Tottenville's Early African American History
Part II: The Cooley Family in the 20th Century: Second and Third Generations / Dahlias and Doctors
After Philip Cooley’s death in 1832, his wife, Eliza, continued to raise their children and live in Tottenville until her death in 1884. Baylor, Philip’s brother, had purchased two acres on the west side of today’s Page Avenue and engaged in farming. By 1855, he reportedly owned 11 “improved acres.” He grew grain as well as vegetable crops. Baylor Cooley sold several parcels of land on Page Ave. to members of his family and a small community of African American families resided there through the early 20th century. In 1876, several years after his death, the property was subdivided into 26 lots. The survey map titled, “Map of the Estate of Baylor Cooley, Dec’d.,” included Baylor Street and Cooley Street.
SECOND GENERATION