PICKAWAY COUNTY OHIO - BIO: COOK, Oliver E. (published 1896) *************************************************************************** OHGENWEB NOTICE: All distribution rights to this electronic data are reserved by the submitter. Reproduction or re-presentation of copyrighted material will require the permission of the copyright owner. *************************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Dusti DustiGen@aol.com January 3, 1999 *************************************************************************** OLIVER E. COOK was born in Union township, Fulton County, on Feb. 2, 1850. He is a son of William and Electa (Richardson) Cook. William Cook was born Feb. 15, 1815, in the city of Bristol, England. He immigrated to the United States when sixteen years of age, and located in Muskingum County, Ohio, where he was engaged at the painter's trade, until failing health caused him to abandon that pursuit. He was left an orphan at a tender age, and his early years were passed untier the guardianship of those who were utter strangers to him, and had not the interest of kinsman in his welfare. Owing to this fact he grew up without educational advantages, and until after his marriage he was unable to write his name. But he possessed a mind naturally bright, and this, aided by the knowledge acquired from books in after years, qualified him to engage intelligently in the duties of an active life. Having abandoned the trade of painting, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, at which he continued until the close of his life. On Nov. 7, 1884, he was united in marriage with Miss Electa Richardson, in Marion County, Ohio, returning at once to his farm in Muskingum County, where he resided with his wife until 1849. In that year they came to Indiana and took up their abode among the pioneers of Fulton County. Mr. Cook purchased 160 acres of unimproved land in Union township, and erected upon it a log cabin, in which his family had their home until the present residence succeeded it. He devoted himself manfully to his work until his farm was cleared, and in the years that followed he amassed, by honest and industrious toil, a comfortable fortune, giving to each of his children $550 as they reached maturity. He was quiet and unobtrusive in his manners and honorable and upright in all his dealings. He was respected and esteemed wherever he was known, and was recognized as one of the best citizens of the community in which he lived. He died on April 10, 1876, mourned by a large circle of friends and a loving family. His wife, who still survives, was born Aug. 14, 1823, in Muskingham County, Ohio, and is the daughter of Manning and Lucinda Richardson. At the age of four years she accompanied her parents to Marion County, Ohio, where she resided until her marriage with Mr. Cook. She is an estimable lady, and has been a devoted wife and mother, rearing a family whose members are all recognized among the best citizens of the community. She has survived the hardships of pioneer life, and lives to enjoy the era of prosperity that has followed them, while she holds a warm place in the hearts of all who know her. Her family consists of five sons and one daughter - Jehiel A., Oliver R., Emma F., Francis M., William H. The subject of this sketch began life for himself at the age of twenty-one years. After spending a brief period in Illinois, where he learned photography, Mr. Cook returned to Fulton County, and since then has been actively and successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. Nov. 2, 1876, he married Margaret J., a daughter of Thomas and Agnes Wilson, father and mother of James H. Wilson, elsewhere mentioned in this work. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cook the following children have been born: Charles F., Hugh W., Nettie, Elmer, Mabel Agnes and Cecil Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are active members of the Methodist church, to which they have given material support. From: Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition [Fulton County, Indiana], by Elia Peattie, published in 1896 ==== OH-FOOTSTEPS Mailing List ====