COOLIDGE, Joseph W.

COOLIDGE, BUCHANAN

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner (email)
Date: 8/16/2004 at 15:14:44

Glenwood Opinion
January 21, 1871

Died at his residence, in this city, on Friday, January 13, 1871, Joseph W. Coolidge, aged fifty-six years.

We cannot permit the demise of Mr. C. to pass without adding a few words to the above announcement, and giving to the public a brief sketch of his life. He was born on the Penobscot river in the State of Maine, May 31, 1814. When he was but an infant, his father and mother, John K. and Rebecca Coolidge, moved to the “far West” village of Cincinnatti, Ohio. In 1834 Joseph left his parents and went himself farther West to Tazewell County, Ills., where, at the age of 21 years, he married Miss Elizabeth Buchanan, who still survives him. With his then young wife be removed, in 1837, to Caldwell county, Mo., and afterwards, in 1839, to Adams county, Ills.; subsequently, in 1840, to Norvoo, Ills., and in 1848 to Iowa, having resided on the present site of this city since 1849. Mr. C. was, therefore, classed among our “oldest inhabitants,” and during his more than 20 years residence here has always been accorded a high position in society, and ranked as one of our best citizens. His industry, energy and ambition was not always awarded full compensation. At one time his worldly possessions were considerable but the reverses of ’57 swept his riches away, and at the time of his decease he was only in comfortable circumstances. He filled, at different times, official positions of trust—among which we can recall the office of County Judge and Post Master at our place which last position he had filled for about twelve years and held the position at the date of his decease. Mr. C.’s warm heart and unfailing friendship, however, were the ruling traits in his character, and reciprocally, gave him many warm friends, who will keep his memory green while life shall last. So social and companionable was he, his good nature was always predominant-even to the last hour of a protracted illness, and when realizing that he must soon pass into the unknown realms the “ruling passion” clung to him. He was even merry and companionable in the very sight of the tomb. While he did not covet death, his only desire to live seemed to be that he might serve better and still yet do more for his family, than whom none ever had a more indulgent, affectionate or better father.

We realize, since he has gone more keenly than while he lived, and that J.W. Coolidge was no ordinary man, and that, as a community, we have lost one of our very best citizens. His funeral cortege, on Sunday, was the most imposing ever witnessed here. The ceremonies were wholly conducted by his Masonic Brethren, of which order he was a member of many years’ standing. But he is gone, gone! Alas! Alas, my Brother!