Biographical Sketch of

Walter N. Cooley

Transcribed by Joan Benner for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 540 and 541


Walter N. Cooley, proprietor of a livery, feed and sale stable in Berlin, is a son of 
Henry C. and Nancy M. (De Mary) Cooley, and was born in the town of Darien, Wyoming County, 
New York, on the 15th of July, 1843. He came to Berlin with his parents when twelve years 
of age and was educated in the city schools, after which he learned the harness-maker's 
trade. In 1862, he crossed the plains, spending about a year and a half in Idaho, Utah 
and Montana. He returned home in the fall of 1863, and the following year went South, 
where he spent a year and a half in the quartermaster's department in Bowling Green, Ky. 
On his return to the North, he took employment in Oshkosh in 1866 as a harness-maker, but 
after a year spent one season as a dealer in live stock. The following year he passed in
Milwaukee, and in the autumn of 1869, went to Mason City, Iowa, where he engaged in the 
restaurant business for a while. He next was employed in the office of the Iowa Central 
Railroad for eight months, after which he opened a harness shop and worked at his trade 
for a number of years.

While in Mason City, Mr. Cooley was joined in wedlock with Miss Emma C. Wilson, the ceremony 
being performed on Christmas day of 1870. Mrs. Cooley is a native of Illinois, and a daughter 
of Alonzo Wilson. Four children have been born to their union, two sons and two daughters, 
namely: Winnifred N., Frank I., John B. and Avis Leola--all yet at home.


Mr. Cooley continued in business in Mason City, Iowa, until May, 1883, when he sold out and 
returned to Berlin. Shortly afterwards, he engaged in the livery business with his father and 
on the death of the latter, in July 1889, succeeded to the business which he is now 
successfully conducting. In politics, he is a Democrat, and he is the agent of the Wisconsin 
Humane Society, having been appointed to that position May 21, 1886. He is an experienced 
liveryman and always keeps good horses and rigs for his customers.






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