G. C. Cone, one
of the prominent business men and early settlers of
McGregor, was born in Wilbraham, Mass., on the 10th day
of September, 1807. His parents, Osias and Lavina
(Carpenter) Cone, had a family of seven children, three
of whom are living-- G.C., Hannah and Newell. In 1837 Mr.
Cone left Massachusetts for the Territory of Wisconsin,
and located in Waukesha, where he followed his trade
until 1849, when he went to the gold fields of
California, crossing the plains with ox teams. He engaged
in the mines for one year, when he returned to Wisconsin.
In 1859 he came to McGregor, where he engaged in the
hardware business, which he has prosecuted since. In 1832
he married Louisa Anderson, who was born in New
Braintree, Mass. They were blessed with two children, one
living-- Fannie. Mrs. Cone died in 1836, and he again
married, Wealthy Griswold, who died in March 1881. Mr.
Cone in politics was an old Jacksonian Democrat, but at
the time of the organization of the Republican party
joined them and has affiliated with them since. While in
Wisconsin he was elected County Treasurer, and served
eight years, and has also held other local offices of
trust in McGregor. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 972-973 |