"John Cole, a native of Montgomery County, came to Brownville in 1802, among the early settlers, and located upon a farm on road 15, near Perch River, now known as the Cole farm. In the early days the town meetings were held upon this farm. Mr. Cole died here at the age of 81 years. He married Polly Waters, and their children were Walter, Samuel, John, Betsey, Abigail, Margaret, Clarissa, and Polly. John married Elizabeth, daughter of Seth and Mary Cole, of Bennington, Vt., and they had children as follows: Mary, Eliza, Caroline, George, Jane, Edward and Bryon. The latter, born in this town, where he now resides, married Annie, daughter of Clement and Betsey (Hamilton) Hawley, of Perch River, and they had four children, viz.: Earl B., Josie M., Grace D., and John.

Francis Cole, brother of John, the early settlers here, served in the Revolutionary war and was taken to an island in the St. Lawrence River, and sold or given to a merchant in Lower Canada, where he remained many years. He finally removed to this town, and later to Watertown, where he died."

Been following John looking for brother Francis/Frances hoping they might be connected to my Sylvanus Cole (abt 1797-1818) living in Brownville, Jefferson County, New York. I have been reading descriptions of Brownville (now called Watertown) wondering if this "island in St. Lawrence River" is the same place where Sylvanus might have drowned. Been searching for many years for more information. There might be some interest too in Dunkirk area and Canadaway.

If we could knock heads maybe something can be found.

Thank You