Alice Kingsbury Cooley

Alice Kingsbury Cooley ( James; after first marriage, Kingsbury; after second marriage, Cooley; 1839–1910) was a British-born American actress, author, and poet of New York City. She starred in stage plays in the U.S. and Canada. At first, she was known in San Francisco as a soubrette playing Fanchon, the Cricket; then later, as the mother of twelve children, who wrote books to fill up her time. included novel, dramas, and children's literature. Kingsbury was a member of the Pacific Coast Women's Press Association.

Early life and education Alice Madeline James was born December 31, 1840, in Bristol, England. Her parents were David Hawes James and Harriet (Bird) James. She came to the U.S. with her parents in 1850, the family settling in Cincinnati, Ohio. A decided hit in Cincinnati, in the ten years succeeding, she followed her stage career in various parts of the country. and Tetula, the Child of the Savannah. she played throughout the U.S. and Canada in various roles, including Fanchon, Juliette, Cupid at Play, and Sleeping Bacchus.

Writer

Cooley was a well known writer of prose and verse and had several volumes of her writings published. during her theatrical career, notably The Little Rag-Picker and Maud, the Chimney Sweep's Daughter. They had eight children including Frank Cooley, the actor, Earl Cooley, president of the San Francisco Galvanizing works; V. V. Cooley of Yuba City, California; Edward Cooley of Los Angeles; and Mrs. Sallie McKean of Alameda. the result of ptomaine poisoning.

Selected works Did she sin? an original and exciting drama in 5 acts. (Natchez, Miss., 1873) Ho! for Elf-land! (San Francisco, A. L. Bancroft & Company, 1878) (text) Secrets Told: With Twenty-Two Piquant Illustrations From Life (San Francisco, Alta California Printing House, 1879) (text) Asaph: An Historical Novel (New York, United States Book Company, 1890) (text) Cricket's Chirpings (San Francisco, Owl Press, 1904)