Jones logo
R. D. Cooley
Born November 20, 1874


R. D. Cooley, one of the successful agriculturists of Wyoming township, was born on the farm on which he now lives, November 20, 1874, and is the son of D. S. and Catherine (Hogel) Cooley. They were natives of Licking county, Ohio, but came with their parents to Iowa in 1841, when the most primitive conditions prevailed in the places they selected, or might select, for homes. The families located first in Cedar county and later removed to Jackson county, where they built a log cabin, which served to shelter them for many years. Indeed, it remained D. S. Cooley's home for many years after his marriage, until, in fact, some time in the '6os, when he came to Jones county and purchased the farm on which his son lives today. On this he built for his habitation the brick house which is still standing and in good condition, a tribute to the excellent workmanship of that time. He and his wife are still living in Onslow, enjoying the results of their labor, which did considerable toward effecting the progress Jones county has experienced in the last forty odd years. Seven children were born to them: Smith, who is now living in Lyon county, Kansas; Geneva, who is the widow of S. A. Paul and lives in Onslow; O. C., who is in Oakland, California; Josie, deceased; Elizabeth, who is the wife of J. F. Cohoon, of Cedar Falls; Loa P., who is the wife of O. E. Tabor, of Maquoketa, Iowa; and R. D., who is the subject of this sketch.
In the house in which he was born R. D. Cooley passed the years of his boyhood and youth, obtaining his early education in the common schools of the township, and then attending a business college at Cedar Rapids, where he completed his training. He next engaged in teaching, but after two terms he returned to the farm, remaining here in the employ of his father until he was twenty-four. At that age be was married and given the responsibility of operating the place. To it he has since given his attention and through unremitting toil in the cultivation of the fields has obtained rich harvests. He has made a specialty, however, of raising and feeding cattle for the market. His farm embraces two hundred and forty acres, lying on section 9, Wyoming township, is well improved, both as the result of his father's efforts and of his own, and is cultivated by methods which seem to increase the bounty of the crops.
At the age of twenty-four Mr. Cooley wedded Miss Dessa D. Scott, who was born in Olin, Iowa, in 1876, and is a daughter of Winfield and Ella (Tufts) Scott. The parents are descendants of the Fairbanks family and are now living in Olin. Three children were born of their union. To Mr. and Mrs. Cooley were born two children: one who died in infancy; and Hubert L., who was born October 8, 1908.
They are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in whose work both are active, while Mr. Cooley affiliates politically with the democratic party. He takes but slight' interest in public affairs, however, and has never been desirous of holding any office within the gift of the people. Fraternally he is connected with Keystone Lodge, No. 206, A.F.&A.M., at Wyoming and with his wife belongs to the Eastern Star. In this organization Mrs. Cooley was for a time associate matron, the same qualities which made her a popular teacher before her marriage winning her friends among those with whom she has come in contact.

Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 612.

image

© Copyright 1997-2013, The Art Department, © Copyright 2014-2020, Richard Harrison.
Last updated on Friday, 16-Apr-2021 16:53:24 MST