Walter Lloyd Cook (1912)

COOK

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/4/2014 at 10:42:34

Earlham Echo – Earlham, Iowa
February 1, 1912

Walter Cook, son of Arthur Cook, of Bear Creek, was killed instantly by a fall from a load of hay Wednesday morning. The unfortunate boy (his age was only nineteen) started for the feed lot at about 8:30 and a half hour later his two brothers followed after with a second load. Coming upon the overturned load of hay they were horrified to discover the body of Walter lying just where it had struck when he had jumped to escape a fall. A bleeding gash behind the ear was mute testimony that the jump had precipitated their brother upon his head. Life must have been extinct for half an hour, as the skull was so badly fractured that death transpired instantaneously.

The funeral services were held today at Bear Creek Church and interment was made in Bear Creek cemetery. In this sad hour when death has so suddenly and tragically ended a noble young life, the bereaved family have the condolence of all.
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Earlham Echo – Earlham, Iowa
February 8, 1912

Walter Lloyd Cook, son of A. E. and Alma Cook, was born May 13, 1893, near Stuart, Ia.

In 1904 the family moved to a farm near the Bear Creek Church in Dallas Co.

In the morning, Jan. 31st, 1912 while about his usual work of hauling feed for the cattle, he was in some manner thrown from a load of hay, but the overturning of the sled. Not long after, two of his brothers came with another load of feed and found his lifeless body. Two doctors were hastily summoned, but they could only confirm the belief of those who were first to reach him, the death was instantaneous. He was just coming into young manhood, aged 18 yrs, 8 mos, and 18 days. In many ways he was an unusual boy and young man, always cheerful and obedient. While of a quiet manner he was full of life. At different times during the past few years he had sought and found the Saviour, but as many another had been, was led away through temptation. On the 22nd of last Dec., during special services he renewed his covenant with God, with a determination to remain steadfast. In a conversation with a neighbor only a few days before his death, he expressed his anxiety for his unsaved associates. He was a member of the Friends Church at Bear Creek –also the Sunday school and Christian Endeavor. There remain of his immediate family, his father, four sisters and six brothers, with many other relatives and a large circle of friends.