Ronald Delos Cooley

Notes:

Ronald Delos Cooley was born in Crofton, Knox County, Nebraska 28 Jan 1906, son of Herbert Merton (Mert) Cooley and Elizabeth Holliday. Late the next year a second child, Merton Beth Cooley, was born (7 Dec 1907) shortly after which Elizabeth died of complications. Ronald went to live with his grandparents Robert Reed Cooley and Beth was taken in and raised by his uncle Robert Berton Cooley and his wife, Carrie Louella Miller. Ronald attended grade school in Crofton, Nebr, and high schools in Flagler, Colo and Otis, Colo. While in Crofton he helped his father, Mert, in his newspaper business then continued to help at his uncle Bert's newspaper, the Otis Independent, in Otis, Colo in 1911. He learned to operate the Linotype at the Independent and with his early immersion in newspapering, Ronald decided to continue in the business. He first attended the University of Denver then the University of Colorado in Boulder Colo where he attained a bachelor's degree in journalism. While at the University, Ronald was a member of Kappa Sigma social fraternity and of Sigma Delta Chi journalistic fraternity where he served as president in his senior year. After graduation he took a newspaper job with Smith-Brooks Printing Company in Denver. In succeeding years he also worked at the Record Stockman, the Denver Post, and one summer, at the Steamboat Springs Pilot. Eventually he returned to Akron, Colo., to work at his Uncle Bert's newspaper, the Akron News-Reporter. In Denver he was married to his high school sweetheart, Irene Skinner, on July 20, 1935. They had two children, Luanne b. 22 May 1940, and a son, James Ronald b. 16 Dec 1943. Luanne was married to Larry Winkelman of Dodge City, Kan., and James married Maria Morrison of Holdrege, Nebr. On February 15, 1937, Ronald and his cousin Dale moved to Limon, Colo., to operate the Eastern Colorado Leader as a partnership set up by Bert. About two years later the paper was combined with the Genoa Sentinal and renamed the Limon Leader. The partnership continued until June 1, 1972, when the newspaper was sold to Norman R. Sunderland and Associates. "During the Eisenhower administration, Ron [was offered] the job of Postmaster at Limon. Before accepting the position Ron lost a lot of sleep while pondering the multitude of details and irritations that would be a part of a postmaster's daily life. 'I got as far as the swearing-in part of it, then decided not to take it', Ron recalled". Ronald served as Mayor of Limon for two terms and as a city councilman for several terms. In 1955, Ronald and Dale, were honored as "Editors of the Year" by the University of Colorado Department of journalism. He was a member of the Colorado Press Association while active in the newspaper business and served on the board of directors, as well as in many different committees. He was a member of the Limon Lions Club of which he was a charter member, a member of the First United Methodist Church of Limon, and an honorary member of the Limon High School "L" Club. Ronald Delos Cooley died January 11, 1980 ae 73. He is buried at Pershing Memorial Cemetery (Limon Cemetery), Limon, Lincoln County, Colorado. Note that Ronald Delos died just 37 days after the death of his cousin Clifford Coyne Cooley (both raised as brothers) who had died on 5 Dec 1979 in Akron Colorado. One's death close to the death of a sibling or close relative is called the bereavement effect. This effect came into play in this family again in 1994 when cousins-raised-as-brothers Robert Miller Cooley and Merton Beth Cooley died just one day apart, Beth 3 Nov 1992, Bob 4 Nov 1992.

(Research):Delos - As a given name for boys it is of Greek derivation, and the name Delos means "from Delos" where Delos is a tiny Greek island that was sacred to the ancient Greeks who believed that Apollo and Artemis had been born there. Its usage peaked modestly in 1904 with 0.007% of baby boys being named Delos. - http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/1/Delos

Ronald married Irene Elva Skinner on 19 Jul 1935 in Denver, Denver Co, Colorado. Irene (daughter of Leonard E Skinner and Ethel Campbell Powell) was born on 29 Jul 1907 in Anabel, Macon Co, Missouri; died on 6 Dec 1990 in Hugo, Lincoln Co, Colorado; was buried on 10 Dec 1990 in Pershing Memorial Cemetery, Limon, Lincoln Co, Colorado. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Luanne Mildred Cooley was born on 22 Apr 1940 in Limon, Lincoln Co, Colorado; died on 19 Dec 2021 in Limon, Lincoln Co, Colorado; was buried on 28 Dec 2021 in Pershing Memorial Cemetery, Limon, Lincoln Co, Colorado.
2. Living

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Mert
• Occupation: Crofton, Knox Co, Nebraska; newspaperman

Notes:

From Yankton Press and Dakotan, 4 Nov 1914
TRAGEDY AT MISSOURI RIVER
Two Men from Crofton lose lives at river early this morning
THE CAR PLUNGED INTO STREAM
TWO IN CAR ESCAPE AND TELL THRILLING STORY OF ACCIDENT O.W. Cass, a druggist of Crotfton Neb, and H.M. Cooley, editor of the Crofton Journal were drowned in the Missouri River at 2 o'clock this morning when Mr. Cass' auto, a Ford, plunged over the side of the pontoon bridge into 12 to 14 feet of water. O.D. Salley, barber, and L.S. Ross, jeweler, also of Crofton, were members of the party but although both experienced the terrible plunge into the river and hit the sandbar at the bottom, both managed to rise clear of the car and get to shore but hardly able to relate how; Salley especially, who was nearly drowned, is in a state of collapse over the loss of his intimate friend, Mr. Cooley.
[The bodies of Cass and Cooley were never found]

(Medical):Car plunged from the Yankton Pontoon Bridge into the Missouri River, body never recovered.

Occupation:
until his death in 1914

Herbert married Jane Elizabeth Holliday on 26 Apr 1905 in Holliday Farm, Knox Co, Nebraska. Jane (daughter of Hugh Sutton Holliday and Jane Dufton) was born on 20 Mar 1884 in Castle Sowerby, Cumberland, England; died on 1 Jan 1908 in Crofton, Knox Co, Nebraska; was buried about Jan 1908 in Pleasant View Cemetery, Pierce Co, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The following is from a newspaper clipping, just the story; no source, no dates. I will make an educated guess it was from the Plainview News, Plainview, Pierce Co, Nebraska, in January 1908.
Death of Mrs. Merton Cooley The sad intelligence was received in our city yesterday, announcing the sudden death of Mrs. Merton Cooley [Jane Elizabeth Holliday] at her home in Crofton [Knox County, Nebraska]. The remains will arrive here [probably Plainview] this afternoon and the funeral services will be conducted from the M.E. Church Friday. The deceased was the daughter of H.S. Holliday, and was well and favorably known by all in Plainview and vicinity. On April 26th, 1905, she was united in marriage to Merton Cooley, to which union were born two children, one son [now] twenty-one months of age [Ronald Delos Cooley] and another but two weeks old [Merton Beth Cooley]. Her death was caused from contracting a severe cold shortly after giving birth to their little son. The bereaved husband and other relatives have the heartfelt sympatthy of all in ths their sad hour of tribulation.

Obituary
Plainview Republican, Plainview, Nebraska, 9 Jan 1908
Jane Elizabeth Holliday was born March 20, 1884, in Hallfield, the country home of her parents in Castle Sowerby Parish, Cumberland county, England, and died at Crofton, Neb., Jan. 1, 1908, of acute peritonitis. While yet a child she was baptized in the Church of England. In 1892 she moved with her parents to Canada, remaining there but one year. During this brief stay the mother died. In 1893 she with her father and family came to Plainview, Nebr., where she resided until her marriage to Herbert Merton Cooley, April 26, 1905, when she with her husband moved to Crofton, Neb.; remaining there until her death. Mrs. Cooley was a true and faithful wife, a loving and solicitous mother, a kind and obliging neighbor. She was highly respected by all, for to know her was to love her. She leaves a devoted husband, two little sons, Ronald aged two years and a babe scarcely four weeks old; a father Hugh S. Holliday; three sisters, Martha who resides in California, Mary who lives at home and Hannah now Mrs. Jack Menret, three brothers, Robert, John and Hugh Jr.; other relatives and a host of friends to mourn her departure. All the near relatives were present at the funeral except her father who was confined at home on account of sickness and the sister in California. Impressive funeral services were held at the Plainview Methodist Episcopal church January 3, conducted by Rev. J. P. Yost, pastor, assisted by Rev. DeWeese of the Congregational church and Rev. Grey of the Baptist church. Her remains were laid to rest in the new cemetery north of town, there to await the "Glorious Resurrection Morn".

When some beloved voice that was to you
Both sound and sweetness faileth and deny
And silence, against which you dare not cry
Aches round you like a strong disease and new
What hope? What help? What music will undo
That silence to your sense! Not friendship's sigh
Not reason's subtle count. Nay none of these
Speak Thou availing Christ and fill this pause.
L.

CARD OF THANKSWe desire to express our heartfelt thanks to all who so kindly and tenderly assisted us in laying away our loved one - H. Merton Cooley and Family

(Research):Castle Sowerby, (or Sowerby-Castle), a parish in Leith ward, in the county of Cumberland, 2 miles S.E. of Hesket-Newmarket, 10 S. of Carlisle, and 11 N.W. of Penrith, its post town and railway station, being 295 from London. It lies within the limits of the forest of Inglewood, near the river Caldew, and includes the townships of Bustabeck Bound, How Bound, Row Bound, Southernby Bound, and Stockdalewath Bound. In How Bound formerly stood a castle, of which all traces have disappeared." [Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)
Cumberland was a historic county of North West England that had an administrative function from the 12th century until 1974. It bordered Northumberland to the east, County Durham to the southeast, Westmorland and Lancashire to the south, and Dumfriesshire in Scotland to the north. It formed an administrative county from 1889 to 1974 (excluding Carlisle from 1914) and now forms, along with Westmorland and parts of historic northern Lancashire, Cumbria.

Notes:

ROBERT REED COOLEY ANSWERS LAST CALLThe Flagler (Colorado) News Vol. V, No. 50, 3 Jan 1918, p. 4., col. 3 Will A. Borland, ed This community was grieved last Friday when the word was spread about town that Robert Cooley had passed away on 28 Dec 1917. Mr. Cooley was a man who was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him, and while the writer had known him but two years, still I had learned to love and respect him. His genial disposition and hearty greeting had endeared him to our people and he will be greatly missed in the community. Robert Reed Cooley was born to Andrew Sutherland Cooley and Salome Warren Cooley in Garnavillo, Iowa 14 May 1847 and died at his home near Flagler, Colo., December 28, 1917, at the age of 70 years, 7 months and 14 days, death being due to apoplexy [a sudden loss of consciousness resulting when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel leads to oxygen lack in the brain]. Funeral services were held at the Congregational church in Flagler on Monday morning, December 31st [1918], at 11 o'clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. A. W. Moore. His text was found in Phil. 1-21: "To me, to live is Christ, to die is gain." Businesses of Flagler were closed during services. He lived with his parents in Garnavillo [Clayton County, Iowa] until young manhood, when he and his father, A. S. Cooley, disposed of his [?] property near that place and purchased a farm near McGregor, Iowa, where he was in the lumber business several years. He was united in marriage with Stella A. Owen on December 10, 1874 in McGregor, Clayton County, Iowa. To this union were born four children: Twins Herbert Merton (Mert) and Robert Berton (Bert) on 20 Oct 1875 in McGregor, Clayton County, Iowa; Verne Alton on 8 May 1880 in McGregor, and Glenn Syren on 14 Jul 1894 in Plainview, Pierce County, Nebraska. Herbert Merton was drowned in the Missouri River near Yankton, S.D., 4 Nov 1914 and Verne Alton died at McGregor Iowa, 5 Aug 1881, at the age of 15 months. In the spring of 1886 Robert Reed and his family consisting of himself, wife Stella, and twin sons Mert and Bert moved to Plainview, Nebr., where he resided until the spring of 1910 when he migrated to Kit Carson County Colorado where he bought a relinquishment northwest of Flagler. Robert Cooley was a true man; a man who gave almost his entire life to the service of others. For three years he took care of a helpless brother who was wounded in the Civil War [Peter S. Cooley]. This ordeal practically undermined his health, but he never complained. Mr. Cooley is survived by his wife, Stella, and two sons, Robert Berton of Otis, Colo., and Glenn Syren of Flagler. He is also survived by six grand-children, one of whom, Ronald Cooley, has lived with his grandparents since the death of his mother, Elizabeth Holliday Cooley, in December of 1907. A large number of sympathizing friends and associates assembled to pay their last respects to one whom they loved, and the business houses of Flagler were closed during the services. The floral offerings were abundant and beautiful. The last remains were laid to their final rest in the Flagler cemetery. The News joins with the large circle of friend and acquaintances in extending sympathy to the bereaved wife and children in their time of sorrow.

Card of Thanks, col 3, same edition "We desire to extend our sincere thanks to the neighbors and friends who so kindly gave of their assistance and sympathy during the late illness, death and burial of our loved one, Robert Cooley. We especially wish to thank the business men of Flagler and other, for the beautiful floral offerings." /s/ Mrs. Robert Cooley, Glenn Cooley, Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Cooley, Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Owen, Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Groves, Mrs. L. A. Shaffer, Mrs. Mary I. Hicks

(Medical):I hereby certify that I attended deceased from Dec 22, 1917 to Dec 28, 1917, (signed) H.L. Williams MD, 12/28/1917, Flagler Colorado

Robert married Stella Alfresine Owen on 10 Dec 1874 in McGregor, Clayton Co, Iowa. Stella (daughter of Ambrose Owen and Miranda L. Diggins) was born on 21 May 1850 in Alden Twp, McHenry Co, Illinois; died on 10 Jun 1920 in Flagler, Kit Carson Co, Colorado; was buried on 11 Jun 1920 in Flagler Cemetery, Kit Carson Co, Colorado. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Stella Alfresine Owen Obituary Mrs. Cooley was one of the really estimable old ladies of Flagler, always quiet and greatly devoted to her home and children. In early childhood she came with her parents to West Union, Fayette County, Iowa, later moving to McGregor, Iowa, where she was married to Robert Reed Cooley on 10 Dec 1874. In 1886 she came with her husband and children to Plainview, Nebraska, where they resided until 1910 when they disposed of their property and came to Flagler, Kit Carson County, Colorado where they lived on a farm just west of town until a short time ago when the deceased and her son, Glenn, moved to town to property he recently purchased. She also leaves a brother, Ernest M. Owen of Flagler, and a sister, Mrs. Lucy Shaffer who makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Groves just south of Flagler. She is mentioned in "Descendants of John Owen" as 7th generation. Spelling of name there is E-s-t-e-l-l-a. Source was Helen E. Healy, Mesa AZ, in 1935. - The Flagler News, V 8, No. 22, June 17, 1920 (front page story, also on front page: Harding and Coolidge nominated at the Republican National Convention).

(Medical):I hereby certify that I attended deceased from May 27, 1920 to June 10, 1920, that I last saw her alive on June 9, 1920 and that death occurred on the date stated above. (Signed) E.W. Reis MD, Flagler, Colo.

Notes:

It is said Hugh S Holliday Sr and at least his son Robert William crossed the US-Canadian border in 1893 however, Canadian National Archives records begin in 1895. They eventually came to Verdigris Twp, Holt County, Nebraska.
The State of Nebraska does not have the exact date of death of Hugh Sutton Holliday, Sr who died in year 1937.

ObituaryThe Orchard News, Orchard, Nebraska, 25 Jun 1937, Page 1
HUGH HOLLIDAY SR. . After several weeks illness, death claimed Hugh S. Holliday, of this city Wednesday night about midnight [23 Jun 1937]. Mr. Holliday has lived in Antelope county for over thirty-six years; and for the past many years has made his home at this nlace with his daughier, Miss Mary. The deceased would have been 92 years of age the 26th of July [1937]. He is survived by three sons, John and Robert of Orchard. Hugh, Jr of Page [Holt County, Nebraska]; three daughters, Miss Mary, Orchard; Mrs. Vollertsen, Battle Creek, Iowa; and another daughter. Miss Martha. Beverly Hills, California. Funeral - services will be held at the home Saturday morning at ten oclock conducted by Rev. Paul H. Riggs. Interment will be made in the Plainview cemetery beside a daughter who passed away a number of years ago.

(Research):Cumberland is a historic county of North West England that had an administrative function from the 12th century until 1974. It was bordered by Northumberland to the east, County Durham to the southeast, Westmorland and Lancashire to the south, and the Scottish counties of Dumfriesshire and Roxburghshire to the north. It formed an administrative county from 1889 to 1974 (excluding Carlisle from 1914) and now forms part of Cumbria.
Cumbria is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in North West England. The county of Cumbria was created in April 1974 through an amalgamation of the administrative counties of Cumberland and Westmorland after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972. Cumbria's county town is Carlisle, in the north of the county, and the only other major urban area is Barrow-in-Furness on the southwestern tip of the county.
Carlisle is a cathedral city in Cumbria in North West England as well as the administrative centre for both Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council. It is located at the confluence of the rivers Eden, Caldew and Petteril, 16 km south of the Scottish border. Originally in the historic county of Cumberland, it is now the largest town in the county of Cumbria. The earliest recorded inhabitants were the Carvetii tribe of Britons who made up the main population of ancient Cumbria and North Lancashire. According to Boethius and John of Fordun, Carlisle existed before the arrival of the Romans who built a timber fort at the site of present Carlisle Castle in the winter of 73 BCE.

Hugh married Jane Dufton about 1877 in Penrith, Cumberland, England. Jane was born on 14 Feb 1846 in Middlesceugh, Cumberland, England; died on 30 Mar 1893 in Orchard, Antelope Co, Nebraska; was buried about Mar 1893 in Pleasant View Cemetery, Pierce Co, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Andrew S Cooley, Samuel T Cooley, and probably Caleb C Cooley were signers of an 1833 petition to the U.S. Government to re-route the Detroit-Grand River plank road to a more northerly bearing of higher elevation (roughly, present highway 24). It never happened and the former plank road is now US Interstate 96. - Carter, Clarence Edwin, "The Territorial Papers of the United States: Vol. XII, The Territory of Michigan 1829-1837"
Died at the home of Fred Cook, Garnavillo, on Tuesday, October 28, 1890, Andrew S. Cooley, at the advanced age of [86] 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 from 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.

(Research):David Coomer-AS Cooley land description comparison, Oakland County, Michigan

David Coomer 3 Dec 1830 W

Andrew married Salome Warren on 10 Mar 1825 in Lockport Township, Niagara Co, New York. Salome was born about Aug 1809 in Massachusetts; died on 2 Nov 1895 in Elkader, Clayton Co, Iowa; was buried about Nov 1895 in Old Garnavillo Cemetery, Clayton Co, Iowa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Finalized spelling of her given name is "Salome" (spelled Saloma in some places); obtained from gravestone in Old Garnavillo Cemetery observed by DBC 7/19/98.

Elkader Iowa
Friday Morning, Nov. 8, 1895
Mrs A. S. Cooley
At Elkader on Saturday, Nov. 2nd 1895, occurred the death of Salome Warren, wife of A. S. Cooley, deceased. She was born at Ashfield, Mass., July 26th, 1809. Shortly after her birth, her parents moved to Niagara county, N.Y. where she grew up and spent her girlhood days. She was married to A. S. Cooley March 19th, 1825, at Cambridge, N. Y. In 1830, with her husband emigrated west and located in Michigan, from there came to Dubuque in 1834, and in 1837 settled In Clayton county, where they have since lived. Her husband died in Garnavillo, Oct. 28, 1890, at the age of 86 years. Seventeen children were born to them, eleven of which are still alive and are residents of different states in the Union. Mrs. Cooley is the mother of the first white child born in Garnavillo twp., namely, Noah Cooley, now a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas. [Error: Storrs Andros was the first] For the last twelve years Mrs. Cooley has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Fred Cook. The funeral took place on Monday Nov. 4th, 1895. Her remains were taken to Garnavillo, and laid at rest beside her husband, Rev. Fisk, of Elkader, officiating.

(Research):Salome: A Hebrew name taken from Solomon ("peace"). Selima is another variant.

Notes:

AMBROSE OWEN(6) [Julius Augustus(5), Elijah(4), Joshua(3), Joseph(2), John(1)], son of Julius Augustus and Rebecca (Murray) Owen was born (probably) at Milton Vt. He married Miranda Diggins, daughter of William, who was a brother of Joseph, Wesley, and Franklin Diggins who all married daughters of Julius Augustus Owen. Ambrose lived at Harvard, Ill. and West Union, Iowa. Children (7th gen): i. Siron; ii. Estella; iii. Lucia; iv. Julietta - Auth Mrs. Helen R Healy, Mesa Arizona 1935. - Owen Descendants

Obituary Mr. Ambrose Owen died last Friday at his home six miles southeast of town, aged 87 years, 9 months and two days. He was born in Chittenden County, Vermont in 1814 and was married to Miranda L. Diggins, March 23, 1844 in McHenry County, Illinois and enjoyed 58 years of married life. He was the father of five children, three daughters and two sons, all of whom with the wife survive him. He joined the Christian church 35 years ago and has since lived a consistent Christian life. He was an honorable upright citizen, a good neighbor and respected by all who knew him. About three years ago, he suffered a severe sickness from which he never fully recovered. Funeral services were held at the family home by Rev. F.J. Kennedy Monday and burial made in the Creighton cemetery. - The Creighton Courier 6 March 1902

(Research):Harvard IL is about five miles west of Alden on Highway 173 in McHenry county, IL. West Union IA is in north cental Fayette county Iowa on Highway 18.

Note: Ambrose Owen-1 is Ambrose-2's grand-uncle.

Ambrose married Miranda L. DigginsProbably McHenry Co, Illinois. Miranda (daughter of William S. Diggins and Lucinda Skinner) was born on 28 May 1827 in Waitsfield, Washington Co, Vermont; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]