George B. Cooke
Kittitas Co., WA

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Contributed by:  Shelli Steedman 4/20/2007

The list of early day pioneers in this valley was thinned still more by the
death Sunday evening of George B. Cooke, one of the most widely known of early
valley settlers [died June 6, 1926].  He had been suffering for the past three
or four years from heart trouble and since last fall his life has been a
question of time.  Doctors had repeatedly given up hopes for his life from week
to week but the same indomitable spirit that helped him wrest prosperity from
the raw lands of this valley seemed to prolong his life and he fought on and on
with the knowledge that time would finally prove the master over his ever
weakening condition.  He died as he lived, unfaltering and unafraid. 

George B. Cooke first came to Ellensburg with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles
P. Cooke, when a boy of six years.  The family settled northeast of the valley
on the creek since named Cooke Creek.  While not  on the original ranch he has
lived in the same vicinity for 62 years and from early manhood he has been
interested in the raising of beef cattle.  He has made a marked success of his
venture and was recognized as one of the leading stockmen in the state.

He was one of the first to become interested in the Ellensburg Rodeo, and for
the past two years has been one of the directors in charge of livestock.  His
ill health prevented his serving at the beginning of this year and his son,
Guy, was appointed in his place.  He was voted a director for life at a meeting
held a few weeks ago.

Mr. Cooke was born in Polk County, Oregon, in 1864, his parents being among the
first settlers of that region.  In 1884 he married Miss Emma Rader, another
pioneer of the valley.  She survives him [Emma died five months later] with six
children, Mrs. Charles Bull of Calgary; Chester, Guy, Mrs. Wilfred Baird,
Florence, and Lloyd.

There are two sisters, Mrs. P. H. Schnebly of Ellensburg and Mrs. A. B. Whitson
of Yakima, and one brother M. D. Cooke of Ellensburg.

The deceased was a member of the Ellensburg Methodist Church for 12 years, and
the funeral services will be held there today.  The Masonic Lodge of which Mr.
Cooke was a member is in charge of the services and will furnish the pall
bearers.  Mr. Cooke also was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

Mr. Cooke went through all the experiences of the pioneer, including trading in
the only center available at that time.  The Dalles, Ore., and used to drive
herds of cattle to Seattle through Snoqualmie Pass.