The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1878-04-26
On the Death OF
JOHN M. COOLEY, ESQ.
" Grief for the dead not virtue can reprove."


Byron.
In the SD year of his age, on the morning
of Saturday, April 18Th, 1878, at his residence
in Darlington, Nd, after long period of
weak health, JOHN NJ. COOLEY, son of the
late Corbin Cooley, of Cecil county, Md.
The writer is not familiar with Mr.. Cooley's
early history, but has been informed that he en-
oyed the advantage of q collegiate education {:
and that he, in early manhood, studied law with
one of the leading members of the bar at Elkton,
Nd, (Col. Groome,) and was admitted to the
practice with unusual honors.
After pursuing the practice for time at Elk
ton, and afterward several years in the State of
Illinois, he discovered that the practice of law
was not altogether congcnal to his tastes and
feelings-that he had mistaken his vocation
and it was therefore abandoned. In a spirit of
adventure he afterwards travelled in various
parts of of the country; spending some
time on government surveying expedition in
the far West.
Finally he became aware of the peculiar talent
with which nature had endowed him; that of
instructing the youth-the teacher. And, al.
though the Office of teacher, owing to its having
been so commonly occupied of late by many who
have shown themselves to be incompetent and
unworthy, is no longer respected as it formerly
was, yet he pursued it up to the last weeks Of
his life with all the ardor and love that it was
possible to bring to bear upon such an irksome
afford him so much pleasure as to watch his
pupils catch new idea; and his countenance
would beam with satisfaction and enjoyment
when speaking, as he often did, of the progress
of certain of his pupils in comprehending intri-
cate propositions that had never previously been
presented to their minds. Thus was made man.
itest the true character OF the teacher.
A short time before the progress of his disease
Consumption compelled him most reluctantly
TO abandon his school CThe Darlington Academy,
he, on one occasion, while enjoning upon them
the importance of education, alluding TO the re-
sponsiblc duties of the teacher, and referring to
the limits of his own ambition, remarked to his
pupils that, "Thc only inscription that | would
wish on my tomb, in addition to name and date,
would be, were | worthy of it, Here lies the
Teacher beloved by his Pupils"
If any man was ever worthy of the true char
acter which this modest inscription would sug-
gest, that man was John NJ. Cooley. 1t is to be
hoped that his pupils, who were conspicuous
mourners among the multitude that gathered
to show sympathy and pay respect upon the oc
casion of his interment, will take steps toward
the execution of this casually expressed wish of
their most worthy teacher; and unite in having
the inscription carved upon the stone that is to
mark his last resting place.
Independently of his exalted character as n
teacher, Mr. Cooley was man of decided liter
airy talent. The most casual observer would be
struck at once, upon seeing him, with the
thought that he stood far above ordinary men,
Modest and unassuming in demeanor, yet his
language, and the expression of his fine, manly
countenance, at once betrayed his superiority
among men, lie was iiuent public speaker,
and an able and frequent writer for the public
press. His desire for knowledge was Unsuitable:
and he devoured with avdity everything new in
science and philosophy that came within his
reach. The writer has experienced great
pleasure, AT various times, in furnishing him with
new works on philosophical and scientific sub
jects; and upon listening 10 his interesting,
thoughtful, and instructive comments thereon
Mr.. Cooley did good for goods sake, not for
the hope of reward, nor from the fear of punish
ment. Honesty and integrity marked all his
dealings with mankind. He was phlanthropic;
and in many instances eXerted himself most ac-
lively where Others would be benefited much
more than himself.
While entertaining respect, and the widest
charity for the various religious beliefs of Others
his own life has been guided, in chief, by those
broad principles of truth and justice, which the
Almighty appears to have bestowed upon some
men in larger degree than upon Others And
without protesting to be governed by the doc.
trines of any particular church, he freely ex-
pressed, during the last days of his protracted
illness, his fullest confidence in the redeeming
power, the saving grace, and boundless love Of
the Lord Christ Jesus.
While gaspng for breath, short time before
the last sad hour, his wife, in her agony exclaim-
ed, as though hesupposed he was unconscious,
toward her, and with great difficulty replied
"No, Hattie, am not dying; feel too happy
to be dying"
The writer Immediately said to him: "Mr.
Cooley you are not suffering any pain, are you ?"
He shook his head, and said, mot any," We
added: "Mr. Cooley you have no fear of death ?"
"None," he responded. "You are fully prepar-
ed, and perfectly satisfied to die? ~ we added.
He nodded assent, and answered, entirely sat
isfied." Directly, when wishing to cough, or
hoping to get more air, he said to his attendants,
"Raise me up" He was scarcely up until he ad-
ded, "Put me down again, for the last time
Let me die now!" He survived several hours
longer, but the fearful oppression of his breath
ing prevented him holding any conversation, ex-
cept hurried word or two in indication Of his
wants. remaining perfectly conscious all the
time and taking sup of water moment before
he breathed his last.
Thus ended the life of one of the most honest
upright, and publicspirited men who have ever
lived in this community; where he has taught
the youth Of the neighborhood, to his lasting
credit and to their great advantage, during the
last eleven years
Truly was he "beloved by his pupils, +" and, we
can add, respected and honored by all Mr.
Cooley's life affords an example worthy of the
imitation of all who follow him and his peace
full death, the result of an upright life, would,
to any man, prove the fruiton of his most
anxious hopes.
Farewell, dear friend We have looked our
last upon thee; but through the dim future, and
amidst cares and anXieties, as well as in our
remember thee as one of the most cherished,
and truthful friends that fortune
has ever joined us with W.S.F
DnyIi01tO, Md Anril 18TH 1879