We have that reference for Perrin C. and Margaret A. Cooley's possible marriage in 1891 in Adair Co., MO.  What to think of it?  Really can only guess!

 

Family lore has it that they were married in 1865.  We have a rather large photo of them together that looks like it might be a wedding photo but they are not in wedding dress as such.  Both look like the age they would have been circa 1865.  Perhaps not an official wedding?  Redone in 1891?  Why Missouri?  Both from Missouri but living in Hays KS or Woodward, OK in 1891?  ( Miss that 1890 census)!

 

Perrin C. had a daughter born 1859 near St Joseph, MO,  Nellie Cooley Woods.  Mother still unknown.  Perrin:  At least 3 marriages??

 

Served in Nebraska cavalry volunteers 1862-3.

 

Married Margaret Ann Reed in 1865?    Joseph C. Cooley born 1868 in Missouri.   No record of this family in 1870 census that I can find.   P.Albert  born 1875 in Hays, Ellis, KS.

 

1880 US census:  family still living in Hays City, Ellis, KS.     Kansas sate census 1885:  Big Creek, Ellis, KS.     1890:  Joseph in the army, family still in KS?   1891: Marriage or remarriage?  in MO?  

 

1900 US census:  Perrin, Margaret and P. Albert now in Judkins Township, Woodward, Oklahoma Territory. 

1903 US City Directory: Living in Billings, MT near Joseph C. and family.

1905 Iowa state census:  Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa once again living near Joseph C. and fam.

1910 US census and city directory:   Maudlow, Gallatin Co., Montana all with Joseph C. and fam.

1911 city directory:  Perrin C. is 91, listed as a rancher, living with Margaret and P. Albert, a laborer, probably with the railroad. House still there as of last summer's visit.

1912:  Death; veteran's gravestone in Forestvale cemetery,  Helena MT

 

1913:  Margaret and P. Albert still living in Helena, MT.   Joseph and fam have moved to Idaho.

 

This is the last I have on Margaret, but by 1917 P. Albert is back in MO living in St. Joseph with no mention made of his mother.   Have not been able to find Margaret's death date or location.  Have a couple of hints about her early days but nothing sourced.  Did she move back to MO with son?  Die in MT?  Cannot locate.  By  1920 Joseph C. and family were in Wyoming where Joel's Dad was born.  No Margaret.

 

Got carried away here but it helps to write it all out once inawhile.  Next summer hope to head to Missouri and have a look-a-round.

 

Thanks again, Michael, for your interest in Perrin C.  I keep looking at Margaret too hoping for some hints.

 

Nancy