ill for several months.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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