Cook, Ambrose P. 1808 - 1884

COOK

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/24/2022 at 17:44:11

Elkader Register, 10 Sept. 1884.

This week we are again called upon to chronicle the ending of a long and useful life, and to announce, with a feeling of sadness, that another of our old citizens is no more. On Thursday last occurred the death of Ambrose P. Cook, a man who has lived in our midst a number of years; one who has always led an exemplary life, and who goes down to his grave mourned by all who knew him.

While we mourn his death, yet we can be comforted by the thought that he has been allowed to retain his place among us for more than the allotted span of human life, and having performed his duties well, he has been called to that bright and beautiful home beyond the "dark valley of the shadow of death." After a life full of noble deeds, he, like the harvest, has been garnered in by the reaper; "the work is done, the day is past, and the laborer's task is o'er," and he laid down to his long sleep, conscious of tasks well performed and approbation to come.

Mr. Cook's death was very sudden. He had been down town on Thursday last, and returning home with his mail sat down, and in a few moments was dead, caused by disease of the heart.

A. P. Cook was a native of Vermont, having been born in Essex county, that state, September 15th, 1808, and being at the time of his death 75 years, 11 months and 20 days of age. When about five years of age his father died, and while he was but nine years of age his mother followed her loved companion to his long home, and he was taken to Ohio where he resided with an uncle. On September 20th, 1831, he was married to his wife, who survives him, in Bedina county, Ohio. To them six children were born, of whom three survive, being Geo. W. and Marvin, who are in Dakota, and Emmer, who resided with her parents at this place.

In 1855 Mr. Cook removed his family to Iowa, locating in Highland township, where he resided until 1869. While residing in this township he filled the office of Justice of the Peace, and also of postmaster. In 1869 he removed to Elkader, where he resided at the time of his death, an honored citizen.

The funeral occurred on Saturday, the services being conducted by Rev. J. G. Whitford, of Volga City, who was one of Mr. Cook's earliest Iowa acquaintances. His body was laid away until the judgement day, in the cemetery on the east side. May he rest in peace.