Vol. VII. 



AUGUST, 1890. 



Whole No. 52. 



MA TTHE W CO OKE. * 



The scientist anticipates no great reward, other than the elevat- 

 ing thought, that by individual effort, he may draw forth some of 

 the great secrets of nature, and shape them so as to be of use to 

 his fellow man. The subject of this sketch was content with the 

 consciousness that he labored for humanity, and that his efforts 

 were appreciated by his associates. 



Matthew Cooke was born at Bushnille, County Antrim, Ireland, 

 February 16, 1829. He attended the common schools until fif- 

 teen years of age, always standing well in everything but English 

 grammar. From early childhood he was a great reader, espec 

 ially of works on natural history and the practical sciences. He 

 emigrated to the United States in 1850, residing in New York city, 

 where he was married, November 8, 1855, to Miss Anne Mcln- 

 tyre. He was engaged in mechanical pursuits until 1862, when 

 he removed to California, where he has since resided, until his 

 death at his home in Sacramento, on the 25th of August, 1887. 



In California Mr. Cooke became engaged in manufacturing, de- 

 voting at the same time some attention to useful inventions. In 

 1875 he became interested in the manufacture ot fruit boxes with 

 Mrs. Mary E. Gregory, a wealthy lady of Sacramento, the firm 



*The accompanying portrait is presented through the courtesy of the 

 Sacramento Record- Union, 



