Some Cooleys Are Coming!

They're coming, that's what I've been told. Some Cooleys will drive from Iowa and some from North Dakota. I don't know the exact number coming and I can't say how long they'll stay. My rough guess places the number between ten and fifteen. I know I'll have some tales to tell at the end of this weekend. We shall see what it will be.

Happy Easter

I'm sure I should be asleep, but I'm not ready to lay it down. My thoughts have been of the dinner I'm cooking later. This is my last official family/holiday dinner until Thanksgiving. Well, I'll help with a dish here and there. Planning the menu and preparing the majority of the food is now in the hands of Miss Toyia. She takes over all main meals from this point on. The "Barbeque Queen" fired up the grill a few weeks back and barbequed a few slabs of perfectly seasoned, moist, tender, delicious ribs. Finger licking good. So the family will be in good hands. By the way, Miss Toyia is serving pineapple upside down cake. Call ahead to ensure there's a piece for you.

Happy Birthday, Harry

I don't know the exact date, but "Uncle Harry" will celebrate his birthday this month. Harry isn't my real uncle. He is in fact my cousin-in-law. Let's see, that makes Harry the great-great-grandson-in-law of Lacy Cooley. Notice the common thread here -- it all goes back to Lacy Cooley.

When Harry is around, you know you'll have a good time. Time spent with Harry ensures non-stop laughter. Harry has a story for every occasion, every subject at any time! He's always ready to share one or seven with you. I think that's rather impressive. There's another thing about Harry that makes me a fan. If you happen to drop in at the right time, Harry will serve you some of the BEST greens this side of the Mississippi. It's enough to make you want to slap your momma and throw your pocketbook at the preacher. I ain't lying - his greens are THE BOMB! So I'm always pleased to walk into Harry's house, take off my shoes, pull up a chair, have a plate of greens with a little vinegar, a couple of table onions, some cornbread and a few funny stories served on the side. Have you ever tried to eat greens and laugh at the same time? It ain't easy - pot liquor goes everywhere!

It's Marvin Gaye, Y'all...

Today is Marvin Gaye's birthday. No, he's not a Cooley (I don't think???), but I have been a fan of his for years. Yep, going back to my earliest memories of his music. That was around 1972, which was the year, "What's Going On" was released. A memory that comes to mind is a summer day at our house at 914 Carroll Ave. It was the weekend, because I remember we were up early and cleaning. My dad was playing music (typical) and one album that dropped down the spindle was Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's greatest hits record. I instantly like what I heard. The way those two would volley a lyric back and forth -- it's not easy, but they made it sound effortless on every song. That was one early memory. I recall hearing, "Let's Get It On" and begin to think he was talking about some hot, sweaty, sexual relations! I had to listen to that song a couple of times. As I grew older, my love for Marvin's music grew as well. He really could do no wrong - each song was a hit. Okay, I never really liked, "Rockin After Midnight." That aside, his music was good and I enjoyed it. Now, I don't mean to make fun of the dead, but Marvin taught us a very valuable lesson in his death. When your parents say, "I brought you into this world, and I'll take you out." they mean that. Mr Gaye shot his son because his son hit him. The whole situation is a sad one, but we still have the man's music. He left so many great songs. So, I'd like to say, "Happy Birthday, Marvin" and "Thank you for all the great songs you wrote and recorded." He is a legend.

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.