George Cook (1823-1897)

COOK, HARMON, WAUD

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 5/28/2005 at 12:41:33

MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Thursday, April 8, 1897, page 4. OBITUARY - "COOK. The subject of this notice was born in Yorkshire, England, Jan. 12, 1823, and was married to Julia Calraugh in 1849. In 1853, he came from England to Maryland. There were six children born of this union, three boys and two girls still remain in Maryland. G. B. Cook, of Marion, Iowa, and Mrs. Emma Harmon, of this place; the two were with him to the last. His wife died in 1861, and in 1870, he married Mrs. Martha Harmon, who survives him; four children were born to them, three of whom still live. He settled in Polk County in 1876, and has been a constant resident here since until his death, which occurred April 3, 1907, he being aged 71 years, 2 months, 13 days. About eight years ago he united with the M. P. church at this place where he has lived a consistent Christian life until death called him from labor to reward. His sickness was short but severe, which he bore without a murmur, saying, "if it is the Lord's will, I am ready to go at his call." He loved his family with uncommon fervor, as age caused him to lean upon the strong arms of his dutiful sons. It seemed as though he lived the last ten ours by will power, for the sake of seeing his son, G. B. Cook, of Marion, Ia. When he arrived he took him in his arms exclaiming: "My boy, my dear boy." He then requested him to lie down upon his arm as of yore; he then called all of his children to his bedside, and requested them, as none but a dying father could, "Children, be good to your mother, and meet me in heaven." He then held out his icy hand and bade his family a final farewell, then like Simon of old, he was ready to depart, for his eyes beheld the salvation of the Lord. He has but one surviving sister, Mrs. James Waud, of Ankeny, who, by reason of age, and infirmity, was not able to be present, and it will not be long before they will have a reunion according to nature's laws; she is waiting on the margin of time to meet her loved ones. Chas. Waud carried from his own home a bouquet of flowers, in token of the evergreen love he had for his dear old uncle. The pallbearers were all his own countrymen. He is gone from his neighbors, they will miss him from the church, for his seat was never empty; his vacant chair at home cannot be filled; his evening prayers are hushed; death's stillness reigns at the head of the table, where he never omitted to return thanks to God for His blessings. The funeral was preached by the Rev. Sparks, who stand on the brink and seems glad to know he is so near home; a few more funerals and he will be gathered to his people, when it will be said another ripe shock has fallen. A large audience assembled, and the weather and the roads prevented many more; then slowly the sable hearse moved to the cemetery, and they laid the wornout body of husband, father and neighbor to rest in the silent city of the dead until God shall call all nations to a higher, nobler life. Peace to his sleeping dust. Kitty Wells. CARD OF THANKS. - Mrs. Geo. Cook and children desire to return their heartfelt thanks to their neighbors and friends who so nobly responded to their aid in the sickness and death of their loved husband and father. They hope it will be long years before you need their help in like manner, but when death knocks at your door they will willingly assist."

BURIAL: Iowa Historical Library, Des Moines, Iowa, POLK COUNTY, IOWA CEMETERIES, WASHINGTON TWP. # 0178, Geneal *F 627.P7C4V6, Peoria Cemetery, page 4. COOK, Geo B., born 1/12/1823, died 4/3/1897, sec. CS, tier 3, row 5. COOK, Martha A. born 12/25/1840, died 2/25/1916, sec. CS, tier 3, row 5, misc. inf. W/O GEO B.