May Madigan, oldest child of Patrick and Bessie was born April 17, 1879 in Chicago. She married Claude Cooley at St. Agatha's Church in Chicago on February 11, 1907. Unfortunately, Claude cut his leg on a railroad car and died from septicemia, an infection. Claude was an extremely good looking gentleman. They had no children. May lived with her mother-in-law, May Sherwood for a number of years, marrying Burdette Harbison on May 30, 1934. May died from coronary thrombosis due to arteriosclerotic heart disease in September 29, 1955. She is buried with Burdette in St. Joseph cemetery in River Grove, Illinois.
This photo of Burdette, Elaine McIntyre and May was taken c1953. May was an excellent seamstress and she made Elaine's tap dance costume she is wearing.
HARBISON -- May Madigan
Harbison, beloved wife of Burdette, fond sister of Nell Sullivan, Nan Rooney, Harry and John Madigan. Funeral Monday, 9 a.m., from chapel, 5911 W. Madison street, to St. Matthew's church. Interment St. Joseph's. EStebrook 8-7500.
Chicago Tribune, October 2, 1955
COOLEY -- Claude Alva
Cooley, beloved husband of Mrs. Mae Madigan Cooley and son of Mrs. M. S. Cooley and the late William H. Cooley, at his residence, 2918 Flornoy st. Member of Siloam lodge, St. Cecilia chapter, and St. Cecilia commandery, Knights Templar. Templar service, Friday, Jan. 25, at 1 o'clock, at West Side Masonic Temple.
Chicago Tribune, January 25, 1918.
HARBISON -- Burdette W.
Harbison, beloved husband of the late May Madigan Harbison, fond brother of Lela Eddy and late Frances McCullough. Funeral Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. from chapel, 5911 W. Madison street, to St. Bernadine's church, Forest park. Interment St. Joseph's. ES 8-7500.
Chicago Tribune, August 17, 1959.
Bessie Madigan was living at 4826 W. Quincy in Chicago when she died on December 31, 1935. Her son, Harry, was the informant on the death certificate. She died at home, one that she owned. He lists her father as John Thomas. Somewhere near the end of the 19th century, the Thompsons changed their last name to Thomas. When her father died in 1904 he is listed as John Thomas on his death certificate. Her mother is listed as Meg La Rue on Bessie's death certificate. However, on her siblings' death certificates her mother is listed as Margaret Reidy/Ready. There is a story in the family told by both Helen McIntyre and Ruth Rooney that we had in the family a "crazy aunt" who was French. I have not been able to determine who that is, perhaps the name La Rue is a clue. Harry also states that Bessie was born in Chicago, but we know from earlier censuses, she was born in Ireland. All this just goes to prove you can't believe everything you read on a death certificate.
