Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
COOLEY, Clara Aldrich
COOLEY, Clara Aldrich. (Wyndham, VT, Sept. 13, 1829-Dubuque, IA, Nov. 16, 1925). Founder and first president, DUBUQUE LADIES' LITERARY ASSOCIATION. The wife of Judge D. N. COOLEY, Clara Cooley founded the Dubuque Ladies' Literary Association on January 13, 1876. A political force, Cooley represented Iowa as the Educational Commissioner in 1900 to the Paris Exposition, an appointment endorsed by Speaker of the House David B. HENDERSON and Senator William B. ALLISON. Cooley read a paper entitled "Women in Science.
An enthusiastic member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Cooley founded the Dubuque chapter and served two terms as its Regent and State Regent. Her work for the organization led to her being named to the life office of Honorary State Regent. A life member of the Mary Washington Memorial Association, Cooley served as one of the first officers of the Association for the Advancement of Women. She also held memberships in the National Geographic Society, American Economic Association and the Academy of Political Science. Among her honors, Cooley was made Honorary Vice-President of the General Federation of Women's Clubs for her pioneering work on women's behalf in the Midwest.