Cook, A. J.

A. J. Cook departed this life at his residence near Alleyton, Colorado County, on the 17th day of December, 1881.

He was born in Fairfax county, Va., on the 23d day of August, 1828, and came to Texas during the latter part of the year 1857, where he has since resided. He had just returned from a visit to his friends and relatives in his native State, and, while seemingly in perfect health, was suddenly attacked with congestion of the lungs and died almost immediately. [Place of interment unknown]

Mr. Cook left a large family, consisting of his wife and seven children, who mourn the loss of a kind husband and affectionate father.

The writer has known the deceased for nearly thirty-five years, and can truthfully say that upon his tomb should be inscribed: “HERE LIES AN HONEST MAN, THE NOBLEST WORK OF GOD.” M.

Colorado Citizen, January 12, 1882

Cook, Ada (Thomas)

Mrs. Ada Thomas Cook, age 75, of Eagle Lake passed away Thursday, January 7, 1988 at her residence. A lifetime resident of our area having been born on the Lissie Prairie on February 10, 1912 to David Thomas and Elsie Cutler Thomas. She was a 1929 graduate of the Eagle Lake High School and received her Teachers Certificate from Southwest Texas State Teachers College. She later taught school in Egypt, Texas near Eagle Lake. She and Robert L. Cook united in marriage in the Thomas home in Eagle Lake on April 26, 1934. He preceded her in death on July 21, 1972. Mrs. Cook supported her community in many areas and was particularly instrumental in the organization of the Prairie Edge Museum of Eagle Lake. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Eagle Lake.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Arthur Ray Beken of Weimar; sons and daughters-in-law: R. L. “Bob”, Jr. and Pat Cook of Eagle Lake; David and Myrna Cook of Oxford, Mississippi; Sisters, Irene Rutherford, Gatesville, Texas and Thelma Adams of Eagle Lake; grandchildren: Elaine Mangum and husband, Todd of Jackson, Miss., Thomas Wesson Cook, Oxford, Miss., Robert L. “Robby” Cook, III and wife Mary Kay, Ronald Wayne “Ronnie” Cook, William Richard “Billy” Cook, all of Eagle Lake, Bradley Scott Beken and Kimberly Beken of Weimar, and, Kristen Baumbach and husband, Russell of La Grange; a great granddaughter, Jenna Marie Cook; and, numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and a host of loved ones.

Funeral services were held from the Dulany Funeral Home in Eagle Lake Saturday, January 9, 1988 at 3 p.m. Rev. Charles Miller, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Eagle Lake officiated. Interment followed in the Lakeside Cemetery. Pallbearers were Raymond R. Thomas, M.D. and grandsons, Todd Mangum, Thomas Wesson Cook, Robby, Ronnie and Billy Cook, Bradley Beken, Russell Baumbach.

Memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church of Eagle Lake or Prairie Edge Museum of Eagle Lake.

Eagle Lake Headlight, January 14, 1988
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Cook, Addie

Addie Cook, wife of Garfield Cook, a well known colored man of this city, who was prominent among the colored people, died last Saturday after a long illness. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon and was largely attended by the colored people. [Place of interment unknown]

Eagle Lake Headlight, September 13, 1919, page 4

Cook, Ashbel

Life Long Resident of This Section Succumbs

Many hearts were grieved last Thursday morning when news of the death of Mr. Ashbel Cook, an almost life-long resident of Weimar, was circulated over the city. It was known weeks ago that he was in very bad health. In fact that his physical condition warranted no hope of a recovery, but all regretted his passing to "that bourne from which no traveler returns."

Mr. Cook's death occurred Wednesday night of last week, after an illness of several months. The funeral took place Thursday afternoon from the residence of his brother, Dr. Chas. G. Cook, with interment in the Odd Fellows' Cemetery and Rev. W. L. Hightower, local Methodist minister performing the funeral obsequies.

Mr. Ashbel Cook was born in Weimar, Dec. 8, 1872. He died Nov. 10, 1932, aged 50 years, 11 months and 2 days. The greater part of his life was spent in and around the city of his birth.

He leaves to mourn his passing three children; one daughter, Mrs. Fannie Childs of Mineral Wells, Texas; two sons, Leonard Cook and Charles Cook of San Antonio; also two brothers, Dr. Thomas Cook of Weslaco, Texas, and Dr. Charles G. Cook of this city; one sister, Mrs. Mamie Cohen of Houston.

Ashbel Cook joined the Methodist Church at an early age, and lived a consistent, Christian life throughout his entire career. Of quiet disposition, he did not intrude upon others, but those who knew him and had his confidence had many helpful talks with him. He was a good, clean man, honest, of upright habits and true as steel to his friends; never known to speak ill of another, a rare faculty in this day and time. Friendship for this good man was attested freely during his last days by the many visitors who spent a brief while at his bedside. Assured of a heavenly home above, he was perfectly resigned to go, and met his Creator with a smile on his face. God may have made a better man than Ashbel Cook, but He surely never did!

To the bereaved ones the heartfelt sympathy of many old time friends of the family is extended.

Weimar Mercury, November 18, 1932
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Cook, Bill H.

(See Kuck, Bill H.)

Cook, Dr. Charles Gilliam

Funeral services for Dr. Charles G. Cook, who practiced medicine and surgery here for half a century, were held from the Hubbard Funeral Home this (Thursday) afternoon, Nov. 7, at 2:30 o’clock with interment in the Weimar [Odd Fellows] Cemetery.

The Rev. J. Al Atkison, Methodist minister, officiated at the final rites of the venerable doctor, to whom death came early Wednesday morning after a six-year illness at his home here.

Weimar stores paid tribute today to the doctor who brought many of the present store owners into the world by closing their doors from 2:30 till 4:30 in the afternoon.

“Doctor Charlie”, as he was affectionately known to hundreds in this part of Texas, was born at Sedan, Fayette County in 1875, the son of Dr. Thomas C. Cook and Mrs. Fannie Gilliam Cook. He was graduated with a medical degree from Tulane University in 1895 and took post graduate work in New York. Before beginning his practice, however, he answered his country’s call, serving in the Spanish-American War as an infantry lieutenant.

At the end of his military service he returned to Weimar to follow in the footsteps of his father as a physician and surgeon, where he became endeared in the heart of the community as the friend as well as the doctor of all. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Knights of Pythias, Hermann Sons, and an honorary member of the State Medical Association. He was City Health Officer here for many years and continued diagnostic practice even after poor health made confinement to his home imperative.

On Oct. 21, 1903, Dr. Cook married Miss Berry Hall, who survives, along with four nieces, Mrs. Ben Sanders of New Orleans, La., Miss Robin Cook of Weslaco, Tex., Mrs. O. C. Gerhardt of Houston, and Mrs. Annie Laura Lowrey, Houston; and three nephews, Messrs Tom C. Cohen, Houston, Leonard W. Cook, Freeport, and Charles G. Cook, San Antonio.

Active pallbearers at the funeral were Messrs. Elliott Hubbard, Stephen McCormick, Joe Bartosh, Ben Holt, Jesse Green, Emanuel Lauterstein, Chas. Herder and Hy Brasher, JR. Honorary pallbearers were Drs. A. H. Potthast, W. T. Youens, and H. L. Tannen ofWeimar and Dr. Ferdinand T. Herff of San Antonio.

Weimar Mercury, November 8, 1946
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Cook, Delila Caroline (Boyd) Rodgers

Mrs. Delila Caroline Cook, mother of Mr. W. A. Rodgers of the Live Oak community, died at the residence of her son Wednesday of last week and the funeral took place the following day at the Live Oak Cemetery, Rev. C. E. Dearman, local Baptist minister, officiating. Quite a large gathering of relatives and friends was on hand to pay the last tribute of respect to a good and worthy lady, a devoted wife and mother, and who always commanded the highest respect from those who knew her.’

Mrs. Cook was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Boyd, and was born Feb 8, 1839, at Conway Berough, South Carolina. On Jun 10, 1957, she was married to William Rodgers. In 1860 they removed to Southwest Georgia. Her husband lost his life in the Civil war near its close. She joined the Baptist Church about the year 18__, remaining a consistent member up to the end. In 18__ she was married to Nathaniel Cook. She was again left a widow in 1897. She left her home in Georgia in 1907, and came to live with her sons in Texas. She died at the home of her son, W. A. Rodgers, at 11 o’clock a.m., Oct. 29, 1924, having reached the age of 85 years, 8 months and 21 days.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her bereaved ones.

Weimar Mercury, November 7, 1924, page 1

Cook, E. M. (Bill)

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 23, for E. M. (Bill) Cook, 85, of Holman.

He died on March 21, at St. Luke’s Hospital, after a long illness. Funeral services were held at Weimar United Church of Christ, with Rev. Doug McLemore officiating. Interment followed in the Masonic cemetery in Weimar.

Mr. Cook was born June 29, 1916, in Victoria to Joe and Grace Cook.

Mr. Cook was a Navy veteran and a retired welder. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Farm Bureau, Masonic Lodge and Shriners. He married Addie M. Cook on April 24, 1970 in Houston. Together they found a home in Holman in the Weimar area 25 years ago.

Survivors include his wife: Addie M. Cook; son, Murray Lindsey Cook; stepdaughter, Mickey and her husband, Robert Tollett; three stepsons, Phillip Fletcher, Allan Fletcher and Jimmy Fletcher.

Also surviving are a brother, Eddie Williard Cook and sister Othalee Keller, five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Pallbearers were Charles Meyer, Al Jaksa, Kervy Kahlden, Robert Tollett, Charles Trefney, Daniel Neiser, Bobby Koenig and Paul Kohlleppel.

There were also numerous honorary pallbearers.

The Weimar Mercury April 4, 2002
Transcribed by Jennie Muggli

Cook, Edward

BROTHER OF MRS. CEARNAL BURIED HERE

Funeral services were held in Beaumont for Ed Cook, brother of Mrs. E. A. Cearnal, who died in that city on Saturday, and the body was brought to Eagle Lake via the Southern Pacific Lines for burial in the Lakeside Cemetery.

Rev. O. E. Linstrum, pastor of the Colly Memorial Methodist  Church conducted the funeral services at the grave. Pallbearers were S. O. Boothe, D. S. Taylor, Max Conner and N. C. Ney.

Mr. Cook was born June 19, 1877, at Alleyton, the son of Kate Hill Cook and Andrew Jackson Cook.  Four boys and four girls composed the members of his family.

He had resided all of his life in Texas, spending the past 40 years in Beaumont where he operated a gun shop before ill health forced his retirement a little over a year ago.  He had never married.

Survivors include his sister, E. A.  Cearnal, another sister, Mrs. Laura King of Fort Worth and a brother, Lee Cook of Natchatoches, La.

His nephew, Lee Cearnal and family of Houston were here to attend the funeral services.

Sympathy  is expressed to Mrs. Cearnal and members of her family in their sorrow.

Eagle Lake Headlight, May 23, 1947, page 1
Transcribed by Dorothy Albrecht

Cook, Evelyn Faye (Alford)

Evelyn Faye Cook, 79, of Columbus, passed away Saturday, Feb. 24, in Colum-bus.

She was born Dec. 13, 1927 to George Albert and Ona Mae "Markley" Alford in Texarkana. After graduating from high school she attended Texarkana Junior College and Baylor University earning her bachelor's degree in business and elementary education. She then moved to Houston where she met and married Floyd Lewis Cook on Aug. 22, 1953. They resided in Houston for 40 years, of which she taught fifth grade at Sinclair Elementary School for 30 years. In 1993 she and her husband moved to Columbus where they attended and became active members of the First Baptist Church of Columbus. While residing in Columbus she enjoyed traveling, volunteering and engaging in numerous activities with her church's senior citizens group.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and brother, George Harold Alford.

She is survived by her husband, Floyd Lewis Cook of Columbus; two daughters Sandy Louise Darr and husband John of Columbus, and Janet Gail Nelson and husband Roger of Spring; 11 grandchildren Brett Darr of Denton, Ryan Darr of Kingsville, Ashley Darr of Columbus and Christopher Nelson and wife Jennifer of Orange, Calif., Andrew Nelson and Wife Margaret of Bellville, Holly Nelson Orr and husband Bill of San Marcos, and Stephen Nelson, Alex Nelson, Katrina Nelson, Amy Nelson, and Emily Nelson of Spring.

Funeral Services were conducted Feb. 27 at First Baptist Church in Columbus with the Rev. Bob Gregory officiating. Interment followed in Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Roger Nelson, Christopher Nelson, Andrew Nelson, John Darr, Brett Darr and Ryan Darr.

Honorary pallbearers were R.C. Perry, J.L. Obenhaus, Jessie Armstrong and Dr. Charles Cole.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 772, Columbus, TX 78934 or to Hospice Brazos Valley, 302 East Blue Bell Road, Brenham, TX 77833.

Colorado County Citizen, February 28, 2007
Courtesy The Citizen

Cook, Judith Frances (Gilliam)

Another Christian wife and mother has passed to her reward. Mrs. Dr. T. C. Cook passed peacefully away at ten o’clock on the morning of the 30th inst., in this city with the blessed hope of an immortality beyond the grave where disease and suffering are no more. Mrs. Cook has been confined to her room for some time battling with that terrible disease, Consumption. Mrs. Cook was a true and noble woman. She possessed all the characteristics that adorn the true Christian character. She leaves a devoted husband and two bright little boys, besides other relatives, and many friends to mourn her loss. Her remains were followed to the Odd Fellows’ Rest near this city, at 10 o’clock, October 1, by a large concourse of friends, where they were lid quietly away to await the resurrection morn. This bereaved family have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community. [Interment in Weimar Odd Fellows Cemetery]

Colorado Citizen, October 2, 1884

Cook, Kate (Hill)

Alleyton, Tex., Feb 10.--Died, at her residence at Smith Junction, in Colorado county, Tex., at noon today, Mrs. Kate Cook, widow of the late W[sic]. J. Cook. Mrs. Cook was one of the pioneers of this county. She came here from Missouri when a small child and has lived in Colorado county about forty-five years. She was about fifty years old and leaves a family of three daughters and four sons, all grown. The two married daughters are Mrs. Laura King of Houston and Mrs. Alex Cearnel Smith Junction. [Place of interment unknown]

Weimar Mercury, February 20, 1897, page 3

Cook, Mary Madison (Gilliam)

A most estimable lady left this world of sorrow and pain and took up her abode in that realm of eternal bliss above, last Tuesday evening at 8 o’clock, when the spirit of Mrs. Mamie Cook, wife of Dr. T. C. Cook, left its tenement of clay and soared above to its heavenly home. Mrs. Cook was stricken with partial paralysis about two weeks ago, and never left the bed up to the time of her decease. She was a kind-hearted, christian lady, a devoted wife and mother, and a consistent member of the Methodist church of this city. She leaves an almost heart-broken husband and several step-sons, besides a whole host of grief-stricken friends, who mourn the loss of a dearly loved one. Her remains were laid to rest Wednesday afternoon at the Odd Fellows’ cemetery the funeral obsequies being touchingly rendered by her late pastor , Rev. S. H. Morgan. God pity and comfort the bereaved husband,sons and friends, is our wish.

Weimar Mercury, June 6, 1894, page 3

Cook, Richard V.

Death of Hon. R. V. Cook.--- With feeling of unfeigned sorrow we announce the death of this gentleman, at his rsidence in Columbus, at 9 o’clock Monday night.  The disease which took him from us was congestion, and its work very sudden.  He was taken violently ill at 3 o’clock Sunday evening and died the succeeding night.  Col. Cook was an old resident of the place, having commenced the practice of law here in 1856.  He had served the people several times in an official capacity, representing us last in the Senate in ‘66 after which he withdrew from active participation in politics until the last Presidential election when he was Elector upon the Tilden and Hendrick’s ticket for the Fifth District.  He was a gentleman of positive character and varied information, many years’ ago being a contributer for this paper, and a valued correspondent of the State Gazette, under the nom de plume of “Clio,” and occasionally wrote interesting papers for the Galveston News.  An  appropriate obituary has been promised us for next issue.  He was a man with many friends, of Christian principles, devoted to his wife and daughter, and will be sadly missed in this community.  His remains were sent to Fayette county for interment.  Peace to his memory. [Interred in Moore Cemetery, Fayette County, TX]

Colorado Citizen, August 23, 1877, page 3
Transcribed by Dorothy Albrecht

Cook, Robert Laird, Sr.

R. L. (Bob) Cook Rites Held Here Sat.

Eagle Lake community lost one of its most valued citizens last Friday, July 21st, 1972 when R. L. (Bob) Cook Sr., closed his eyes to a peaceful rest in the early morning hours after a lengthy illness in the Eagle Lake Community Hospital.

Mr. Cook was not only a prominent rice farmer and pioneer in rice drying, but also served his community for many years as a member of the School Board of Education of the Eagle Lake School District and on the City Council for the City of Eagle Lake.

While serving on the school board he served in the office of president, secretary and was active in school affairs throughout his tenure of service.  In addition to these avenues of service, he found time to participate in the American Rice Growers Cooperative Association in Eagle Lake and was a former director; he also was active in the First Presbyterian Church where he was a Ruling Elder and served on the Board of Deacons and as a Sunday School Teacher.

He was a twenty-five year member of the Eagle Lake Masonic Lodge No. 366, A.F. & A. M.; and was a long-time member of the Eagle Lake Lions Club where he was a past president and later served as a zone chairman and was a Deputy District Governor for Lions International.

Mr. Cook's interest in his family and friends won for him the admiration and respect of every one who came to know him, regardless of their color or ethnic background.  He was one of the community's most loved citizens and the large number of friends attending the services and the mounds of floral offerings were indicative of the high esteem in which he was held in the community.

Robert Laird Cook was born May 16, 1912, in Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin, the son of Grace Laird and George Edwin Cook.  He spent his childhood days with the family in Wisconsin and came to Lissie community in 1926.  He was united in marriage with Miss Ada Thomas in Eagle Lake on April 26, 1934.  In 1948 the family moved to Eagle Lake and have resided here since that time while Mr. Cook was engaged in rice farming, and was active in the rice industry for thirty-six years until his health began to fail the past several years.

Funeral services were held from the chapel of the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 22nd with the Rev. Olen Kennell, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, officiating.  Sacred organ music was rendered by Mrs. Clara T. Nimmons.

He was place to final rest in the Lakeside Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, M. M. Jones, W. J. Brunner, E. A. Struss, B. W. Waddell, R. H. Waddell, all of Eagle Lake; L. L. Stallman of Garwood.  The family named as honorary pallbearers, E. B. Uzzell, T. J. Smith, R. L. Drake, E. F. Walsh, R. R. Thomas, of Eagle Lake and E. E. Mulliner of Kerrville.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Ada Cook; his father, George E. Cook and his wife Myrna and their children, Elaine and Wes of Oxford, Mississippi; Robert Laird Cook, Jr., his wife Pat and their children, Bobby, Ronny and Billy of Eagle Lake; and a daughter, Karen Sue,. and her husband Arthur Ray Beken and their children, Brad, Kristen and Kimberly of Weimar; and a host of other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Mrs. Grace Cook and by a sister, Maxine Cook and a brother, William Raymond Cook

He was devoted to his family and was dearly loved and shall be missed greatly but the family finds consolation in the knowledge that he was the best husband, the best father and the best friend that one could possibly have.

Eagle Lake Headlight July 27 1972.
Submitted by Dorothy Cox

Cook, Thomas Chappell

Died, at the family residence in this city, Iast Sunday morning, Dr. Thomas Chappell Cook, after a long and painful illness. The remains were prepared for burial and on the following day at 10 o'clock were laid to rest in the Odd Fellows' cemetery, Revs. J K Buck, pastor of the Methodist church, and J. W. Gates, pastor of the Chiristian church, conducting the services at the residence, and the Masonic order the services at the grave. A large crowd of sympathizing relatives and friends attended the funeral. Dr. Cook was in his earlier life a prominent figure In political and business circles of Southwest Texas and held a number of public positions of importance and trust. He was a charitably inclined man at all times, and his benefactions were numerous. He was an able physician and in his earlier life had an extensive and lucrative practIce. He was a victim of Bright's disease and had suffered for many years from this complaint. In our next issue the Mercury will reproduce a biographical sketch of this old veteran 's life and career we regret that we haven't the room for same this week, To the bereft family the Mercury tenders sympathy in the loss of a kind and indulgent father and who was ever near and dear to them.

Weimar Mercury, February 24, 1906, Supplement

Cook, Virginia Berry (Hall)

Final Rites For Mrs. C.G. Cook, 82, Held Tuesday

Funeral services for Mrs. Virginia Berry Hall Cook, 82, widow of Dr. Charles G. Cook, were held Tuesday afternoon, April 19, at Hubbard Funeral Home, with Rev. Lee R. Geldmeier, pastor of First Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery.

Mrs. Cook died in Youens Hospital here at 3:30 a.m. Monday, April 18. She had been in the hospital since the previous Thursday and in Columbus Convalescent Home for two months before that.

Mrs. Cook was born in Weimar Oct. 9, 1883, the daughter of John A. and Annie Elizabeth McCormick Hall. Her grandparents, the W. B. McCormicks, were among this area's earliest settlers. She received her schooling at Weimar Institute and San Antonio Female College (now Westmoreland College). She was married to Dr. Cook on October 21, 1903, and they continued to live here. Dr. Cook, a Spanish-American War veteran and a physician here more that 50 years, died Nov. 5, 1946.

Mrs. Cook was a member of First Methodist church, the Woman's Society of Christian Service and the Daughters of the Confederacy. She was a past secretary of the Weimar Cemetery Association and a former member of the Woman's club.

She willed her estate to be divided equally between First Methodist church and the Weimar Cemetery Association.

Mrs. Cook's only survivors are first cousins, Mrs. Peyton Irving of Dallas, Mrs. Ella Boyce Aldridge of Ft. Worth and Mrs. Hallie Vinson of Houston.

Serving as pallbearers were Charlie Allen, Henry Herder, Leslie Rabel, F. F. Brasher, W. H. Hollien and John Hajovsky. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. W. G. Youens Jr., Dr. J. E. Cummins and Dr. Rex Fuller of Weimar and Dr. W. T. Youens of Columbus.

The Weimar Mercury, April 21, 1966
Transcribed by Dennis Boatright

Cook, William T,

Will Cook, life long resident of the Weimar area, was killed and four youths of this section injured in a 3-way auto collision Friday five miles east of here on the new concrete highway No 3.

Injured were: Kenneth Goode, 17, son of Weimar area resident George Goode, who suffered two broken legs and a fractured hip; Paul Harbus, who sustained a fractured rib; Henry Hodde, head injuries; and Leon Kahlden, head injuries and body bruises.

D. W. George, Houston credit man who was involved in the automobile mishap, was uninjured.

Goode, most seriously hurt of the youths, was rushed to Santa Rosa Hospital, following first aid treatment here by all of Weimar’s physicians. Recent reports from San Antonio are that the youth is recuperating as well as could be expected. Silver plates are to be used in bringing his fractured legs back to normal and a portion of his body will be put into a plaster cast to allow an injured hip to regain normalcy. It is estimated he can be returned to Weimar within the next two or three weeks.

Cook, whose profession here was that of a fisherman, was rushed to a Columbus hospital, following the accident, where he expired an hour after arrival. Mr. Cook was unmarried.

A sister, Mrs. Archie Kernel, is a resident of Eagle Lake.

Funeral services for the deceased were held at Eagle Lake Sunday. Interment was in the Lakeside Cemetery.

Weimar Mercury, November 17, 1939