Cooley, Andrew S. 1804-1890

COOLEY, WARREN

Posted By: Audrey Haught, volunteer
Date: 9/3/2017 at 20:29:42

Died at the home of Fred Cook, Garnavillo, on Tuesday, October 28,1890, Andrew S. Cooley, at the advanced age of 80 years, 3 months and 17 days.

Thus another of the pioneers of Clayton county has been called from the scene of his labors, to mingle with the silent majority beyond the tomb. Their labors here are ended, but their memories will be cherished.

The best monument that can be erected to them, is this beautiful county, inhabited by the happiest people on earth. With its organization A.S. Cooley was intimately connected. He was one of the earliest inhabitants and for nearly 60 years, his home was on its soil. Few of us are destined to witness the changes of life that he has witnessed during his long career.

This sacred soil which he helped to wrest from the savages has become the home of thousands. He has witnessed the gradual advancement from the rude slow pioneer life, with its manifold trials and dangers, to the rush and rant of our modern civilization, and with the realization of a well spent life, he finds eternal rest among the scenes of his labors.

Andrew Sutherland Cooley was born in the Pittsford, Rutland county, Vermont July 11, 1804. When eight years old his parents removed to Niagara county, New York, where he was raised on a farm.

March 10, 1825, he married Miss Salome Warren, of Cambria, N.Y., a descendant of Jos. Warren of Revolutionary fame.

In 1830 they emigrated west, and located in Franklin, Oakland county, Mich., where they resided until 1834.

But that spirit of the typical New Englander, which compels him to seek new scenes, drove him further west. He left his wife and five children in Michigan and sought a new home in Iowa.

He landed at Dubuque where he found employment with Dr. McCraney, on a farm. In the spring of 1835 he returned to Michigan by team, intending to bring his family to Dubuque. In the meantime his wife and family, not hearing form him had returned to New York, as they supposed him to have been killed by Indians.

He at once started on this tedious journey, found his family and brought them to Dubuque, where they arrived November 20th, 1835. After remaining in Dubuque two years they came in company with Dr. Andros to Clayton county.

There was at that time not a town, church or school house in this county. They broke up some prairie and raised a small crop about one mile south of Garnavillo, what is now called the old Beckman farm.

In the fall of 1837 they located on the banks of the Turkey river in Millville township. They remained here until 1839 when they again returned to the prairie near Garnavillo and in 1840 took up and improved some government land three miles south of the town. There they made their home until 1872, when the old homestead was sold and another farm purchased in Mendon township near McGregor, which was their home until 1883, since which time they have resided with their daughter, Mrs. Fred Cook.

Of the 17 children born to them 11 survive.

His remains were buried at the old cemetery on Thursday. Rev. R. W. Wilcox of Clayton officiated.

Elkader Register: November 6, 1890; Locals: Garnavillo

Notes:
Burial: Garnavillo Old Cemetery, Garnavillo
Spouse: Salome (Warren) died in 1895
Son Peter S. died in 1873 from wounds received in the Civil War
Son Willard K. died in 1855