Joseph Cook

COOK, BENNETT, STOCKS, MATTHEWS

Posted By: Vicki Houk (email)
Date: 2/16/2011 at 22:21:52

Joseph Cook. The annals of Dubuque County, which contain upon their records so many worthy citizens and prosperous farmers, would be incomplete if the name of our subject were omitted. He is a man from small beginnings has worked his way steadily upwrad, and by his own unaided efforts and natural ability attained that success which is only fortune of a few to enjoy. He is a prominent agriculturist residing in Jefferson Township, Dubuque County, Iowa, and was born in Schuylkill County, Pa., July 15, 1830.

Our subject is the son of Thomas and Jane (Bennett) Cook. The father was born in Durham County, England, in the year 1804. Eleven children came to bless this union, as follows: John, William, Joseph, Walter, Mary, Robert, Thomas and Jane (twins, Elizabeth, Richard and Martha. Thomas Cook came to the United States in the year 1830 and landed in New York City. Remaining there but a short time he went to Pennsylvania and about five years later, in 1835, he came to Dubuque County, Iowa, and engaged in farming and mining here for four years. In 1839 he removed to Jefferson Township, the same county. Here he was the superintendent of a lead mine, but thinking that he could do better he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and began farming.

Joseph Cook remained at home until he was twenty years of age, when he ventured out in the world for himself. He immediately went to the "land of gold" where he engaged in mining for that precious metal for four years. He was very successful in this undertaking and on his return to Dubuque County purchased the old homestead, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres which he has increased to one hundred and eighty acres of land. The property is under cultivation.

July 14, 1885, Mr. Cook was united in marriage with Miss Emma Stocks, who was born in England in 1832. She was the daughter of John and Sarah (Matthews) Stocks, both of whom were natives of England. There were four children born to them, namely: Frazier, John, Ellen and Walter. He has given his children the best educational advantages possible, thus enabling them to fill any position in life with honor. He is an attendant at the Methodist Episcopal Church and a member of the Republican party.