A.W. Cooley, Vernon Parish Louisiana
Submitted by Pearl Cooley and Jane P. McManus

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Leesville Leader
October 9, 1910

Fatal Affray: On last Friday morning, near Simpson, this parish, A.W. Cooley 
was shot and killed by Thomas Brewer. It seems that trouble had been brewing 
between the two parties for some time, and on the date mentioned above Brewer 
was engaged, with others, in working the public road, when the deceased drove 
up in a buggy. Brewer engaged Cooley in conversation and soon the shooting 
followed. 

The regretable affair took place about 9 o'clock in the morning, and Brewer came 
in and gave himself up about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and was locked up to ... 
[missing line in newspaper] ... jury. After investigation James and Wash Brewer 
were, also arrested and locked up charged with being accessories. 

Both the parties connected with this sad affair were well to do farmers, living 
near each other, and the killing has cast a gloom over the whole neighborhood. 

Mr. Cooley was a member of Leesville Lodge No. 83, I.O.O.F. and leaves a wife 
and five children to mourn his death. Brewer is married, but has no children. 

The causes leading up to the trouble are variously stated, hence Leader will 
repeat none of them, leaving the matter for the courts to thresh out.