Cook, Francis G. 1818 – 1902

COOK, BURNAM, TURNER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 1/5/2020 at 17:55:48

Source: Decorah Republican Apr. 3, 1902 Page 2 Col 3

Pioneers Passing Away
Last week’s Monona Leader published the obituaries of four aged residents of Clayton county, viz : Francis G. Cook, aged 86 years, a resident in Farmersburg township since 1850; Catherine Helwig Wiegand, aged 84, a resident near Giard since 1857; Julia Sullivan O’Daily, aged 80, a resident of Wagner township since 1857; and Maria Barbara Seitz-Rupp, aged almost 80; a resident in Giard township since 1850.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows Francis Cook is buried in the Farmersburg-Wagner Cemetery and was born Feb. 16, 1818 and died March 16, 1902.

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Added by S. Ferrall 1/5/2020:

Francis G. Cook was born in Millville, Worcester Co., Mass., Feb. 16, 1818, and died at his home in Farmersburg township March 16, 1902.

He was married to Catherine Burnam at Millford, Mass., Oct. 30th, 1843. She died Dec. 26, 1901, after over fifty eight years of married life.

Three children mourn the loss of a dear parent, George O., Daniel B. of this twp., and Mrs. Eugene Turner of Wagner twp.

Mr. Cook came to reside in this township in 1850, so that for more than half a century he has been a part of our growth and progress; has been known as a neighbor and friend.

Nearly all those who took an active part with him in township and county affairs forty and fifty years ago have preceded him to the "silent land". Among his particular friends and associates we call to mind M.L. Fisher, Isaac Russell, Dr. S. Little, Richard Everall, B.P. Burnam and others. Their work is done, their mark made.

Mr. Cook in his youth learned the carpenter's trade and as a ship carpenter made several voyages. He was a thorough mechanic, taking pride in the fact that his work was well done. Buildings in Garnavillo, Monona, as well as in this township after the lapse of many years give evidence of his thoroughness and skill.

At various times he has filled nearly all of our township offices from Road Supervisor to Justice of the Peace, and such was the faith of the people in his integrity and justice that he was always continued in an office until he refused to serve longer. He took an active part in starting our first school serving as director for many years and always ready to push any good work.

In his early residence here his recreation was hunting and he was noted for his skill in this regard. He took an honest pride in the growth of our country and its institutions to which he had contributed so much.

We believe it better to tell a person of his good traits while living than speak of them after death, but "Esquire" Cook as he was called, knew that all had confidence in him and that he was respected and loved by all. In short, he was a good citizen, friend, and neighbor. It can be truthfully said of him what we all should strive for: "The world is better for his having lived in it."

Funeral services were held at the church in Farmersburg Tuesday afternoon at one o'clock, Rev. Geo. W. Baxter officiating. Burial in Farmersburg cemetery.

Card of Thanks
We sincerely thank all the kind friends who so willingly assisted us during the last illness and death of our beloved father.
Geo. O. and Daniel B. Cook, Mrs. E.L. Turner

~Monona Leader, Thursday, March 27, 1902