Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Rook, John B.
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joe Patterson, Patricia Bastik & Susan Walters Dec 2009

Source: History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; edited by 
J.H. Battle; A. Warner & Co.; 1887
Lower Makefield Township


   JOHN B. ROOK farmer, P.O. Newtown, was born in Bavaria, 
Germany, October 18, 1833, and is a son of Frank J. and 
Theresa (Engell) Rook.  He was reared in Bavaria and came to 
America in July, 1857.  He located in Bucks county, where he 
worked eighteen months at eight dollars per month.  The 
following two years he earned $196 and never drew a dollar 
of his wages until the end of his service.  His house rent 
was free and he had but a small garden spot and a cow for 
his support.   He was married in 1859 to Anna, daughter of 
J. P. Wilkinson, of Ireland, by whom he has seven children:  
Lettie A. (Mrs. William C. Rufe), Louise J., John B., Jr., 
Therese E., Frank J., Charles C. and H. James.  In 1862 Mr. 
Rook enlisted in the 15th U. S. Infantry, Second battalion, 
company E.   He participated in the battles of Chickamauga 
and Lookout Mountain, and on account of disability was 
honorably discharged in 1864.  He then returned home, but 
was unable to do anything for two years.  In 1867 he engaged 
in farming, which he has followed ever since.  In 1874 he 
purchased the farm in Lower Makefield, where he now resides. 
 He also owns another fine farm.  He came to Bucks county 
without a dollar, but by his indomitable push and energy has 
accumulated a competency.