Person:Joseph Cook (15)

OBITUARY FROM THE LOCAL SANDY CREEK NEWS , SEPT. 1944 JOSEPH A.COOK, Retired Farmer, Dies at Age of 83

Joseph A. Cook passed away at his farm home in Sandy Creek, Friday morning, Sept. 22, 1944. Mr. Cook, who has been in failing health for the past year, was born in Vienna, NY., Oneida county, Nov 12, 1861, a son of George Washington Cook and Almira Raut. For several years of his early life he taught school, later following various occupations, which took him into many of the western states. On Nov. 16, 1892, he married Fannie A. Peck, and at that time purchased the Harrison Peck homestead, where he lived the rest of his life. Mrs. Cook passed away seveal years ago. He has related many times, how, when they purchased the farm that they had between them $86 to start out with, nevertheless, with hard work and good management, they paid for their farm, brought up and educated three daughters and one son. Mr Cook lived what can be termed a full life. A hard working, industrious farmer, always experimenting on the better methods of production, he was a great lover of fine cattle and horses. He was active in community affairs, was a member of the Vienna Methodist Church and when what is known as the Center Church was the center of activities in the western part of Sandy Creek, Mr and Mrs Cook took a vey active part in its functions. Rev. B.A. Walton, Camden, NY, who officiated at Mr Cook's funeral, began his ministry as pastor of the Center Methodist Church. For nearly 40 years Mr Cook has been a member of the Sandy Creek Grange, No. 127, being recgonized as one of its Silver Certificate members. He was a loyal member of the Maccabees and a vey enthusiastic member of the Dairymen's League. Mr Cook was a very even tempered man, with a noble character, always ready to help his fellowmen in the time of need and to do it with a smile. In Mr Cook's late years he spent his winters with his daughter, Mrs. Lois C. Woodard, going back to his sons, Theodore R. Cook, in the summer, where up until the past year, he enjoyed working in his garden. He loved to read his newspaper and listen to the news on his radio, predicting many developments pertaining to the war which have come to be realities. Politically he was a very staunch Republican. Mr Cook is survived by one son, Theodore R. Cook, Sandy Creek; three daughters, Lois C. Woodard, Sandy Creek; M. Pauline Zufelt, Pulaski; Beatrix O. Stowell, Lacona; one sister, Mrs Nettie Powell, North Bay; two brothers, George Cook, Lacona and James Cook, Vienna; twelve grandchildren and one great granddaughter. The funeral services for Mr Cook were held from the home of his daughter, Mrs Lois C. Woodard, Monday, Sept. 25, 1944, with Rev. B.A. Walton, Camden, officiating, assisted by Rev. Robert Holmes, Boonville. Acting bearers were Elwin Stevens, Ray Stevens, Robert Steele, Lennie Hilton, Henry Corse, Bert Cummings, all personal friends and neighbors of Mr Cook. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sandy Creek. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A man died the other day, a little chap aged 82, living long past his three score and ten; living well, so that at his passing, sorrow was mellowed by the knowledge that his was a life well spent. His keen, forward looking mind was an inspiration and he had been a superb farmer, always experimenting, planning, trying new things and methods, new crops. He was interested in his community; was an omnivorous reader, a deep thinker, intensely loving his country and its institutions. His Swiss and Rhineland forebears fought desperately to help create America; there was a fierce light in his keen blue eyes when any one challenged that freedom. He was full of interesting anecdotes and stories; he loved his family dearly. The citizens of the township were sorry to hear of the passing of Joseph A. Cook, good farmer and good citizen -- so were very many folks who had always called him "Uncle Joe".

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More About JOSEPH ANDREW COOK: Burial: Woodlawn Cemetery, Sandy Creek, Oswego Co., NY

1.   Sandy Creek News
   Sep 1944.