CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS COOL. As the student of human nature looks on the men and women who have risen from the ranks to positions of eminence in the world of literature, politics, science, art or religion, he will fain inquire, "Whence came they? Amid what scenes did these giant minds unfold? in what social circles were they first introduced to the world which they have conquered ?" From the vast majority comes the ringing answer, "The dear old farm was our childhood home; our early social enjoyments were found on the glittering pond, by the woodland river, in the husking bee and the harvest home. Amid these scenes our minds were nurtured, and 'far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife,' we learned from self-sacrificing, toiling parents the lessons of self-denial and perseverance, with which to conquer first ourselves, and then our foemen." God bless the farm and the farmers of our land. They are the rocks on which our nation rests, and the history of their lives should be treasured by every patriotic citizen of America.
Gilbert Cool was born about the year 1794, east of the Alleghany Mountains, and came to Washington county, when a young man. He decided to learn the blacksmith's trade, and accordingly entered a shop of one John McConnell, living near Paris, where he learned his trade. His employer had a fair young sister-in-law, Rebecca Moore, and Rebecca soon became the bride of Gilbert Cool. They located in Frankfort, Beaver Co., Penn., where he followed his trade, and being both energetic and industrious, soon acquired a comfortable property. Time passed on, and one by one children came to bless their union, until the following names were added to their family circle: William (who died at the age of forty years), was a farmer of Allegheny county, Penn.; John, a farmer living in Allegheny county; Augustine, also residing on a farm in Allegheny county; Christopher Columbus, mentioned below; Thomas, an agriculturist of Allegheny county; Sarah, deceased in youth; Verlinda, deceased wife of William Dawson; and Alice, deceased wife of Philip Strouse, of Beaver county, Penn. Some years after his marriage Mr. Cool purchased and moved upon a farm near Florence, in Hanover township, which he afterward sold at a handsome profit, and then bought 175 acres in Findley township, Allegheny Co., Penn., where his remaining years were passed. He was a hard-working, successful business man and in politics was an Old- line Whig, afterward uniting with the Republican party. He possessed a robust constitution, and was ill but for a short time before his death, which occurred November 9, 1879, followed by his wife a year later. They are buried side by side in Hopewell cemetery, Allegheny county. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church.
Christopher Columbus Cool was born April 7, 1839, near Florence, Washington county. He received his earlier education at the common schools of the neighborhood and then took a short course at Mt. Union College, Stark county, Ohio, fitting himself for school teaching. After leaving college, he, in company with several classmates, made a western tour, visiting the principal cities of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia, many of the present large cities of those States being but villages at that time. He taught school in Wayne county, Ill., also in many of the western towns, and having satisfied his curiosity concerning the resources of the western States, returned to the home farm, teaching school during the winter season. On June 14, 1865, he was united in marriage with Eliza Jane Culbertson, who was born September 7, 1839, being the youngest of three children born to David and Elizabeth (Whittaker) Culbertson. Her father was a representative farmer of Hanover township, and was for many years an elder in the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church at Florence, this county. Two daughters have been born to the union of Christopher Columbus Cool and Eliza Jane Cool, namely: Allie Etta, and Effie Dora, both of whom are living at home. Since his marriage Mr. Cool has resided on his father-in-law's farm, one half of which was purchased, successfully devoting his attention to agriculture and stock raising. He is a progressive, energetic citizen, thoroughly posted on general topics, and an enthusiastic supporter of the Republican party. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church at Florence.
Text taken from page 284 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).
Transcribed January 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.
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