The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1891-06-12
The .Egis & Intelligencer
Bel Air, Md, June II, 1891.
The Late Judge James A. Cooley.


Mr.. William L. Cooley, of Bel Air. has received
from his brother, Mr.. Charles Cooley, of Madelia,
Mimi, the particulars of the sudden death of their
brother, Judge James A. Cooley, which took place
at Niobrara, on May 18th.
About two weeks before his death Judge Cooley
had gone so miles west of Niobrara, to organize
new county aud assist in laying out county seat.
His horse ran away and he was thrown out OF his
carriage. He was not much hurt but was COM
PEELED TO walk eight miles to his home. On the
way he ran down prairie dog, and caughtit.
The day before he died he appeared to be as
bright as usual, but complained of pain in his
left side. Before he went to bed he took dose of
simple medicine, at the drug store. He undressed,
lay down on the bed outside of the covering, drew
his lamp near the bed and was reading when
death overlook him. The next morning, at 8
O'Clock the lamp was still burning. the book open
and the bed perfectly smooth, showing that death
had come without struggle. The funeral on May
51st was very large one, people coming from
hundred miles away. He was buried with masonic
honors, 10 masons being present. Judge Cooley
was 43 years of age.
The Niobrara, Nebraska, Tribune, of May 2Sth
appears in mourning and gives the following
sketch of Judge Cooley:
James A. Cooley was born in Havre Grace, Har-
ford County, Maryland, in 1s4S, and spent the ear
preparatory course at the home schools, he enter
ed Princeton College and graduated with honor
He returned to Havre de Grace and engaged in
teaching for some time and then went to North
Carolina and engaged in matchmaking for two
years. He came TO Niobrara in the spring of II
and studied law in his brothers Office Hon. Chas.
Cooley, who was then county Judge Of Knox Coun-
ty he was admitted to the bar IN The fall of 1877,
and soon secured an extensive practice. In the
spring of 1885, his brother, Hon. Chas. Cooley,
signed the office of County Judge and removed to
Madelia. Mimi. The County Commissioners by a
unanimous vote appointed James A Cooley to fill
the unexpred term. In the fall OF 'S3 the people
ratified the choice of the County Commissioners by
electng him for the full term ending Jan. 1St 1885.
He was re- elected in 'S5, and again in S7. In 1889
the active pursuit of his chosen profession with
success. Judge Cooley was recognized at home
and abroad as one OF NioDrara hrst cItlzens;-
lenders he was always III the front rank his social
qualities and amiable, benevolent disposition won
the confidence and esteem OF the people OF all
rank and conditions of life Personal enemies he |
had none. His integrity was never questioned |
above reproach. Although Jealous partisan, he |
was never offensive, and always recognized ant |
respected the rights of his opponents. He COM
manded the support of the best elements of both
political parties. His benevolence was open hand
ed his fidelity to friends known to all men. He
unmarried, but leaves six brothers and an aged |
mother to mourn He was an honored member of
Ionic Lodge No ST. +. and A. M. of Niobrara and |
will be buried under the auspices of the Lodge
Services at the Presbyterian church on Sunday, |
May 3lst, at ii A. NJ, sermon by the Rev. Geo. Will
llams.
Judge Cooleys friends are expected to be present
and participate in paying the last sad tribute of
respect to the honored citizen and peace maker
among men. The true, tried, trusty friend OF the
worthy and deserving; the loyal brother OF society
friends the wise counsellor OF all who sought his
advice. Judge JAS A. Cooley, with his faults. and
they were few, and his goodness, has gone from
our midst, to meet his reward; to render an ac-
count of his stewardship on earth. He was firm
believer in the sublime truths OF Christianity and
a generous donor to the charities of the church,
Peace to his ashes.