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.

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

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 590.

It was on May 4, 1847, that Hugh Corbitt was born. He received his education in the schools of his native land, and in 1864, when about seventeen years of age, came to the United States. He landed at New York city, where he secured employment as spinner in a carpet factory, remaining there for about nine years. At the expiration of that period he came to Jones County. Iowa, buying a tract of eighty acres of land in Clay township, on which he immediately began to pursue the calling of a farmer. In the course of years, as a well deserved success crowned his efforts, he was able to purchase two hundred and twenty acres more, so that he now has a fine farm of three hundred acres. In addition to the cultivation of cereals he has engaged in the stock business, raising a large quantity of hogs and cattle for the market. Industry, energy and perseverance have ever been strong characteristics of his and they have been the means of the success which has marked his career. His farm is well improved in accordance with the most advanced ideas, his buildings are substantial, commodious and adequately adapted to the uses to which they are applied, while the careful cultivation of his fields tells its own story of his skill in his chosen vocation.

After he became well established in life, Mr. Corbitt married Miss Agnes Litch, who was born near Belfast in County Antrim, Ireland, August 6, 1860. She was a daughter of Samuel and Lavinia (Campbell) Litch, both natives of Ireland. The latter was born in 1830, and despite her years, came to America in 1903, taking up her residence with Mr. Corbitt and his family. Besides Mrs. Corbitt three of her daughters and one son have come to this country and established themselves in useful and profitable lives here. Mrs. Corbitt spent the early years of her life in the city of Belfast, receiving her education in its schools. In 1889 she embarked upon her journey to the new world, and, shortly after her arrival, on January 1, 1890, was united in marriage to Mr. Corbitt. Six children have been granted to the couple: John Cecil, born April 18, 1891; Elizabeth McMaster, born March 5, 1993; Lavinia C., born December 16, 1895; Anna N., born April 18, 1897; Agnes E., born August 29, 1902; and James M., whose birth occurred May 6, 1904.

In the years that he has exercised his right of franchise, Mr. Corbitt has given unqualified support to the candidate of the republican party, for he has felt convinced of the value of its principles, while he has, since coming to Jones county, fulfilled the duties of school director with care and efficiency. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and has been closely identified with its work. A diligent farmer and a good citizen, in the enjoyment of a large income, Mr. Corbitt holds the respect and good will of his fellows, though his popularity is not determined by his success but by the strong traits of honesty and integrity of purpose which have ever characterized his intercourse with others.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 390.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 608.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 601.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 662.