Ellis William Cook (1846 - 1910)

Born 22 Jul 1846 in Cook's Mill, n. of Bendersville, Menallen twp., Adams Co., Pennsylvania

Ancestors

Husband of Martha Harris — married 14 Sep 1876 in Home of Samuel Harris, Menallen twp., Adams Co., Pennsylvania (Bride's father)

Died 2 Jan 1910 at age 63 in Gettysburg, Adams Co., Pennsylvania

Biography

Ellis W. Cook, son of Jesse and Ruth (McMillan) Cook, a birthright member of Menallen Monthly Meeting of Friends, after an illness of several years, died January 3rd, 1910, aged 63 years at his residence, near Bendersville Station, Adams county, and was buried on the 8th inst., beside his wife, in Friends Graveyard, at Menallen Meeting house, near Flora Dale, Adams county. He was descended from an old Colonial Quaker family, his emigrant Cook ancestors removing from Chester (Cheshire) county, England, to Chester County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1713.

He was born July 22, 1846, on the family homestead, Cook's Mill, one mile north of Bendersville. Receiving his education at Millersville State Normal school, he taught in the schools of Bendersville and neighborhood for more then a quarter of a century and following in the steps of his deceased brother J. Kersey Cook, became a prominent and influential worker in the educational activities of the community and of the county, frequently addressing the Teachers Institutes. Nothing pleased him more than to have his relatives and friends around him and his genial and unending flow of humor and anecdotes made him a delightful host.

After an illness covering a period of more than five years, Ellis W. Cook died at his home near Aspers Sunday night at 11 o’clock, aged 63 years, 5 months, and 11 days. For nearly six years Mr. Cook’s left side has been paralyzed and during the past few weeks he has suffered greatly. Few men and women in Adams County have followed the noble calling of teaching school longer than Mr. Cook. He taught 33 consecutive terms in Adams County, retiring from the noble calling only when health would no longer permit him to teach. He was well and favorably known as a teacher and for many years was a prominent in the institutes. Surviving are four children; Melvin J. and Arthur, of Aspers, Miss Lola, who is teaching in the western part of the county, and Miss Eva Cook, who is attending normal school at West Chester. Two sisters and a brother also survive; Miss Elmira Cook, of Flora Dale, Mrs. Sarah A. Myers, of Moylan, and Rev. Albert J. Cook, of Johnstown. His wife was Miss Martha Harris, died in 1895. He was a kind husband and affectionate father. Funeral will be held Thursday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment at Friends Meeting House, Flora Dale. (G.S.&S.)

MARRIED At the residence of the bride's parents, on 14th of 9th month, by Friends ceremony, MR. ELLIS W. COOK, of Menallen Township, to MISS MATTIE HARRIS, of Butler Township. (G.C.)

COOK -- On the 1st of Third Month, 1895, Martha Cook, wife of Ellis W. Cook and daughter of Samuel H. Harris, aged 41 years. A member of Menallen Monthly Meeting of Friends.

Sources

Albert Cook Myers Collection; Chester County Historical Society, West Chester, Pennsylvania

The Star and Sentinel (Gettysburg, Pa.) January 1, 1910

Gettysburg Star & Sentinel (Gettysburg, Pa.) January 5, 1910

Gettysburg Compiler, (Gettysburg, Pa.) October 19, 1876

Friends Intelligencer and Journal, Philadelphia, page 284 Fifth Month 4, 1895,