William H. Hook (abt. 1885)

Born about 1885 in Pennsylvania, United States

Husband of Kathrine Spencer (Jackson) Russell — married 13 Oct 1921 in Scranton, Pennsylvania

Biography

According to the 1910 US Census ^[1]William H. Hook was born in Pennsylvania about 1884. His grandparents on his father's side were German and his father Frederick, born in Pennsylvania speaks English but can't read or write. His mother Armena was born in Pennsylvania. He has five siblings: Mabel (not enumerated), Arthur (not enumerated), Leonard, Verna (not enumerated) and Raymond. They rent the home were they are living. The Frederick and Armena (Minnie) Hook family members have been verified by the obituary^[2] of Mrs. Minnie Hook who died Thursday March 28, 1929. This census reports his father is a carpenter, he is a fireman, Leonard is a blacksmith and Raymond attends school. It is understandable why they would be here since the Lackawanna region enjoyed a growth and prosperity in the last quarter of the 1800's that attracted many people to the area in search of employment. Shortly after the turn of the Century things turned for the worst, labor strikes were frequent, Lackawanna Steel Company left for Buffalo, and coal became less popular. This may be a driving reason why some family members left Pennsylvania for the Binghamton, NY area in the early 1900's.

The 1914 Binghamton Directory^[3] reveals Wm is a shoe worker residing at 112 Roosevelt Avenue with his father, mother, and brother Leonard who is employed at ITR (International Time Recording Company-later becomes IBM).

The 1915 Binghamton Directory^[4] reveals Wm H is a shoe worker still residing at 112 Roosevelt Avenue with his father and mother. Along with his brothers Leonard and Raymond who are both employed at ITR.

The 1915 NYS Census ^[5]shows William H. is still living with his parents at 112 Roosevelt Avenue, Endicott, NY. His occupation is listed as teamster. Also living in the same house are his brothers: Arthur, Leonard and Raymond L. No other household members are enumerated.

The 1917 Binghamton Directory^[6] shows him still residing with his parents at 112 Roosevelt Avenue with brothers Leonard and Raymond. His occupation is now listed as carpenter. No spouses are listed for the brothers.

The 1920 US Census ^[7] shows him still living with his parents and two brothers: Raymond and Leonard. Leonard's wife Anna is now enumerated. William is now listed as widowed and his occupation is cabinet maker employed at ITC. In the interval between 1917 and January 1920 there is a marriage and his wife dies. No children are enumerated.

The 1921 Binghamton Directory^[8] shows William H is still living with his parents along with his brother Raymond and his wife Anna at 511 East Main, Endicott, NY. William's Occupation is painter.

October 20, 1921 the News-Dispatch^[9], Endicott newspaper reports marriage of William to Miss Katherine Jackson of Bath, N.Y. on October 13, 1921 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. After visiting relatives in PA they returned to Endicott and are staying at his parents. This same paper reports that on Sunday October 15, 1921 his father (Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hook), brother (Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Hook) and William and his wife visited Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lott of Owego, NY. Mrs. Samuel Lott (Letts) is William's sister Mabel.

The October 22, 1921 Edition of the Binghamton Press^[10] reported that the Marriage is announced of William Hook and Miss Catherine Russel. The ceremony was performed in Scranton on October 13. This information confirms his bride Catherine Russel is the same person as Katherine Jackson. She is the adopted daughter of Dr. Jackson and this is her second marriage. Her first marriage was to Frank Russell and they had one son Richard Russell.

The October 12, 1922 News-Dispatch^[11] Endicott Personals report that Mr. and Mrs. William Hook and Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hook were recent visitors at the home of Mrs. William Hook's parents, Dr. and Mrs. C. C. Jackson of Bath.

The 1922 Binghamton directory^[12] now shows William H. and his wife living with his parents and brother Leonard at 511 East Main. His occupation is listed as painter.

The 1923 Binghamton directory^[13] shows that Wm and Kath have moved to 401 Exchange Avenue and are no longer living with the parents. His occupation is listed as painter.

The Evening Leader^[14], Corning, N.Y. September 23, 1924 report Mr. and Mrs. William Hook and Mrs. Mable Loetts of Endicott spent Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Baker of Maple Street.

The 1925 Binghamton directory^[15] shows that Wm H and Kathryn have moved to 112 Washington Avenue. His occupation is painter.

The 1925 NYS Census^[16] show William and Katie living at 112 Washington Avenue. He is 40 and she is 35. They have no children enumerated.

The 1929 Binghamton directory^[17] shows that Wm. H. Hook has moved back with his parents and brother Leonard who are residing at 145 Washington Avenue. His wife is not listed with him. The issued directory most likely is based on the earlier year residencies. Could it be possible that William and Kathy have separated sometime between 1924 and June 1, 1925?

The Binghamton Newspaper^[18] March 29, 1929 reports William Hook's mother Minnie died yesterday. She is survived by her husband, two daughters: Mable and Verna, and four sons: Arthur, Leonard, and Ray, all of Endicott, and William Hook of New York City. So it appears that William who just recently was living with his parents may have moved to NYC most likely without his wife. Kathy has a young son about 13 who lives in Broome County and it seems reasonable to expect her to stay in this area.

The February 8, 1948 Binghamton Press^[19] reports that Raymond Louis Hook, the brother of William Hook died. He is survived by a brother, Leonard of Binghamton; two sisters Verna of Avoca, and Mabel of Scranton. So in the interval from March 1929 through February 1948 it appears that William Hook died.

No more info is currently available for William Hook. Can you add to his biography?

Info request: William Hook's birth, death date and place of internment.

Info request: Kathy Hook's death date and place of internment.

Info request: On William and Kathy's children, if any.

Sources

• Researched by Bill Carroll. Click the Changes tab for the details of edits by Bill and others.

1. ↑ 1910 US Census, William Hook, Old Forge Ward 4, Lackawanna, Pennsylvania.
2. ↑ Binghamton Press, Friday, March 29, 1929.
3. ↑ Binghamton/Endicott Directory 1914, page 603, column 2.
4. ↑ Binghamton/Endicott Directory 1915, page 602, column 2.
5. ↑ 1915 NYS Census, Wm H Hook, Union, Broome.
6. ↑ Binghamton/Endicott Directory 1917, page 682, column 1.
7. ↑ 1920 US Census, William Hook, Union, Broome, New York.
8. ↑ Binghamton/Endicott Directory 1921, page 611, column 2.
9. ↑ News-Dispatch, Endicott, October 20, 1921, Personal Paragraphs, Page Six, Columns 4 and 5.
10. ↑ The Binghamton Press, Saturday Evening, October 22, 1921, Endicott News Notes, Page 10, Column 4.
11. ↑ News-Dispatch Endicott, October 12, 1922, Endicott Personals, Page 4, Column 1.
12. ↑ Binghamton/Endicott Directory 1922, page 618, column 2.
13. ↑ Binghamton/Endicott Directory 1923, page 643, column 1.
14. ↑ The Evening Leader, Corning, NY, September 23, 1923, Personals, Page 10, Column 1.
15. ↑ Binghamton/Endicott Directory 1925, page 645, column 2.
16. ↑ 1925 NYS Census, William Hook, Union, Broome.
17. ↑ Binghamton/Endicott Directory 1929, page 725, column 2.
18. ↑ Binghamton Newspaper, Binghamton, NY, Friday, March 29, 1929
19. ↑ Binghamton Press, Monday, February 9, 1948, OBituaries