COOK, William Henry Harrison 1839-1894

COOK

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/13/2010 at 17:20:50

William Henry Harrison "Harry" Cook, 1839-1894

Death of Harry Cook

And so Cook has gone to the great beyond, and a most affectionate family is broken down with grief at the loss of a loved one--and the old soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic feel the heavy hand of sorrow that has been laid upon them in the death of a most popular comrade. But the grief of relatives and the sorrow of comrades and friends are somewhat ameliorated when they think that the departed is now done with sickness and pain and released forever from the ills which bore upon him during the latter months of his life.

His patience and courage amid all the trials that have beset him have been a helpful lesson to those who had an opportunity to know the circumstances and the brave wife who has so nobly endured the burdens which were laid upon her has won the cordial admiration of all who learned of it. To her and her children will be extended profound sympathy in their affliction.

William Henry Harrison Cook was born in Poughkeepsie N.Y., April 1, 1839. He enlisted in Duryea's zouaves early in 1861--the fifth regiment raised in the state of New York and served two years.

After being mustered out he removed to Osage, Iowa, where in December, 1863, he again enlisted. A company was being raised for the Fourth Iowa cavalry and some twenty-five men made their enlistment contingent upon his going in again -- and so he went, leaving behind him a wife who had been a bride but three months.

He served through the war, and no man has been inspired by a profounder regard than his for the various and patriotic survivors of the great conflict. His heart has always been warm toward the comrades of the Grand Army, and this feeling has been always reciprocated by them.

He was married in September, 1863, at Osage, Iowa, to Miss Allie M. Dockstader, who has been through all the courageous and loyal helpmeet. To them have been born four children--Ida (now Mrs. I. J. Todd of Salem), Frank, Lulu and Edna.

In 1879 the family moved from Osage to Dell Rapids, going thence to Montrose in 1881, and then in 1887 making their home in Sioux Falls, where they have since resided.

Deceased has never been a rugged man--the effects of his army service having always been present with him; but in November, 1893, he suffered a paralytic stroke, which was succeeded by occasional violent spasms, these continuing sometimes for ten or twelve hours. In May 1894, he went to the Hot Springs for treatment, returning in August. On November 13th he was again stricken, since which time he has been confined to his bed. Finally the vital organs were unable to perform their functions--the heart action grew weaker and ultimately failed altogether-- and Henry Cook had solved the tremendous problem which confronts all who live.

He died December 18, 1894 aged 55 years fully confident of the blessed immortality toward which he had looked forward for many years.

[Source: Mitchell County Press-News or Mason City Globe Gazette]

Submitted 2003 by Marilyn O'Connor