WI BIO - Dane Co - COMSTOCK, Cooley L.
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893. Vol I, pp 564-565

Cooley L. COMSTOCK, a farmer resident of the town of Dunn, Dane County, WI, 
was born 15 miles from Erie, Erie County, PA, 16 Aug 1842. His father, 
William, was born in RI, and his grandfather, Aaron, was also a native of RI. 
Aaron COMSTOCK removed from RI to Otsego [Otsego County], NY, and thence to 
WI, and spent his last years in Rock County, WI.

William COMSTOCK was a natural mechanic, and followed the trade of stonemason 
and carpenter all his life. He married in Otsego County, NY, and removed 
from there to Erie County, PA, where he resided for a few years, and then, in 
1844, emigrated to the Territory of WI. He came by team to Lake Erie, by 
lakes to Milwaukee, and then by team to Dane County, WI. At that time this 
section of the country was but sparsely settled, and the greater portion of 
the land was owned by the Government. Game was very plentiful. He selected 
40 acres of Government land in section 31, in what is now Dunn Township, Dane 
County, WI, at once built a log house and commenced to make a farm. He 
bought a cow and a pair of oxen. As there were no railroads he was compelled 
to haul his grain to Milwaukee with oxen, which meant a trip of six or seven 
days, when the weather was good. Wheat sold as low as 25 cents a bushel. He 
usually managed to get a load of merchandise to haul back for Madison 
parties. As his means accumulated he bought other land, until his farm 
contained 200 acres. William COMSTOCK died in Feb 1873.

The maiden name of the wife of William COMSTOCK (the mother of our subject) 
was Fannie CHAPIN, born in Butternuts, Otsego County, NY, 05 Jul 1810. Her 
father, Luke CHAPIN, was a native of CT, who lived in NY State and spent his 
last years there. He had been a soldier of the War of 1812. The maiden name 
of Luke CHAPIN's wife, Thirza SHAW, who died also died in the town of 
Butternuts, Otsego County, NY. The mother of our subject still lives, and 
enjoys good health and memory. Fannie (CHAPIN) COMSTOCK was the mother of 
four children: Francis, Melissa A., Cooley L., and Edgar.

Cooley L. COMSTOCK was a year and a half old when he came to WI with his 
parents, hence has no recollection of any other early home. He attended the 
pioneer schools of Dunn [Dane County, WI], and his father was a friend of 
schools and donated the land on which to build a schoolhouse. Cooley L. 
COMSTOCK commenced farming and remained with his father until his marriage, 
then bought a farm on section 32, upon which he resided three years, then 
sold it and returned to the old homestead, where he has since resided. The 
farm contains 200 acres of fine land, well improved.

Cooley L. COMSTOCK married in 1856 Damans JOHNSON, who was born in the town 
of Dunn, Dane County, WI, daughter of Solomon and Polly (BAKER) JOHNSON. 
Cooley L. and Damans (JOHNSON) COMSTOCK have two children: Lelia L. and 
Fanny J. He is a Democrat in politics and has served two terms as a member 
[p 565] of the County Board of Supervisors, and he is a member of Rome Corner 
Camp, Modern Woodmen of America.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly