Polk County IA Archives Obituaries.....COOK, HIRAM CALVIN March 25, 1862
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 "AMERICAN PATRIOTISM" OR, MEMOIRS OF 'COMMON MEN.'" by LEONARD BROWN, 1869
SERGEANT HIRAM CALVIN COOK
	The next one of the members of Company D called away by death, was Hiram Calvin
Cook. Hiram C. was the youngest of six sons of William and Eliza Cook. His
brothers all died before he was taken. He was born at New Hartford, Litchfield
County, Conn., Dec. 5th, 1837.In Person he was manly and marked. Nearly six feet
in height, his shoulders were broad and square, chest full, muscles well
developed; head large and well formed, high and broad forehead ; eyes large,
prominent, piercing; brows firm, and in rest heavy -bearing assurance of strong
convictions and resolute purposes; lips not too thin or compressed  for thoughts
of kindness and deep emotions. His complexion was fair; his broad, full, open
face was the picture of manliness and greatness of soul. His voice was
deep-toned and rich -few voices more so; his manner easy and dignified, in
speech and action. Sincere and genial, be won much by first impressions, and
confirmed them easily. Richly and rarely gifted by Nature, her mark of nobility
was gracefully worn by him, and easily recognized by all.He studied and taught
alternately, as his finances required, until his twenty-third year, when he
relinquished the hope of obtaining a classical education, and chose the law as
his profession. He was a fine scholar, with a well stored mind and valuable
experience, having been principal of the Academy in his native town, and of the
High School in Bristol, Conn. As a teacher he was eminently successful, both in
imparting instruction and gaining the enthusiastic good will of pupils and
patrons. Having chosen the law, he chose the West for his preparation and
practice. He left home in April, and after visiting friends, entered the law
office of S. V. White, Esq., at Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 1st, 1860.Before his
studies were completed, and before his admission to the bar, his country called
for his services in a new sphere, and he left all to obey the higher call.His
character as heretofore sketched will show with what zeal and firm resolve of
Christian patriotism he gave himself to the work of raising the first company,
“The Capitol Guards," commanded by Captain, afterwards Major- General, M. M.
Crocker. The company (D) was sworn into the service of the United States by
Lieutenant Alexander Chambers, at Keokuk on the 27th day of -May, 1861, Cook
being orderly sergeant. His whole military career was in Missouri, guarding the
Hannibal and St. Joseph R. R.; pursuing bands of marauders, and other irregular
warfare. The regiment entered Missouri June 14th, 1861, and August 2d was sent
to Birds Point; August 14th it was ordered to Pilot Knob, to defend the place
against Jeff. Thompson. It was upon this last march that Cook was laid aside by
sickness. Being heated, tired, and dusty with the march, he availed himself of
what seemed to be a suitable place to bathe. Plunging in, he found that the
water came from springs at the bottom, and was very cold. His whole system was
severely chilled, a bilious fever set in (or chill and fever) which entirely
prostrated him. He was sent to St. Louis, to the house of his aunt, Mrs. T.
Spencer, whose kind offices very many will bear witness to with grateful hearts.
Here he received attentions not surpassed by a mother's anxiety or a sister's
tenderness.  He arrived there Aug. 24th, 1861. Soon after the disease took the
form of violent spasms, continuing, at intervals,  for several weeks, bringing
him to death's door. Recovering slowly, his physicians advised his return to the
East, as his best remedy, and he set out just two months after his arrival in
St. Louis, and arrived safely, Oct. 26th, at the home of a sister living at
Ravenna, Ohio. There he met Miss Addie S.Upson, of Waterbury, Conn., to whom he
was betrothed before he left New England, and whom he loved truly. She was with
him much until his death. He remained in Ravenna about two months, gaining but
little, when he was advised to go to New England in the hope of greater benefit
from the change of climate. To this he objected, “If I am able to go to New
England, I am able to go to St. Louis, and my place is with my regiment." 
He could not be persuaded to apply for a discharge from the army. Yielding to
the advice of his physicians and friends, he set out, and arrived in New
Hartford, Conn., Dec. 26th. Hopes and fears alternated there until March 25th,
1862, when death discharged him from the army of contestants here, to wear a
victor's crown above. His death was caused by abscess in the lungs.


Additional Comments:
This is taken from "AMERICAN PATRIOTISM" OR, MEMOIRS OF 'COMMON MEN.'" by
LEONARD BROWN, published by Redhead & Wellslager, 41 Court Ave.Des Moines,IA. 1869.
This book contains remembrances of fallen soldiers from Polk County during the
Civil War. This includes some genealogical material as well.

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