Cook, Aaron B. 1840 - 1920

COOK, MACHEMER, FRANKLIN, MCGHEE, CAMPBELL

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 7/18/2012 at 17:18:13

Postville Herald, Postville, Iowa, Friday, June 11, 1920.
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Death Calls A. B. Cook

In 1907 after more than 38 years close identification with farming interests in Allamakee county, Aaron B. Cook moved into Postville where he has since lived in retirement, having earned rest and leisure by many years of earnest, honorable and well directed work in the past. A spirit of enterprise and determination has actuated him in all that he has done and his work has been of high order, touching and influencing the trend of agricultural development in this part of the state. He was born in St. Joseph county, Michigan, September 15, 1840. He acquired his early education in the public schools of Mottville and was later a student in White Pigeon Seminary. When he was nineteen years of age he began teaching, spending the winter months at this occupation and attending school during the summers. Afterward, however, he turned his attention to farming, buying land in Elkhart county, Indiana, where he remained about two years. He followed this by two years upon his father's farm in Michigan and then, in 1867, came to Iowa, having since continued a resident of the state. At first he rented land in Ludlow township, Allamakee county, but after two years purchased eighty acres in Post township, whereon he resided continuously for thirty-eight years, becoming in the interval, one of the most prominent and substatial farmers in this section of the state. When he took up his residence upon this property it was wild and unimproved, but with characteristic energy he set himself to the task of clearing and developing it, steadily carrying forward the work along practical and scientific lines. From time to time he bought more land and added it to his holdings until they today comprise two hundred and eighty acres of fine farming land. In connection with the work of the farm, he not only thrashed for himself and neighbors during the season, but he also taught in the district schools during the winter season, becoming, through his able and successful work, one of the lead- as may readily be seen, an indefa- ing educators of the county. He was, tigable worker, possessed of the ability to divide his energies without impairing their force, and he had, more over, that kowledge of men and the power of judging their capabilities, which enabled him to hire efficient and honest employees, a great deal of his success being do to this fact alone. In addition to the activities above mentioned, he was for some time president of the publishing company which controlled the District Post, the second paper in Postville and known as the greenback paper of this district. He was also at one time manager of the Postville co-operative canning company, and has proven himself a reliable and far-sighted business man as well as a successsful educator.

Mr. Cook married, on the 1st of April, 1860, Miss Caroline Machemer, of Pennsylvania. They became the parents of seven children. Mrs. Flora Franklin of Postville; James Albert of Keller, Wash.; Carrie L.; Myrtle M. McGhee of Dubuque; Perry E., Postville; Charles B., deceased; Mrs. Gwendolyn Campbell of Postville.

Although not a memer of any religeous denomination, he was a regular attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church. He gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and was actively engaged in all public affairs, being always ready and willing to co-operate in movements for the general welfare. He has held important offices, serving with credit as justice of the peace for sixteen years, as township trustee and as secretary of the school board. In all relations of life he has proved honorable, upright, straightforward and efficient, and, in the county where he has resided for almost forty years, his name has stood as a synonym for progressive citizenship, business ability and high standards of personal and political integrity.

A week ago last Monday Mr. Cook was stricken with paralysis at his home and was at once taken to Postville Hospital, where on Tuesday morning, June 8th, his wearied spirit crossed over to the other shore.

The funeral was held from the M.E. church in this city at two o'clock Thursday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. Hadwen Williams. Interment in the Postville cemetery.

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Note: See also his biography in "Past and Present of Allamakee County 1913 - biographies" located on this site.

Obit copied as it appeared, errors and all,

Submitter is not related.