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BENJAMIN COOK. 



(photos. BY ME. Van \ioustn. ) 



^IRS. Benjamin Cook. 



was born in Palentine, Montgomery Co., N. Y., July 

 30, 1807. His grandfather, Casper Cook, emigrated 

 from Germany, was married prior to coming to this 

 country, and first settled in Montgomery County. He 

 was a merchant, and also carried on farming. His chil- 

 dren were five sons and four daughters, of whom Jasper 

 Cook, father of the subject of this narrative, was second 

 son, and married Ann Eve Eickard ; removed to Oswego 

 County, where he was a farmer, and where he died ; 'his 

 wife died in Palentine. 



Their children are Barney, of the Black River Country ; 

 Mrs. Andrew Getman, of Palentine ; George, of Illinois ; 

 Benjamin, of Prattsburgh ; Harrison (deceased) ; and 

 Mrs. Washington Saddler, of Fulton County. 



After Mr. Cook was five years of age he resided with 

 his uncle, Adam Plank, who was a farmer and hotel 

 keeper, near Schenectady, N. Y., until the year 1826, 

 when he was married to Angeline, daughter of Henry 

 Bowman, of Amsterdam, N. Y. She was born May 5, 

 1810. After his marriage he was a farmer for five years 

 in Johnstown, N. Y., and for one year at Sand Flats ; 

 and after one year spent at Geneva, he, in 1833, settled 

 in the town of Prattsburgh, on West Hill. He received 



BENJAMIN COOK 



no pecuniary assistance in beginning business for him- 

 self, but by economy and well-executed plans has had a 

 successful business life. 



For forty-two years he has been a farmer where he 

 first settled on coming to this town. In 1875 he pur- 

 chased a place near the village, where he now resides. 



Mr. Cook is known as a plain, unassuming man, pos- 

 sessed of an unsullied character, correct habits, and 

 strict integrity. 



Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian 

 Church of Prattsburgh, and were united with church 

 interests prior to coming to this county. 



He is a man of independent thought and action, and 

 has generally voted with the Democratic party. He 

 has held offices of trust and responsibility in thf town 

 of Prattsburgh, all of which have been filled to his 

 credit, and with justice to his fellow-townsmen; was 

 assessor for nine years, poormaster for two years, road 

 commissioner for one term, and justice of the peace for 

 one term. 



Their children are Adam, of Wheeler; Henry, of 

 Avoca; Charles (deceased); Mrs. Seth Strong, William, 

 Benjamin, Sarah, and Albert, of Prattsburgh. 



