Gilbert Cooley, son of Elias and Sarah (Alden) Cooley, was born Dec. 25, 1833, in Forrestville, Chautauqua County, N.Y.; was educated there in common schools. In the fall of 1854 he removed to Clayton County settling in Strawberry Point; followed teaching school here two terms, and then engaged in the lumber business on the Maquoketa River, Cass Township. In the fall of "58 went to New York State, and remained two years. Aug. 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company D. Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer infantry, and was elected Orderly Sergeant. He served three years, during which time he was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant. He participated in all the principal battles of his regiment, and was mustered out with them at the close of the war. He then engaged in the insurance business, and has followed this and the sewing machine, and organ business ever since. He served five years on the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Cooley was married June 14, 1856, to Miss Martha F. Hammond, a native of East Granville, Washington County, N.Y. They have had nine children, five now living-- Edwin G., William P., Boardman, Kate and John A. Mrs. Cooley died Oct. 22, 1881. Mr. C. is a member of the Masonic and A. O. U. W. societies. In politics he is a Republican. P.O., Strawberry Point.
source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 692

• Married: 14 JUN 1856