JAMES HARVEY COOK

COOK, LEACH, AUSTIN, RUSK, STORIE

Posted By: David (email)
Date: 12/13/2004 at 13:09:54

The Chariton leader, Chariton, Iowa
Thursday, February 21, 1907

JAMES HARVEY COOK, the son of WILLIAM and EVELINE COOK, was born May 6, 1843
and is the third son of a family of nine children, five sons and four
daughters. These brothers and sisters were all born in Henry County, Iowa.
Brother COOK enlisted as a private soldier in Company K, 4th Iowa Cavalry,
July 10, 1861, and enrolled Oct. 9, 1861 to serve three years or during the
war. He was discharged at Vicksburg, Miss., Dec. 31, 1863 by reason of
re-enlistment as veteran volunteer. A furlough of 30 days was granted and
accepted. He took part in 31 battles not counting the skirmishes, and was
slightly wounded at Guntown, Miss. His regiment marched in the southern
States, traveling more than 14,000 miles, capturing 2,890 of the enemy in
action and 29 pieces of artillery and 12 confederate flags were taken on the
field of battle. He continued in the same camp and regiment for four years,
one month and fourteen days or until he was musterred out of the U.S.
Service at Davenport, Iowa, August 24, 1865.

Brother COOK said, "My army experience proved to be of real value to me in
many ways, however, the most valuable lessons I learned were, first,
obedience to my superiors, second, high regard for discipline, third, keep
everything in its place, fourth, always be prepared to meet the emergency,
fifth, always say, 'You come, boys' instead of 'You go.' All these
admirable traits of character are, to my mind, just as essential to the
private citizen today." He was very methodical in everything with which he
had anything to do.

After he was mustered out he returned to his father's farm, making his home
there until Sept. 17, 1867, when he was married to MISS MARY JANE LEACH,
whose home joined his father's on the south. Soon after MR. and MRS. COOK
moved one mile east of the home place. to them were born ARTIE A., August
17, 1868; MERTIE M., Feb. 8, 1872; ETHEL B., Oct. 17, 1874. In 1871 they
exchanged their farm for a stock of merchandise and Russell property, to
which they moved Aug. 1, 1871. Later they sold their dwelling and occupied
rooms over their store, which is now the post office. In 1876 they moved
into the home where they died.

Brother COOK was converted Sept. 2, 1875, and joined the M.E. Church Sept.
26, 1875, during the pastorate of Rev. D. Austin. He held many official
positions in the church as Sunday School Superintendent, Steward and Trustee
He rendered his part very acceptably as a public man, a good presiding
officer on public occasions. He was often a delegate to the Iowa Republican
Convention and prominent in county conventions of his party, was versed in
all the political issues of the day and filled the offices of Mayor, Justice
of the Peace and Notary Public, and was a good temperance worker and
rendered much valuable service in that capacity. He was a very attentive
listener, always an inspiration to his pastor, especially when he was
preaching. He was able in prayer, a daily reader of the bible, and regular
attendant of church. He was of the truest friends I had anywhere. I am
poorer since he has gone and lonely. He died Thursday, Feb. 21, 1907, at 10
a.m., aged 63 years, 9 months and 15 days.

Funeral services were held at the M.E. Church, Sunday at 2 p.m., conducted
by Rev. A.H. Rusk, assisted by Rev. Stote. A large concourse of friends
gathered to pay their last tribute to their dear friend. The sympathy of a
host of friends is extended to the sorrowing ones.
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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
December 2, 2004
iggy29@rnetinc.net