What's Going On?

Hello, one and all. I hope everyone is enjoying Spring. It's a nice one here in Minnesota. The temperatures have been in the 70's, the Mighty Mississippi River high waters are going down and it's Spring Break for many.

When looking at the Dates To Remember for March, I noticed I forgot to do posts for a few people. My bad. I'll correct that error at this time. Other birthdays in March are as follows. Mildrew Lowry (daughter of Jesse and Mary Lowry)was born in 1888, but the exact date is unknown at this time. Nashrum Cooley (son of Lacy Cooley)was born in 1869 but his exact date unknown. On March 8th, Matthew H.(great-great grandson of Edward Johnson) was born in 1973. In 2000, De Bry Tae Kenneth (great-great-great-great grandson of Lacy Cooley) was born on the 24th, and Unruly Cooley's grandmother Josephine Robnett Colbert was born on the 26th in 1893!

There are so many branches of the tree with so many stories. The biggest surprise for me was learning about McKinley Cooley at Selma University. It's safe to say he is one of the first Cooleys to attend college. As cousin Kevin shared with me in a message, "You have rendered me speechless!" Learning Cousin "Mack" went to a historically Black college, in the early part of the last century, left ME speechless. It fills me with a great sense of pride and respect for family history. I feel like throwing my fist in the air and saying, "Right on, McKinley Cooley!" I'm still checking into McKinley's story and I'll do a follow up posting about him later.

Happy Birthday, Donna!

This is the last birthday for a family member in March. Well, I think it is, but I can be wrong. Donna Louise (daughter of Eugene "Eckie Bud" and Helen Cooley) is turning another year better today. I have a feeling this young lady will do a lot of traveling this summer. BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR DONNA! I'm sure she and Harry will be coming to a town near you. :^) Much peace and many blessings.

McKinley Cooley

There are many branches to this Cooley Family Tree. Today is the birthday of McKinley "Mack" Cooley. The question is; who is this Cooley and where does he fit into the family? He is the son of Seward Cooley, who is the son of Lacy Cooley. That's the man that started it all. Seward is one of the older brothers of George Cooley, who is the father of Edward Cooley, who is the father of Veltirea Cooley, who is the mother of Vicki, who is my mother. WHEW!!! Trying to explain the lineage can be a bit much to write. Let's get back on track with the man of the day. McKinley is the first Cooley to attend college. The 1920 Census for Valley Creek, Alabama list "Mack" as a pupil at Selma University. I checked online for more information about Selma University. What I've learned I'll share with you.

Selma University was founded in 1878, by the Reverends William H. McAlpine, James A. Foster and R. Murrell. The purpose was for preparation of better leaders for the churches as preachers and in classrooms as teachers.

In 1881, the school was incorporated by an act of the legislature under the name of Alabama Baptist Normal and Theological School of Selma. On May 14, 1908, the name was officially changed to Selma University. One of the oldest historically black colleges in America, Selma University is today a primarily Christian Bible college, but it also offers degree programs in Business Administration as well as Biology. Masters degrees are offered in two Theology fields.

I know McKinley Cooley attended this institution. What I don't know is, what path he took once he left college? I will continue my search for more information about him. On this day we honor McKinley "Mack" Cooley, born one hundred and thirteen years ago.

Chitln Dinners 11AM

I don't know why I have a fascination with these stanky things? Whenever I see something about chitlins, I snap a picture. I am so happy to have a camera phone. What did we do before we had them??? Well here's what had happened. I was walking along, minding my own self business, and I saw this message to the community at First Trinity COGIC. I didn't know you could get a "chitln" (their spelling, not mine)dinner outside of a person's home? You learn something new everyday. Let me be perfectly clear, I am not planning to purchase one of those dinners. I don't eat chitlins -- YUCK!!! I'm just a little concerned for the smell going all throughout the sanctuary. Leave it to me to be concerned about chitlins stinking up the house of the Lord.

Happy Birthday, Vicki

Last year was the big seventieth birthday for mom, Ethel Victoria, or Vicki to all that know and love her. This year we celebrate her seventy-first birthday. I came home and immediately got in the kitchen to help Toyia with the meal. While we were getting the meal prepared, mother decided she wanted to have a cocktail. I stopped and made what I THOUGHT was a light drink. Turns out it was a strong one. Mother enjoyed her Grey Goose screwdriver with an extra shot of the Goose. By dinner time, Mom was feeling lovely. She finished her ONE drink and sat at the head of the table to preside over her birthday dinner. I must admit I enjoyed having the entire family together. Oh, Toyia did what she does best, she worked a few nerves. All her insanity aside ('cause she crazy and I know it), a fun time was had by all. I have a feeling mom will be happy with her one pound box of See's Chocolates. You can never go wrong with a box of See's Chocolates. Don't tell the others, but I'm her favorite child.

Yes, I Listen To This Type Of Music

I admit, I like some rap music. Now, at forty-three years old, you will not find me saggin. I don't believe in all that. I like the sample of the old skool tracks into rap music. This song here, "No Vaseline" samples "Dazz" by Brick. Ice Cube tells it as only he can. It may be a bit strong for some folks ears. He's cussin. I'd suggest you pass this one by. Don't listen to it. Now, if you want to bop your head to the beat, take a listen and give it a little volume. I think you'll like it.

Happy Birthday Maria Elena!

Okay, so here's how this one happened; I forgot. I feel the best thing to do is be honest. It does not mean I don't love my cousin. Nah, not at all. There's been much happening, but I intend to set the record straight now. The great-great-great-granddaughter of Lacy and Aggie (Lewis) Cooley and John and Sarah (Crowden) Johnson was born on Sunday, March 14. 1965 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Maria's home of Jamestown, North Dakota is many miles and a few states away from the hometowns of the Cooley's (Coaling, Alabama) and the Johnson's (Jasper Township, Missouri). It may be a little late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARIA!!! Peace, Joy, Wealth, Love and Happiness are all yours to claim.

Their Special Day

It is safe to say this dynamic dual in the photograph share more than the same birthday. Anna Belle Burns was born to Victoria Cooley and Lee Burns on Tuesday, March 19, 1904 in Bevier, Missouri. J. Walter "Hague" Thompson was born to Edward and Anna (Lowery) Thompson on Sunday, March 19, 1911 in Lawrence, Kansas. Their life paths would come together in Des Moines, Iowa when Anna Belle's cousin, Veltirea Cooley married "Hague." The marriage did not last, but their friendship endured the rest of their lives. For Anna Belle's 106th and "Hauge's" 99th birthday, we honor their birthday.

Edward Johnson

Sometimes I will teach myself a lesson. I was checking the blog, because I like to do that from time to time. In "DATES TO REMEMBER..." I noticed today is Edward Johnson's birthday! I would have been pissed if I missed acknowledging his day. Edward was the first child born to John and Sarah (nee Crowden) Johnson. The family lived in Jasper Township or Vandalia at that time. Edward would marry Pinkie J Doolen in 1899. They would have three children; Ethyl, Helen and Rex. After Pinkie's death, Edward married Orpha King in 1908. Together they had four children; Henry, Beatrice, Edward Jr and Hardin. Edward moved his family from Vandalia, Missouri to Enterprise, Iowa in 1914. Edward's children would marry and have families of their own. Of course those children married and had families of there own. The descendants of this man are spread all throughout the United States and parts of Europe as well. Wow -- it all started in 1872 with his birth! I am the great-great grandson of this man, born one hundred thirty-eight years ago. Let us honor Edward on his day.

For Grandma

Thank you for being you.

Press the play button to view the slide show.

Our Lives Changed...

It's amazing how quickly eight years have gone by. We discuss Grandma regularly. There's always some story to tell or special memory to share. I like that we do this and we do it often. I share as much as I can remember about Grandma with my 15 year old nephew, Maurice. I remember Grandma telling me about her experiences with her Grandfather, Edward Johnson. I want Maurice and ALL of the family to know the stories and in turn, know the people in the stories. On March 1, I celebrate my Grandma's life and not focus solely on her passing. She lived 84 great years and in a time that we now read about in history books. Veltirea Leonia was truly a PHENOMENAL WOMAN.

You're in pain, huh?

Watching this clip taught me something. What I learned was, the man in the clip and I "thought like Lit." Now if you don't the way Lit thought, I will tell you he didn't think correctly. In fact, he was dead wrong. I never imagined an outcome like this one. If you've not seen this before, you're in for a treat. All I'll say is, Veltirea taught me to NEVER lean with your chin. He needed her sage advice.