John Cool, one of the pioneer settlers of Avoca, was born in Coburg, Province of Ontario, April 02, 1824, the son of Benjamin Cool, who was born in 1795 on the Mohawk River, and was of Holland Dutch descent. His ancestors were among the old pioneer settlers of New York State, and were called the Mohawk Dutch. Benjamin Cool participated in the War of 1812 on the American side, and fought at the battle of Sackett's Harbor. He was a tanner, currier and shoemaker by trade, and after emigrating to Canada was engaged at his trade in Coburg.

He was married there to Phoebe, daughter of Adolphus Hillenboldt, who was from the same locality on the Mohawk. Mr. Hillenboldt was a farmer by occupation, and cleared his place from the heavy timber.

Mr. and Mrs. Cool were the parents of nine children: Lucinda, John, Richard, William, Elizabeth, Albert, Charles, Seymour, and one who died in infancy. The parents lived in Coburg about ten years, and then, in 1833 or 1834, moved to New York State, settling near Buffalo on the canal at Shelby Basin, where he followed the business of shoemaking for some years. In 1844 he removed to Illinois and settled on a farm in Kane County, Hampshire Township. In 1868 he came to Avoca, Iowa, where he died in 1878, at the age of eighty-three years. Mrs. Cool is still living, at the age of ninety years, with her son Albert in Nebraska. Mr. Cool was an industrious, honorable and upright man.

John Cool, a son of the above and subject of this sketch, received a common school education, and learned blacksmithing in early life. He was nine years of age when his father returned to New York State, and at the age of twenty-one, in 1845, he went to Elgin, Illinois, where he engaged at his trade a short time. In 1846 he opened a shop in Hampshire Township, Kane County, which he conducted until the breaking out of the war. He enlisted in Company J, Eighth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, being mustered in at St. Charles, Illinois, September 18, 1861. He was immediately promoted to be Second Lieutenant, was in the Army of the Potomac, and was in the battle of Mechanicsville, Virginia, the seven day's fight before Richmond, White Oak Swamp, Harrison's Landing, at the Second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, and in several skirmishes. He was badly ruptured at Harrison's Landing by the fall of his horse. After the battle of Antietam he returned home, and resided at Hampshire, where he was Collector of the township and Constable, for twelve years, his time expiring while he was in the army.

In 1869 he came by wagon to Avoca, in company with his brother-in-law, Isaac Vandeborgart, and his family, and Thomas E. Fowler and family. Mr. Cool is the pioneer blacksmith of this city, having built the first shop and struck the first blow as a blacksmith. He also started the first livery business, using a straw shed for his stable. He also began carrying the mail and express the same winter to Harlem.

Mr. Cool was a charter member of the first Masonic Lodge, Mount Nebo, the rooms of which was over his blacksmith shop, which was built for that purpose, being one of the first buildings of Avoca. He has held all the offices in this lodge. He has served as Deputy Sheriff three times, and is a member of the U. S. Post, of which he has held the offices of Deputy Grand Master and Quarantine Master. Mr. Cool has erected seven dwelling houses, two shops and a livery stable, the latter being destroyed by fire in 1880.

He was married in 1847 to Sarah Carleton, daughter of James and Julia Carleton, and by this marriage there was one child, Mary, now the wife of Malcolm Howe, of Hampshire, Illinois. The mother died in 1865, and in 1867 Mr. Cool married Margaret Fowler, daughter of Dr. Thomas E. and Marilla Fowler, and by this marriage there were two sons, Benton and Daniel. Dr. Thomas Fowler was one of the pioneers of Hampshire, Illinois, settling there in 1846, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine many years. In 1869 he came to Avoca, where he became a well known physician. He was one of the charter members of the Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 297. He died and was buried with Masonic honors. His wife died in 1889.