Charles Cooley Papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: OGLMC-1714

Scope and Contents

The Charles Cooley Papers consist of a journal written c. 1883-1885. The primary portion of the journal (p. 1-72) chiefly chronicles Cooley’s daily life occurrences as a farmer in Dakota territory (modern day South Dakota). The last pages of the journal (p. 91-107) contain notes pertaining to farming loads, finances, book lists, and medicinal remedy recipes. In addition to the journal, included within the collection are supplemental materials consisting of a check, business card for a law firm with which the author was employed, and some schoolwork which is likely from his time at the University of Michigan. The journal concludes around the time Cooley retires from farming in order to begin his career as the County Superintendent of Davison County schools.

Dates

created: 1883-1885
Other: Date acquired: 08/06/2023

Creator

Cooley, Charles M. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Biographical or Historical Information

"Judge Cooley was born in Decorah, Iowa, on December 18, 1856. He graduated from the Literary Department of the University of Michigan in June 1878. During his vacations and after graduation, he studied law in his father's office, and was admitted to the Bar in the state of Iowa in 1879. In March 1882, he moved to a farm in Davison County, Dakota Territory. He served as County Superintendent of the schools of Davison County in 1885 and 1886. On July 5, 1900 he moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota. On January 9, 1913 he was appointed Judge of the First Judicial District, by Governor Louis B. Hanna. Judge Cooley served in that capacity until his death on September 12, 1927." Source: https://www.ndcourts.gov/charles-m-cooley

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