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.
