Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

Ernest R. Cone, one of the leading business men of Sioux Rapids, was born near Brooklyn, Iowa, December 27, 1875, his parents being W. M. and Eliza (Wooley) Cone, both natives of Vermont.  They made their way to Brooklyn, Iowa, in an early day and thence went to Laurens, Iowa, where they still reside.  The father followed general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, but for some years has now lived retired, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. Mr. and Mrs. Cone had a family of six children, namely:  Edward; Alfred; Grace, deceased; May; Ernest R., of this review; and Arthur.

Ernest R. Cone enjoyed liberal educational advantages in his youth, attending the common and high schools and obtaining his professional knowledge in a school of pharmacy.  After having worked for some time as clerk in a drug store he bought out the drug business of H. A. Johnson in 1901, and has since conducted the establishment under the firm name of E. R. Cone & Company. He carries a well selected and extensive stock of drugs, wall paper, paints, oils, etc., and is widely recognized as one of the successful and enterprising business men of the county.  Straightforward and reliable in all transactions, he has gained the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens and well merits the extensive patronage which is accorded him.

On the 10th of January, 1906, Mr. Cone was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Cuthbert, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Woods) Cuthbert, who are of Scotch and English descent.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Cone has supported the republican party, believing its principles most conducive to good government. Fraternally he is connected with Enterprise Lodge, No. 332, A. F. & A. M., at Sioux Rapids.  A young man, he possesses the enterprising spirit of the west, which has been the dominant factor in producing the wonderful development of this section of the country.  Brooking no obstacles that honest effort can overcome, he has steadily worked his way upward until he now occupies an enviable position in the business circles of Buena Vista county.