The daily morning journal and courier., 1900-05-19
DEATH OF SAMUEL A. COOLEY
One of Hartfords oldest Citizens Die,

One or HartfOrdS oldest CltlzenS DleS
 at Odd Fellows Home in Groton,
 Hartford May 16.-Colonel Samuel A. Cooley, one of Hartford's oldest and best known citizens died at tl!e Odd Fellows Home, in Groton, Monday night. Colonel Cooley, through the in nuence of John c. McManus and Chief Eaton of the fire deDartment was in- duced last fall to go to the home, where he died. He had been in failing health for the past four years, having suffered from two shocks and a complication of diseases. Colonel Cooley's wife died twelve years ago, and since that time he had lived by himself in this city until he removed to Groton.
 MT Cooley was one of the best -known men of this city He was one of the characters of the town, and he leaves place in universal history, as having been the first man to have an operation performed under the influence of yan- aesthetic. He was of commenting presence, generous to fault, kind to every one, and was endeared to all who knew him His life was spent entirely in Hartford, having been born and brought up at his fathers home on Morgan street. He received his early education in the public schools, and after that went into business with his father who was then engaged in mak- ing Cooley's Btters. About 1853 he severed his connection wiht his father and entered the employ of Colonel sam uel Colt, where he remained for seV- eral years in the capacity of private secretary Later he left the Colt com pany and established a grocery store on North Main street.
 In 1857 Mr. Cooley entered the em- ploy of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, as a conductor, but later left this position to become cop- tain of kick behind" steamer plying between this city and Sprinfield. When the war broke out MT Cooley did not go. although in 1855 and 1856 he had been colonel of the First Connecticut Regiment. In 1866 he went south and became a sutler in the uuiodl army. He was with General Joseph R. Flaw ley's regiment, the Seventh Connecti- cut Volunteers during it's tour of duty, but never took up arms. It is said he made a great deal of money during this trip as he conducted not only the suffers business but he settled in South Carolina, and for year carried on the photographic business.
 Colonel Cooley returned to Hartford in 1865, and for number of years had no business. Tn the seventies he again entered the employ of the New York, To o,.tfp pfai1 nt the union depot in Hartford, His health compelled him to give up this position, and for the last ten years he had not engaged in any business.
 Colonel Cooley was one of the most enthusiastic fremen that ever carried a bucket or help pump an engine in this city. He is well remembered in 1S49 as a member of No, Hose Com pany. In 1852 he was made foreman of the company, and in 1853, 1854 and 1855 he was foreman of the old Sack and Bucket Company. which was To- cated where the fire department head quarters on Pearl street are to-day He was armorer at the State Arsenal for two years, but while holding all other offices he was all in all fire man. He would mount to the top of the highest burning buildings and his example and executive ability was so great that he was at last made fire marshal of the city When the Vet eran Firemen's Association was formed in 1892 he was one of the charter mem bers. He was an odd Fellow of long and high standing, belonging to Charter Oak lodge of this city. His stories and flights of imagination are historic among his friends. There were very few of bis old friends in the city to-day who had heard of his death, and it was with much feeling that they received the news. It was well expressed by all in the words, Poor Sam"