Genealogy Report (Custom)

1. John¹ Stuart¹ was born circa 1680 in Dunblane, Perthshire, Scotland.¹

Children of John¹ Stuart and an unknown spouse were as follows:

• i. Robert² was born circa 1700.²
• 2. ii. John, born circa 1708 in Ireland; married Sarah (--?--); married Mary Shaw.
• iii. Mary² was born circa 1710 in Ireland.²
• 3. iv. Elizabeth, born circa 1718 in Dunblane, Perthshire, Scothland; married Ralph Lafferty.
• 4. v. James, born 1719 in Dunblane, Perthshire, Scotland; married Mary Ann Lafferty.

2. John² Stuart (John¹)² was born circa 1708 in Ireland.² He married Sarah (--?--) circa 1735.² He married Mary Shaw circa 1740.² He died circa 1782 in Rockbridge, Augusta Co., VA.²  In 1740 he lived near Walker's Creek, Augusta Co., VA.² He was living in 1742 in Walker's Creek, Augusta Co., VA.² John and his descendants spelled their name "Stuart."²

Children of John² Stuart and Sarah (--?--) were as follows:

• i. (--?--)³² was born circa 1740 in near Walker's Creek, Augusta Co., VA.² He/she died; Died Young.²
• ii. James was born circa 1740.²

Children of John² Stuart and Mary Shaw were:

• 5. i. John³, born 1739/40; married Elizabeth Walker.

Children of Elizabeth² Stuart and Ralph Lafferty were as follows:

• i. Agnes³ was born circa 1745.²
• ii. Sarah was born circa 1750 in Augusta Co., VA.² She married Alexander Clark.
• iii. Martha was born circa 1750 in Augusta Co., VA.² She married William Meek.
• iv. William was born circa 1750 in Augusta Co., VA.²
• v. Rebecca² was born circa 1750.² She married William Hamilton.²  She was located in 1750 in Augusta Co., VA.²
• vi. Ralph Jr.² was born circa 1750.²  He was located in 1750 in Augusta Co., VA.²

He came to America from Ireland, about 1740, and settled in Virginia.¹ James STUART settled his family in the Shenandoah Valley, in an area called "the Cowpasture", and at Tygart Valley. This lineage is well documented (Dickerson 1966). He located in 1740 in Shenandoah Valley, Bath (Augusta) Co., VA. He first appeared county records: The County Court ordered a road built from the Stuart's Run area to Carter's Mill on the Calfpasture River on March 18, 1747 in Augusta Co., VA.^3,1 He was granted a patent for 300 acres on Stuart Creek (Stuart's Run) adjoining Lafferty, where he had been living for several years and the land was held in the family until 1800 when it was sold by James' son Robert Stuart to Richard Matthews and by him to James Kincaid in 1802 on January 6, 1750 in Augusta Co., VA.^3,1 He was mil servc in Captain Dickenson's militia company in 1755.^3,1 He served during the Indian Wars. Another (undocumented) relative named William Stuart settled on the Monongahela, at a site named by Braddock "Stuart's Crossing." He witnessed the New Tag of James Stuart on March 14, 1757 in August Co., VA; estate was appraised. Robert, the eldest son, took over the Cowpasture farm, while the widow Ann soon after married a widower, Thomas Armstrong, of Jennings Branch of Middle (or Cathey) River.^3,1 Ann Stuart administered the will of her deceased husband James on November 17, 1757 in Augusta Co., VA. He left a will on March 14, 1758 in Augusta Co., VA; James Stewart's appraisement, by Ralph

Laverty, James McCoy, Henry Cartmell.¹ On February 17, 1762 in the Orphans Court of Augusta Co., VA, 15 year old Ralph Stuart, Jr. (Stewart), orphan of James Stuart, chose his older brother Robert Stuart as his guardian. In the Orphans Court of Augusta Co., VA, 14 year old John Stuart chose Henry Murray as his guardian on February 17, 1762. On February 17, 1762 in the Orphans Court of Augusta Co., VA, 18 year old James Stuart, Jr., orphan of James Stuart, was bound out to John Hamilton as his guardian. On September 24, 1763 Lt. Thomas Armstrong and Ann, his wife (former Ann Stuart, administratrix of James Stuart), were summoned to render accounts. Accountings of the property of James Stuart were made in 1757 and 1758.^2,3

Mary Ann Lafferty was born in 1720 in Kilkesken, Ireland.¹ She married Lt. Thomas Armstrong.² She was also known as Mary Ann O'Lafferty.¹

Children of James² Stuart and Mary Ann Lafferty were as follows:

• 6. i. Robert³, born circa 1739/40 in Ireland; married Elizabeth Cartmell.
• ii. James Jr. was born in 1744.²  On February 17, 1762 in the Orphans Court of Augusta Co., VA, 18 year old James Stuart, Jr., orphan of James Stuart, was bound out to John Hamilton as his guardian.
• iii. John² was born in 1748 in Stuart's Run, Augusta Co., VA.² He married Mary Hamilton, daughter of William Hamilton.² On December 15, 1778 John Stuart died near Shepherd's Fort, Ohio Co., VA. John Stuart, his wife, their child, and a sister-in-law "Miss Hamilton" were attacked. Stuart, his wife and child were killed, and Miss Hamilton was taken captive. They were discovered by John Haddon, who notified a Capt. Wilson, who lived twenty miles further down the valley. Wilson pursued with thirty men, but was forced to abandon the chase (DeHass 1851: 222 et seq.).  In the Orphans Court of Augusta Co., VA, 14 year old John Stuart chose Henry Murray as his guardian on February 17, 1762. He moved to Tyrone Twp., Bedford Co., PA where he was listed as a resident in 1772. He served in Capt. Shelby's company in the Mt. Pleasant Indian Wars in 1774. According to Stuart (1981: 342) this occurred in the Tygart's Valley settlements rather than near Shepherd's Fort (which assumes that Shepherd's Fort was at Wheeling).
• 7. iv. Capt. Ralph, born January 17, 1748/49 in Cowpasture River, Augusta Co., VA; married Mary Elliott; married Mary Clay.
• v. Elizabeth was born circa 1750 in Augusta Co., VA.²
• vi. Mary was born circa 1752 in Augusta Co., VA.²
• vii. William was born circa 1754 in Augusta Co., VA.²

5. John³ Stuart (John², John¹) was born in 1739/40.² He married Elizabeth Walker circa 1760 in Walker's Creek, Augusta Co., VA.² He died in 1831 in Walker's Creek, Augusta Co., VA.²

Elizabeth Walker² was born circa 1740. She died in 1825.²

Children of John³ Stuart and Elizabeth Walker were as follows:

• i. James B.⁴² was born between 1761 and 1763.²
• ii. Mary² was born between 1763 and 1766 in Walker's Creek, Augusta Co., VA.² She married William Walker, son of John Walker and Mary Coulton, in 1783.²
• iii. John² was born circa 1768.²
• iv. Walker² was born circa 1770.²
• v. Robert² was born on August 4, 1772.²
• vi. Joseph² was born circa 1775 in Walker's Creek, Augusta Co., VA.² He died in 1825 in Charleston, SC, of Yellow Fever. He was unmarried.
• vii. Hugh was born circa 1776.²
• viii. Alexander² was born circa 1778 in Walker's Creek, Augusta Co., VA.² He married Mary Walker, daughter of John Walker and Margaret Hutson, on December 14, 1809.² He died on August 13, 1837.²

Captain Robert Stuart was an aide to both Washington and Braddock; Braddock disregarded the advice of his experienced woodsmen Washington, Stuart and Stephens. Stuart took charge of Braddock's troops after the latter was wounded; Braddock was later killed, as were about 600 men killed or wounded. Robert STUART received 400 acres for his service, 1772.²  Robert Stewart and Washington were with British General Braddock when he was wounded. Robert and George Washington loaded Braddock on a cart, with his gear during the retreat. Braddock later died. Robert Stewart was known as "Braddock's Captain" after that.⁴

Children of Robert³ Stuart and Elizabeth Cartmell both born in Shenandoah Valley, Augusta Co., VA, were as follows:

• i. Charles⁴ was born.² He married Unknown (--?--) in 1825.  He was a Justice of Peace/Sheriff. He was located in 1827 in Bath Co., VA.
• ii. Lydia² was born.² She married Duncan McGeehon. She died after 1835.  She was located; in North Carolina when small.

There is some debate on Ralph's date of birth. Some show it as December 17, 1752, others show January 17, 1749. The dates used are those copied off of his headstone by Jim Cook of Oceana, WV.⁵ On February 17, 1762 in the Orphans Court of Augusta Co., VA, 15 year old Ralph Stuart, Jr. (Stewart), orphan of James Stuart, chose his older brother Robert Stuart as his guardian. He was at Point Pleasant under Gen. Andrew Lewis in the "Battle of Point Pleasant", fought against the Indians led by Chief Cornstalk on October 10, 1774. After peace with the Indians was made, Ralph and his brother James, went on a prolonged hunting trip. While on this trip, a band of Indians ambushed them. The following night, Ralph and James, following the trail of the Indians, slipped up on them and killed five of them. This act was a violation of the "Declaration of Peace" signed by the government, and made them liable for prosecution for murder. With this charge of murder hanging over their heads, they hid out in the woods for almost two years. Later, Ralph told a hunting companion of this incident, and a short time later, this "friend" and Ralph became rivals for the affections of a young lady. The "friend" swore out a warrant for Ralph's arrest. Again, Ralph and James took off, this time to an uninhabited area of the New River, staying there for 18 months. Later on, the Governor of Virginia Pardoned them. When Cornwallis surrendered at Yorkton, General Washington made Ralph one of the guard that kept the English commander a prisoner of war on October 19, 1781.

Revolutionary War Pension File Abstract:

"STEWART, Ralph (Captain) Service-Virginia VA. No. 23949 No. W. 6168 Born in Augusta County, Virginia, 1752, later removed to Giles and Montgomery County, and died in Logan County, November 17, 1835. About 1800, he had a cabin on Clear Creek in what is now Wyoming County, West Virginia. His wife; Mary Clay, was the daughter of Mitchell Clay, first settler of Mercer County, Virginia, and their marriage bond, dated June 25, 1788, is filed in Montgomery County, Virginia. They were married by the Rev. Edward Morgan.

Was commissioned captain in 1773 by Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, and served as a ranger. Was at Point Pleasant under General Lewis in the battle in 1774. In 1778, his commission was renewed by Patrick Henry, then Governor of Virginia, was ordered with his company to South Carolina to join the army under General Green, and was attached to a regiment commanded by Colonel c and Major Smith. Fought at Guilford Courthouse, Hot Water, Ground Squirrel, Charlottesville, and Yorktown. He was wounded in the right arm by a sabre cut from one of "Butcher" Tarleton's men and was on the invalid roll for the state of Virginia. His commission and discharge, left with Colonel George Pearls for safe-keeping, were lost or stolen when the latter's home was plundered.

Soldier received pension in 1834 and his widow received pension in 1846 at which time she was 74 years old. Supporting data was submitted in this case by Edward Burgess, Patience Chapman, Mitchell Clay, Francis Hedrick, Charles L. Clay, and the Rev. Richard Brooks."

Mary Elliott² was born circa 1752. She died circa 1785.

Children of Capt. Ralph³ Stewart and Mary Elliott were as follows:

• i. Absolom⁴² was born in 1770 in Cowpasture River, Augusta Co., VA. He married (--?--) Wilson either 1790 or 1791 in Montgomery Co., VA. He married Susanna Smith on July 30, 1793. He married Tabitha Clay on May 26, 1798 in Giles Co., VA. He died either 1828 or 1829.  He was also known as Absolom Stuart.
• ii. Charles² was born in 1771 in Cowpasture River, Augusta Co., VA.  He was also known as Charles Stuart. He was located in 1810 in Greenup Co., KY. Census records show that Charles and his spouse(s) had at least 15 children.
• iii. Ralph² was born in 1772 in Cowpasture River, Augusta Co., VA. He married Elizabeth (--?--) in 1807 in Cowpasture River, Augusta Co., KY.  He was also known as Ralph Stuart. It appears that Ralph, Jr. may have had at least 11 children. Only two can be assigned with certainty - John and Elliott. Several families of Carter Co., KY, may have been of this group.
• iv. Mary Ann was born in 1773 in "Cowpasture", Augusta Co., VA. She married William Walker on November 15, 1791 in Giles Co., VA.  She was also known as Mary Ann Stuart.
• v. Richard was born in 1774 in "Cowpasture", Augusta Co., VA.  He was also known as Richard Stuart. He moved to Indiana or Ohio.
• vi. James Elliott² was born in 1775 in Randolph (Augusta) Co., VA. He married Nancy Ann Burgess on June 7, 1798 in Montgomery Co., VA. He died in 1835 in Greenup Co., KY.  He was also known as James Elliott Stuart. He located circa 1820 in Greenup Co., KY. He lived on land adjoining his brothers Mitchell and Charles after 1820 in Buffalo Shoals of Buffalo Creek, Greenup Co., KY. He and Nancy Ann Burgess may have had as many as 18 children.

Children of Capt. Ralph³ Stewart and Mary Clay were as follows:

• i. Robert⁴² was born circa 1789. He married (--?--) Ball Elliott.  He was located in Lawrence Co., KY.
• 8. ii. Catherine, born 1789 in Giles Co., VA (now KY); married William Cooke; married Rev. Layne Shannon.
• iii. Phoebe² was born in 1793 in Stuart's Run, Augusta Co., VA.
• iv. Anna was born circa 1795 in Stuart's Run, Augusta Co., VA.²
• v. Rebecca² was born in 1796 in "Cowpasture", Augusta Co., VA.²
• vi. Mitchell² was born circa 1797 in Giles (Montgomery) Co., VA. He married Frances (--?--) circa 1817 in Giles Co., VA. He died circa 1860.  He was a road surveyor. He was located in 1822 in Bear Creek, Lawrence Co., KY.
• 9. vii. Sarah, born circa 1799 in Stuart's Run, Augusta Co., VA; married Daniel H. Gunnoe.
• viii. William² was born in 1801 in Stuart's Run, Giles Co., VA. He married Eleanor Canterberry on January 6, 1824 in Giles Co., VA.  He was located in 1870 in Wyoming Co., VA.
• ix. Margaret² was born circa 1802.² She married Francis Hendricks on March 29, 1820 in Giles Co., VA.²
• x. Henry C.² was born circa 1805 in Stuart's Run, Giles Co., VA. He married Jane C. Taylor.²  He was located between 1835 and 1838 in Russiaville, IN.
• xi. Amy² was born circa 1806 in Stuart's Run, Augusta Co., VA.² She married John Canterberry on June 22, 1820 in Giles Co., VA.²
• xii. John² was born in 1808 in Cowpasture River, Augusta Co., VA. He married Elizabeth (--?--) circa 1828.  He was located in 1860 in Wyoming Co., VA. He was later located in IN.
• xiii. Ora² was born circa 1810 in Stuart's Run, Augusta Co., VA.²
• 10. xiv. George P., born 1822; married Margaret Cooke.

8. Catherine⁴ Stewart (Ralph³, James²Stuart, John¹) was born in 1789 in Giles Co., VA (now KY). She married William Cooke, son of John Cooke and Nellie Pemberton, on August 16, 1806. She married Rev. Layne Shannon circa 1859 in Wyoming Co., WV.⁷ She died on May 26, 1888 in Wyoming Co., WV.  She also went by the name of Katie. She was a charter member of the Guyandotte Baptist Church in 1812.

In a story told by Ohley Cook, her youngest grandson:

"Katie and her older half-brothers were in a field pulling flax before the family left Kentucky, taking the usual precaution of carrying with them a loaded rifle, which leaned against a tree conveniently near their work. Although a child of tender years, she could shoot a gun almost as well as her older half-brothers. As the children proceeded with their work, unknown to them two Indians crept up close to them, concealed by the bushes and timber which surrounded the clearing. They first made their presence known by firing a shot at the boy which struck him in the hip, and he fell. A second Indian sped toward him for the kill. The boy, acutely aware of his danger, was strong and active. Instantly he grappled with the Indian and warded off the fatal blow for the moment. Katie, watching, also aware of the danger, instantly seized the rifle and, as the second Indian ran from the woods to aid his companion, she shot him and he faltered. As he fell, she raised the gun by the barrel and advanced to where the two were grappling on the ground. With the gun butt, she clubbed the Indian over the head and killed him before he succeeded in knifing her brother, thus saving her brother from instant death and herself from a horrible fate, all of which happened in much less time than it takes to tell the story."⁸

During the Civil War, when Andy Gunnoe and his raiders visited Wyoming County, they were scavenging for food and anything else they could get their hands on. When they visited where Catherine was staying, she would be on her rocker on the front porch. Unknown to the raiders, underneath the rocker was the family coffee supply, which they never found, covered by her long skirts.⁴

William Cooke was born on June 4, 1784 in Shenandoah Co., VA. He died on August 10, 1853 in Wyoming Co., WV, at age 69. He was buried in Delilah Cemetery, Oceana, Wyoming Co., WV; This cemetery is located on the right side of the "Delilah Chapel", on Weaver Street, in Oceana. There is a road side marker for John Cooke beside the sidewalk on Main Street. His grave is located about 50 yards directly behind it. The marker on William Cooke's grave site reads: "William Cooke, Sr., 1784 -1853, Founder of the Town Of Oceana in 1850, Married Catherine Stewart, Daughter of Captain Ralph Stewart, Both charter members of the Guyandotte Baptist Church 1812."

William was successful in farming and business. He built and operated a Gristmill at the "Narrows of Laurel." He was active in promoting separation of Logan Co. to form Wyoming Co., and even more so in promoting establishment of the County Seat on his land near Clearfork River. For this purpose he donated an acre of his best land for the Public Square.⁹

Children of Catherine⁴ Stewart and William Cooke were as follows:

• i. Floyd⁵ married Catherine Walker. He was buried in Cook Mountain, Raleigh Co., WV; is buried beside his first wife, Mary Catherine Walker Cook.¹⁰  He lived in Baldnob, Raleigh Co; Lived on Cook Mountain, which is named after him. He had 16 children.¹⁰
• ii. Pemberton was born in 1807. He married Ruth Shumate.
• 11. iii. John Logan, born July 15, 1810; married Sarah G. Ellison.
• 12. iv. James Esq., born 1813; married Emily Shannon; married Martha Cooke.
• v. William H. was born in 1813. He married Frances Parrell.  He was also known as Newson.
• 13. vi. Thomas Munsey, born 1817; married Rebecca Jane Sizemore; married Nancy P. McComas.
• 14. vii. Mitchell, born January 8, 1818; married Mary R. Cooke; married Jane Minerva Pasley.
• 15. viii. Richard Madison, born 1822; married Mary Gunnoe.
• ix. Elliott H. was born in 1825. He married Rebecca Canterbury.
• x. Paris was born in 1826. He married Levisa Shannon.
• xi. Julliet was born circa 1828. She married William Walker.
• 16. xii. Nellie, born circa 1828; married William Roach.
• xiii. Lucinda was born in 1832. She married David Canterbury. She married James M. Clay on December 14, 1891.
• xiv. Julina was born circa 1833. She married Joseph Mangus. She died after 1860.

There were no children of Catherine⁴ Stewart and Rev. Layne Shannon.

Children of Sarah⁴ Stewart and an unknown spouse were:

• i. Robert⁵.

• 17. i. Mary⁵, born 1821; married Richard Madison Cooke.

Margaret Cooke was born in 1822. She died in 1864.

Children of George P.⁴ Stewart and Margaret Cooke were:

• 18. i. Margaret⁵, born October 21, 1847 in Wyoming Co., VA (now WV); married John N. Cooke.

11. John Logan⁵ Cooke (Catherine⁴Stewart, Ralph³, James²Stuart, John¹) was born on July 15, 1810. He married Sarah G. Ellison in 1831. He died on July 9, 1877 at age 66.  He was a Justice of the Peace in Center District, Wyoming Co., WV.

Sarah G. Ellison was born on January 4, 1808 in Wyoming Co., WV. She died on November 12, 1884 in Wyoming Co., WV, at age 76.

Children of John Logan⁵ Cooke and Sarah G. Ellison were as follows:

• i. Matthew E.⁶ was born in 1837. He died in 1882.
• 19. ii. Clarinda Ruth, born February 28, 1839 in Wyoming Co., WV; married Daniel Samuel Perdue; married Thomas Wilburn Sizemore.
• 20. iii. Catherine, born March 13, 1842 in Logan Co. (now Wyoming Co.), VA (now WV); married James H. Stewart.
• iv. Rebecca Jane was born in 1846. She died in 1904.
• v. Mary Ann was born in 1848. She died in 1864.
• vi. Thomas F. was born in 1851. He died in 1868.
• vii. Emily was born in 1853. She married Benjamin Smith.
• viii. Robert W. was born in 1855. He married Elizabeth Privett.

Emily Shannon was born in 1816.
There were no children of James⁵ Cooke Esq. and Emily Shannon.

Children of James⁵ Cooke Esq. and Martha Cooke were as follows:

• i. Launa Jane⁶ was born in 1858.¹²
• ii. Thomas E. H. was born in 1862.¹²
• iii. Chloe F. was born in 1864.¹²
• iv. Arminta was born in 1866.¹²
• v. Judson A. was born in 1869.¹² He married Isabel Moxley.

Rockcastle Baptist Church
Rockcastle, WV

By 1858, the Rockcastle area was fairly well settled and in need of a church. Many people living in the area attended and belonged to the Guyandotte Baptist Church in Oceana. During the first week of November 1858, ten members of Guyandotte Baptist who lived in Center District were granted letters of dismissal in order to join a new organization at the Rockcastle settlement.

November 8, 1858: At the Rockcastle Creek home of Silvestor Cooke (present day Rockview), Elders Matthew Ellison and William Walker, being a Presbytery, convened to draft a constitution for a new church. On a motion from Matthew Ellison, William Walker was chosen Moderator and Isaac Bailey, Clerk, after which Rev. Ellison requested the members wishing to go into the Constitution go give their names, All of whom "signed" the Constitution.

The ten former members of Guyandotte Baptist who signed the new Constitution and Declaration of Faith were, John and Tamsey Browning; John Browning Jr.; Thomas and Rebecca Cooke; Sally Cooke; Silvester and Eliza Cooke; David Goode, and Rodah J. Stewart.

William Walker then requested other church members present to unite in counsel with the Presbytery in regard to the Constitution of the new church, and desired those disposed to do so to give their names, whereupon: Aury Bailey, Isaac Bailey, Nancy Bailey, Thomas Bailey, Ann Clay, James Cooke Sr., James Cooke Jr., Jane Cook, Josiah Cooke, Martha Cooke, Nancy Cooke, Andrew Gunnoe, Christena Gunnoe, the names given.

Matthew Ellison and Isaac Bailey were appointed to the committee to draft a constitution for the new church.

November 9, 1858: The convention was called to order by the moderator, William Walker. After a prayer by Brother John Stewart, the letters of dismissal of those to be constituted into the new church were handed in. Brother Ellison then read the Church Covenant and Declaration of Faith.

The Convenient and Declaration was unanimously adopted by the following members: Silvestor and Liza Cooke; John W. and Tamsey Browning; Thomas and Rebecca Cooke; John H. and Elizabeth Stewart; Hubbard and Judy Meadors; Edmond and Cinthy Browning; John Browning Jr.; David Goode Jr.; Roda Stewart; and Sally Cooke.

The church was pronounced constituted by the Presbytery and named The Rockcastle Missionary Baptist Church.^8,13,15,5

Rebecca Jane Sizemore was born in 1816 in NC.⁵ She died on December 11, 1861.⁵ She was buried in Key Rock, Wyoming Co., WV; Mitchell Harris Cook Cemetery is located about 4 miles from the Stewart Family Cemetery. As you drive up Key Rock, it sits on the right hand side of the road, on top of a grassy hill side. Across the road is an old (white) Methodist church.⁵

Children of Thomas Munsey⁵ Cooke and Rebecca Jane Sizemore were as follows:

• i. .Serilda⁶¹⁶ died young.¹⁶
• ii. .Rebecca¹⁶ died young.¹⁶
• iii. William Henry Harrison was born on November 5, 1840 in Wyoming Co., VA (now WV). He married Mary Jane Cooper, daughter of Austin Cooper and Jane (--?--), on May 13, 1863 in Wyoming Co., WV.¹⁶ He died in 1932.  He served as a Union soldier, and was a Sargeant, Co. I, 7th Regiment West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry.

  BIOGRAPHY - Probably written about 1916 - author unknown:

  "Rev. William Henry Harrison Cook

  The Baptist cause in Southern West Virginia, owes more to the venerable Senator W.H.H. Cook, of Wyoming County, than to any other Baptist minister who has ever labored here. I think he was born in this county Nov. 5, 1840, and is now in his 76th year. He served as a Union Soldier in the 7th Regiment, West Virginia Cavalry from 1863 until the close of the war in 1865. On the 27th day of November 1865, he organized and taught the first free school in Wyoming County, teaching in his father's kitchen just above the Rock Castle Baptist Church. He was converted and joined the Rock Castle Baptist Church at its third Sunday, Aug. meeting in 1869 and was baptized the third Sunday in Sept. 1869. He preached his first sermon on Christmas Day, 1870 in the home of Monroe Wyatt, on the Bear-Hole Fork of Rock Castle Creek, about two miles south of Rock Castle Church. (Mr. Wyatt has been for many years a distinguished Primitive Baptist or Hardshell preacher). Brother Cook soon developed remarkable strength and wonderful gifts as a preacher. His services were in demand everywhere, a number of churches calling him as pastor, among their number of the Guyandotte and Rock Castle Churches, both of which he has served in that capacity for the greater part of the past 45 years. Brother Cook was ordained to the ministry at the second session of the Raleigh Association which was held at Oceana October 11, 1873; with Elders Matthew Ellison, J. L. Marshall, Martin Bibb, Jonathin Smith and J. Calvin Prppeote composing the ordaining council. In addition to preaching the gospel, serving churches, building church houses and baptizing hundreds of converts, he has found time to serve his county and district in the House of Delegates, and State Senate of West Virginia Legislature for 12 years since 1886, serving two terms in each capacity. And while thus serving his constituency, he introduced the first bill that had for its object state wide prohibition in West Virginia. He served as moderator of the Raleigh Association for 14 years, and has served the Rock Castle Association as moderator for 10 years and is the present incumbent.

  W.H.H. Cooks Brothers:
  Cook, John A., born Mercer Co., Preacher, Ord. June 22, 1893.
  Cook, Thomas Boyd, born Wyoming County, Preacher, Ord. Nov. 3, 1896. Pastor, Rock Castle Baptist Church, WV
  Cook, George Frederick, born Chatham, Va., preacher, Ord. Oct. 8, 1892.
  Son: Rev. John J. Cook, Pastor, 20th St. Baptist Church, Huntington, WV."

• iv. Edward H. was born in 1843. He died on August 5, 1864 in Andersonville Confederate Prison, Andersonville, GA; Cause of Death: Anasarca - A general accumulation of serous fluid in various tissues and body cavities.  Andersonville Prison Grave No. 4741  Code - 14741.^17,18  He served as a Union soldier, and was a Sergeant, Co. I, 7th Regiment West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry.  Edward H. Cook, James J. Cook, son of Mitchell; and Adam W. Cooper, son of Austin; were captured near Wytheville, VA on May 10, 1862. They were sent to Andersonville Confederate Prison in Georgia where they died of dysentery and starvation.¹⁶
• 21. v. John N., born November 5, 1844 in Wyoming Co., VA (now WV); married Margaret Stewart.
• vi. George P. was born in 1847. He married Sarah J. Cook, daughter of John Cook and Rhoda (--?--), on December 26, 1866.¹⁶ He died on March 14, 1906 in Mercer or Wyoming Co., WV.¹⁷  He served as a Union soldier, and was a Private, Co. I, 7th Regiment West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry.
• vii. Elizabeth Jane was born in 1850 in Wyoming Co., WV. She married Benjamin F. Cooper. She married James H. Elkins on May 2, 1869 in Wyoming Co., WV.
• viii. Calvin J. was born in 1852 in Wyoming Co., VA (now WV). He married Rebecca Jane Bailey, daughter of Jameson Walker Bailey and Mary Polly McComas. He died in 1887.¹⁶  Moved to Mercer Co., WV.
• ix. Mary Miranda was born on March 20, 1854. She married Charlie Cook, son of Richard Madison Cooke and Mary Gunnoe.¹⁶ She and Charlie Cook were divorced.¹⁶ She married James H. Browning on January 17, 1891.¹⁶ She married James Norman Horton on April 16, 1901.¹⁶  She also went by the name of Minnie.¹⁶ She was married seven times.⁴

  In 1904, the Eastern Cherokees won a judgement against the United States Government because of violations of the treaties of 1835 and 1836, and again in 1845. The payments were to go to all living persons who had been a member of the Eastern Cherokee Tribe at the time of the Treaties, or to their descendants if they were deceased. Over 46,000 people filed claims to their "rightful" portion of the claim, Anna Cook Bailey and Marinda Cook Horton being among them. The "Sizemore claimants" were rejected due to insufficient proof of their connection to the Cherokee Tribe.¹⁶

  ECA #12939 of Mary Marinda Horton, living at Joe Branch, Wyoming County dated January 21, 1907, wherein she gave the names of her children: Kern Cook b. 1870; William B. Cook b. 1872; Ambrose E. Cook b 1874; So__ Cook b. 1876; May Cook b. 1879; Beecher Cook b. 1881; Arizona Cook b. 1883; Dexter Cook b. 1885; Dwight Cook b. 1888; Arnold Browning b. 1895 and Yandle Browning b. 1892. J. N. Horton "Beige" was age 44. Her mother died about 1861.¹⁶

• x. Anne was born in 1856 in Mercer Co., WV.¹² She married Augustus Bailey on February 13, 1873 in Mercer Co., WV.¹² She married Samuel Albert Bailey.¹⁶  She also went by the name of Annie.

  In 1904, the Eastern Cherokees won a judgement against the United States Government because of violations of the treaties of 1835 and 1836, and again in 1845. The payments were to go to all living persons who had been a member of the Eastern Cherokee Tribe at the time of the Treaties, or to their descendants if they were deceased. Over 46,000 people filed claims to their "rightful" portion of the claim, Anna Cook Bailey and Marinda Cook Horton being among them. The "Sizemore claimants" were rejected due to insufficient proof of their connection to the Cherokee Tribe.¹⁶

  ECA #10488 of Anna Bailey, living at Dott, Mercer County dated 1/9/1907, states her birth as 2/10/1856, a daughter of Thomas Cook and Rebecca Sizemore. She married Augustus I. Bailey (age 56 at application date). She states her father, Thomas Cook, died 11/22/1884 and her mother died February 1861. She gives the names and dates of her brothers and sisters: Sarilda Cook b. 1840/42; Calvin J. Cook died 4/1/1882; Edward H. Cook b. 3/18/1842 d. 1862; John N. Cook (11/15/1844-1/9/1875); George P. Cook d. 1906; Mary M. Cook age 53; Annie Cook age 51; T. B. Cook age 48; Nellie C. Cook age 46; W. H. H. Cook age 67; and E. Jane Cook (no date). Her paternal grandparents were William Cook and Catherine Stewart. Her maternal grandparents were Ned Sizemore Jr. and Annie Baldwin. She also lists her son Eli C. Bailey born October 2, 1895. As a further affidavit, for her daughter, she provides the following: Augustus A. Meadows, Ezra Meadows, Marinda A. Meadows and Lewis Meadows are children of Charlotte S. Meadows, daughter of Annie Bailey, a daughter of Rebecca Sizemore that married Thomas Cook, and she was daughter of Ned Sizemore Jr., son of George Sizemore, son of Old Ned Sizemore. Charlotte S. Meadows died July 14, 1902.¹⁶

• 22. xi. Thomas Boyd, born May 8, 1859 in Wyoming Co., WV; married Louisa Estas Thompson.
• xii. Nellie K. was born in 1861 in Wyoming Co., VA (now WV).¹² She married J. Melvin Jewel in Mercer Co., WV.

Children of Thomas Munsey⁵ Cooke and Nancy P. McComas were as follows:

• i. Joseph Ohley⁶ married Ollie McGraw in possibly in Mercer Co., WV.
• ii. Martha married William Harless in possibly in Mercer Co., WV.  She also went by the name of Polly Cooke.
• iii. Richard Madison.
• iv. James McComas.
• v. Arthur I. Thomas¹⁶ died circa 1884.¹⁶

Mary R. Cooke was born on May 30, 1823. She died on August 19, 1864 at age 41.
There were no children of Mitchell⁵ Cooke and Mary R. Cooke.

Children of Mitchell⁵ Cooke and Jane Minerva Pasley were:

• i. Mitchell H.⁶ married Mary Antonett Laxton.

Mary Gunnoe was born in 1821. She died in 1885. She was Catherine Stewart's granddaughter, therefore, Richard M. Cook's niece. New information - This may be incorrect, The Reference Book of Wyoming County History states that Mary's mother, Sallie Stewart, was Catherine Stewart's sister, which would make Mary, Catherine's niece and Richard M. Cooke's first cousin.

Children of Richard Madison⁵ Cooke and Mary Gunnoe were as follows:

• 23. i. Lane S.⁶, married Mary Stewart.
• ii. William B. was born in February, 1844. He married Nellie Cooke.  He enlisted on December 7, 1861 on the Union Side, enlisting as a Private in I Company, 7th Regt. WV Volunteer Calvary. He was discharged on August 1, 1865.
• iii. Charlie¹⁶ married Mary Miranda Cooke, daughter of Thomas Munsey Cooke and Rebecca Jane Sizemore.¹⁶ He and Mary Miranda Cooke were divorced.¹⁶

William Roach was born on May 17, 1822.

Children of Nellie⁵ Cooke and William Roach were as follows:

• i. Emmy⁶ married Charles Ferguson Stewart, son of Charles Stewart and Nancy Cooke, on October 14, 1866 in Wyoming Co., WV.¹²
• ii. Cynthia was born circa 1853.¹² She married John O. Cooke, son of Issac Cooke and Leatha Meadows, on January 3, 1871 in Wyoming Co., WV.¹²
• iii. Franklin Pierce was born circa 1856.¹² He married Demarius Cooke, daughter of Issac Cooke and Sophrana J. Dempsey, on January 9, 1876 in Wyoming Co., WV.¹²
• iv. Mary Alice was born on April 10, 1858 in Wyoming Co., WV.¹² She married William Wallace Workman on November 14, 1874 in Wyoming Co., WV.¹² She died on August 13, 1882 in Wyoming Co., WV, at age 24.¹²
• v. Martelia C. was born circa 1861.¹² She married James Shannon Jr. on April 17, 1879 in Wyoming Co., WV.¹²
• vi. William S. was born circa 1865.¹² He died on August 21, 1885.¹²
• vii. Luella was born circa 1867.¹² She died circa 1884.¹²
• viii. Laura was born on September 12, 1870.¹²

Richard Madison Cooke was born in 1822.

Children of Mary⁵ Gunnoe and Richard Madison Cooke were as follows:

• i. Lane S.⁶, married Mary Stewart. (see # 23.).
• ii. William B., born February, 1844; married Nellie Cooke. (see previous).
• iii. Charlie, married Mary Miranda Cooke; divorced Mary Miranda Cooke. (see previous).

John N. Cooke was born on November 5, 1844 in Wyoming Co., VA (now WV). He died on January 8, 1898 in Mercer Co., WV, at age 53. He was also known as John N. Cook he and some of his children dropped the "e" after the Civil War.⁴

Children of Margaret⁵ Stewart and John N. Cooke were as follows:

• 24. i. William Sherman⁶, born July 8, 1868 in Wyoming Co., WV; married Minerva Lambert.
• 25. ii. R. Scott, born September 8, 1870 in Wyoming Co., WV; married Betty Huffman.
• 26. iii. E. Hamilton, born July 24, 1872 in Wyoming Co., WV.
• 27. iv. Henry Ingraham, born February 10, 1875 in Wide Mouth Creek, near Dott, Mercer Co., WV; married Amanda Jane Meadows.
• 28. v. Harrison E., born May 7, 1877 in Mercer Co., WV; married Ella Blankenship.
• vi. Laura B. was born on June 4, 1880 in Mercer Co., WV.²³ She married R. W. Laxton in possibly in Mercer Co., WV.
• vii. Nancy Oradell was born on March 12, 1883 in Mercer Co., WV.^24,25 She married Barnette Laxton in possibly in Mercer Co., WV.
• viii. Cozetta A.¹⁷ was born on February 19, 1886 in Mercer Co., WV.^20,23 She married Riley Akers in Mercer Co., WV.
• ix. Evey May was born on November 27, 1889 in Mercer Co., WV.^20,23 She married Jay Akers in possibly in Mercer Co., WV.

19. Clarinda Ruth⁶ Cooke (John⁵, Catherine⁴Stewart, Ralph³, James²Stuart, John¹) was born on February 28, 1839 in Wyoming Co., WV.¹² She married Daniel Samuel Perdue. She married Thomas Wilburn Sizemore on June 17, 1856 in Wyoming Co., WV.¹²

Daniel Samuel Perdue was born in Wyoming Co., WV.¹²
There were no children of Clarinda Ruth⁶ Cooke and Daniel Samuel Perdue.

Children of Clarinda Ruth⁶ Cooke and Thomas Wilburn Sizemore were as follows:

• i. Pheobe Katherine⁷ was born circa 1858.¹² She married James Barrett on February 12, 1875 in Wyoming Co., WV.¹²
• ii. Mary M. was born circa 1860 in Wyoming Co., WV.¹² She married Nathaniel Perdue Jr. circa December 28, 1876 in Wyoming Co., WV.¹²

James H. Stewart was born on June 1, 1838 in Lawrence Co., KY.¹² He died in 1918 in Wyoming Co., WV.¹² He was a school teacher, taught school in Wyoming Co. for 43 years.

Children of Catherine⁶ Cooke and James H. Stewart were as follows:

• i. James B.⁷.
• ii. Minerva married Okey J. Brooks.
• iii. Boyd D..
• 29. iv. William Henry Harrison, born December 19, 1866 in Key Rock, Wyoming Co., WV; married Martha Victoria Halsey.
• v. Alonzo C. was born on December 23, 1868.¹² He died in 1938.¹²
• vi. John L. was born in June, 1883. He married (--?--) Lundy. He married Lettie Mae McMillon on April 11, 1924. He died in March, 1941 at age 57.

"The family home was established on Widemouth Creek, Mercer Co., WV. A large log cabin was erected, where he cleared a large farm and reared his family.

John N. Cook was a Union soldier and the hardships he endured permanently impaired his health. His active career was farming. A Baptist deacon for twenty years, he served as a member of the school board and was influential in community affairs. He, his brothers Calvin and Reverend Thomas Boyd Cook, and the Bailey family formed the Giatto Baptist Church. He was ordained on June 22, 1883" in 1874.⁴

"Brief History of the Seventh West Virginia Cavalry
Adapted from Loyal West Virginia 1861-1865, by Theodore F. Lang

The Eighth Regiment, Virginia Infantry, (of the Union Army) was organized in the Kanawha Valley, by Major John H. Oley, during the fall of 1861, headquarters being at Charleston. The regiment was ordered to New Creek in April, 1862, becoming a part of General Fremont's Mountain Department, and with the Sixtieth Ohio Infantry, was organized as an advance brigade, and placed under the command of Colonel Cluseret, A.D.C. to General Fremont. In the pursuit of Stonewall Jackson up the Shenandoah Valley, this brigade had the advance, and were engaged in several skirmishes with Turner Ashby's cavalry, following him closely to Harrisonburg, where they engaged him, resulting in the death of Ashby. This brigade occupied the center at the Battle of Cross Keys and was complimented by General Fremont for its gallantry.

The regiment became a part of General Bohlen's brigade, Sigel's Corps, in General John Pope's campaign, and served with great gallantry in all the engagements of that campaign, including the Second Battle of Bull Run. On arriving at Washington, D.C., the regiment was transferred to General Milroy's brigade, and returned with him to western Virginia, and was again assigned to duty in the Kanawha Valley. In November, 1862, it was transferred to Colonel Moor's brigade. On the assignment of General Averell to the Fourth Separate Brigade, this regiment was mounted, and became a part of his brigade, as the Seventh West Virginia Cavalry, with which it served as long as the organization existed.

The regiment spent the last years of its term in the Kanawha Valley, occupying the following different posts: Charleston, Coalsmouth, Winfield, Point Pleasant, and Guyandotte. Early in January two or three brigades of Confederate troops were sent to winter in the counties immediately in the front of these posts, and the regiment was kept very actively engaged during the winter, to prevent incursions by them, and in the protection of loyal citizens and their property. Several small engagements took place, in which a number of the enemy were killed, and about two hundred prisoners taken. About the 1st of February, 1865, six officers and nearly one hundred fifty men were discharged by reason of expiration of term of service, but the regiment was immediately filled to the maximum by the muster-in of recruits.

From the time of the surrender of Lee's army the regiment was engaged in patrolling the twenty counties of southwestern Virginia, composing the District of Kanawha, for the purpose of paroling returned Confederates and maintaining order in the country. Over 5000 Confederates were paroled by the officers of this regiment. In June, 1865, Colonel John H. Oley, who had been in command in the Kanawha Valley for a year previously, received an appointment as Brevet Brigadier-General, to rank from March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious service in West Virginia.

The regiment was mustered out at Charleston, West Virginia, on August 1, 1865. The regiment lost during the war: killed in battle and died of wounds, 5 officers and 28 enlisted men; died of disease or accident, 2 officers and 201 enlisted men; total, 236.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Service of the 7th West Virginia Cavalry
Adapted from Compendium of the War of the Rebellion by Frederick Dyer
8th REGIMENT INFANTRY

Organized at Buffalo, W. Va., November, 1861. Attached to District of the Kanawha, W. Va. Unassigned to May, 1862. Cluseret's Advance Brigade, Dept. of the Mountains, to June, 1862. Bohlen's Brigade, 3rd Division, 1st Corps, Pope's Army of Virginia, to September, 1862. Milroy's Independent Brigade, Defences of Washington, D.C., to October, 1862. Point Pleasant, W. Va., District of the Kanawha, W. Va., Dept. of the Ohio, to March, 1863. Averell's 4th Separate Brigade, 8th Army Corps, Middle Department, to June, 1863. Averell's 4th Separate Brigade, Dept. of West Virginia, to December, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, Army of West Virginia, to January, 1864.

SERVICE.--Post duty at Buffalo, W. Va., till April, 1862. Ordered to New Creek, W. Va. At Franklin till May 25. Pursuit of Jackson up the Shenandoah Valley May 26-June 19. Mt. Carmel Road near Strasburg June 1. Strasburg and Staunton Road June 1-2. Harrisonburg June 6. Battle of Cross Keys June 8. Port Republic June 9. Moved to Strasburg June 19-22, thence to Middletown June 24, and duty there till July. Middletown July 7. At Winchester till August 2. Pope's Campaign in Northern Virginia August 2-September 22. Fords of the Rappahannock August 20-23. Freeman's Ford August 22. Sulphur Springs August 23-24. Waterloo Bridge August 25. Gainesville August 28. Groveton August 29. Bull Run August 30. In the Defences of Washington, D.C., till September 29. Moved to Mt. Pleasant, W. Va., September 29-October 9. Outpost duty at various points in District of West Virginia, till June, 1863. Skirmish, Gilmer County, W. Va., April 24, 1863. Regiment mounted at Bridgeport June, 1863. Moved to Grafton June 17. Beverly July 2-3. Huttonsville July 4. Moved to Cumberland, Md., July 7. Hedgesville and Martinsburg July 18-19. Averell's Raid through Hardy, Pendleton, Highland, Bath, Greenbrier and Pocahontas Counties, W. Va., August 5-31. Huntersville August 22. Warm Springs August 24. Jackson River August 25. Rocky Gap near White Sulphur Springs August 26-27. At Martinsburg till November, Averell's Raid against Lewisburg and the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad November 1-17. Mill Point November 5. Droop Mountain November 6. Covington November 9. Averell's Raid to Salem on Virginia & Tennessee Railroad December 8-25. Gatewood's December 12. Covington, Jackson River and Scott's or Barber's Creek December 19. At Martinsburg till January, 1864. Designation changed to 7th West Virginia Cavalry January 26, 1864.

7th REGIMENT CAVALRY

Organized from 8th West Virginia Mounted Infantry January 26, 1864. Attached to 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, West Virginia, to April, 1864. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, West Virginia, to June, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, West Virginia, to July, 1864. 1st Separate Brigade, Kanawha Valley, W. Va., to August, 1865.

SERVICE.--Duty at Martinsburg and Charleston, W. Va., to April, 1864. Crook's Raid on Virginia & Tennessee Railroad May 2-19. Rocky Gap May 6. Cloyd's Mountain May 9. New River Bridge May 10. Cove Gap May 10. Blacksburg May 11. Union and Pond Mountain Gap May 12. Meadow Bluff May 24. Hunter's Raid to Lynchburg May 26-July 1. Buffalo Gap June 6. Lexington June 11. Buchanan June 13. New London June 16. Diamond Hill June 17. Lynchburg June 17-18. Liberty June 19. Buford's Gap June 20. About Salem June 21. At Loup Creek June 29. Ordered to the Kanawha Valley and duty at Charleston, Coalsmouth, Winfield, Point Pleasant and Guyandotte till August, 1865. Coalsmouth September 30, 1864. Skirmish at Winfield October 26, 1864 (1 Co.). Operations in the Kanawha Valley November 5-12. Mustered out August 1, 1865."²¹

"John N. Cook Will

This Will and Testament of John N. Cook, made this 8 day of January, 1898, and Thomas B. Cook, A. B. Godfrey called as Witnesses, That John N. Cook will as follows: The entire lot of property belonging to John N. Cook is to be willed to Margaret Cook including three horse __, two cows and 1, 2 year heifer, four calves, 29 sheep, five hogs, 40 chickens and all the house hold and Kitchen furniture and wills the following lands. 1st tract Known as the home place where the said John N. Cook now resides. 2nd tract Known as the Angle Place where Troy Waddle now resides. First tract to be deed __ to W. S. Cook, my son by Margaret Cook. Second tract to be deeded to Cozette Cook my daughter by Margaret Cook - 3rd tract lying on the west side of a ridge running off to M. E. Bailey's and adjoining the lands of R. S. Cook, H. I. Cook, Wm. T. Meadows, et al to be deeded to Bellgand Cook my daughter by Margaret Cook. 4th tract lying on the Little Fork ridge adjoining the lands of W. S. Cook and Wm. T. Meadows to be deeded to May Cook my daughter by Margaret Cook. Fifth tract of land on Coal lands to which I hold a title bond to from Wm. I. Meadows & wife, to be deeded to Ora Dell Cook my daughter by Margaret Cook. Also all of my farming tools including 1 Wagon, all the plows, 1 Harrow, also the hoes & Mattocks. 1 cross cut saw, 1 ax 1 kit of carpenters tools, 1 buggy, one half of one Mowing Machine, one half of one Hay Rake, All my Harness and Gearing, 1 Log Chain, 1 Kit of Black Smith tools, 4 Hay forks, all the saddles & bridles, Also one dollar to W. S. Cook my son, one dollar to S. R. Cook, my son, one dollar to E. H. Cook, my son, one dollar to H. I. Cook, my son, one dollar to H. E. Cook my son, one dollar to Belyogs Cook, my daughter, one dollar to Ora Dell Cook my daughter, one dollar to Cozettie Cook my daughter, one dollar to May Cook, my daughter, also all my books to Margaret Cook. Also I appoint Margaret Cook administrator, further I will Margaret Cook all out standing notes and bonds, also all the Bee hives, 1 Clock. Signed & sealed this 8 day of January, 1898, in the presents of Thos. B. Cook and A. B. Godfrey as Witnesses.

John N. (his X mark) Cook

Witness.

T. B. Cook
A. B. Godfrey

West Virginia. In Mercer County Court Clerk's Office, February 15, 1898.

This day the last will and testament of John N. Cook, deceased, was presented in said Office for probate and proven by the oaths of T. B. Cook and A. B. Godfrey, the two subscribing witnesses thereto, who made oath that they were each present and witnessed the Signature of said testator and that they each at the same time and place signed the same as witnesses in the presence and at the request of the testator and in the presence of each other, and the same is ordered to be recorded.

Teste: A. J. Heann, Clerk

A true copy from the record.

Teste: A. J. Heann, Clerk."²²

Margaret Stewart⁹ was born on October 21, 1847 in Wyoming Co., VA (now WV). She died on February 20, 1911 at age 63.

Children of John N.⁶ Cooke and Margaret Stewart were as follows:

• i. William Sherman⁷, born July 8, 1868 in Wyoming Co., WV; married Minerva Lambert. (see # 24.).
• ii. R. Scott, born September 8, 1870 in Wyoming Co., WV; married Betty Huffman. (see # 25.).
• iii. E. Hamilton, born July 24, 1872 in Wyoming Co., WV. (see # 26.).
• iv. Henry Ingraham, born February 10, 1875 in Wide Mouth Creek, near Dott, Mercer Co., WV; married Amanda Jane Meadows. (see # 27.).
• v. Harrison E., born May 7, 1877 in Mercer Co., WV; married Ella Blankenship. (see # 28.).
• vi. Laura B., born June 4, 1880 in Mercer Co., WV; married R. W. Laxton. (see previous).
• vii. Nancy Oradell, born March 12, 1883 in Mercer Co., WV; married Barnette Laxton. (see previous).
• viii. Cozetta A., born February 19, 1886 in Mercer Co., WV; married Riley Akers. (see previous).
• ix. Evey May, born November 27, 1889 in Mercer Co., WV; married Jay Akers. (see previous).

The following was written by his grandson, William W. Lyons:

"Thomas Boyd Cook was born May 8, 1859, at Rockview, Wyoming County, Virginia (now West Virginia). He was the son of Thomas Munsey Cook and Rebecca Sizemore and died March 1914.

His father and mother were God-fearing people and his mother spent much time in prayer. When she began to worry about the perplexing problems that faced her in the domestic life, she would grab up her little boy (little Boyd then about twelve months old) and hasten down to her favorite prayer place behind a large rock at the lower edge of the lawn. There with her baby in her arms, she would kneel and pour her whole heart out to God, dedicating her child to God to be used in His service.

The Rev. T. B. Cook had a limited education which he received mostly in the Wyoming County schools around 1871. His father moved to Mercer County when he was a teenage boy and settled on Widemouth Creek where he met and married Nancy McCommas. He was twenty-one, when he met and married Louisa Estus Thompson, a daughter of Gordon Thompson, a Civil War Confederate soldier. She was born April 19, 1861.

At the age of twenty-five he felt keenly the call to the ministry. Before he was twenty-five there was an epidemic of smallpox in Mercer and the edge of Wyoming Counties which took its toll of human lives before it ended. There were so many deaths that it was hard to get people buried and it was impossible to get anyone to wait on the sick. The entire Cook family, the father, mother and three children were down at the same time. No one would come into the home to help the sick on account of the fear of taking the disease. The neighbors would prepare the food and place it where the family could get it. They also prepared wood for the fire. Old Dr. Carr, the grandfather of Daniel Carr, was the only available doctor for this epidemic, who would venture into the homes and treat the sick.

After the epidemic, Thomas Boyd Cook obeyed his call to the ministry. The mantle of some departed soul-minister had fallen on his shoulders and he began preaching like a whirlwind. In early ministry he let his beard grow long as was the custom in those days, but in later years he was smooth shaven with a mustache. During his lifetime he baptized, married and preached the funerals of hundreds of people.

In 1898 - 1902, he served as Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff under the late James "Jim" White who died about the middle of his term of office, at which time the Rev. Cook was appointed to fill the unexpired term by the Mercer County Court. At that time there was only one Deputy Sheriff in the County and he did the collections of taxes and served as a Peace officer.

After his term of Sheriff was over, he settled down to farming and preaching. He owned a farm at Pinoak near Matoaka where he lived all of his life. He also owned quite a boundry of surface land over the Springston mines where he did most of his farming. The Springston Coal Company in mining out the coal and water broke the surface in many places; consequently he was instituting suit against them for damages and at which time the Pocahontas Land Company came to their rescue and paid Reverend Cook $10,000. for his farm.

In 1907, he moved to the town of Athens for the purpose of educating his children. He bought a home in Athens at the North end of State Street and a farm of 103 acres where the Brunks now live. Here he settled down again to farming and preaching. The great burden of his life was the saving of his children. Out of his large family he only saw three of them baptized. Thomas Boyd Cook is buried in the Athens Cemetery with his wife and five children near him.

Thomas Boyd Cook and Louisa Thompson were married on October 27, 1877. They were the parents of Forest P., Wayne M., Jay, Ted B., Dale, Gester, Mrs. Effie Oaks, Mrs. Robert Campbell, Mrs. Emerson Walker, Mrs. John Lyons, and Lake W."²⁹

The following is a prayer he wrote:

"Our moments together in this life is not to be compared to Eternity, may God's Blessings follow us and prepare us for the duty Enjoined on Father and Mother to raise their children in the nuture and admonition of the Lord; May this Blessed book be our guide; his will ours to do and when Life is over and the Master calls us home to Glory, May we together with the offspring which God has given us; all get home to be with the Lord God and the Blessed is my prayer for Jesus' sake."

OBITUARY - March, 1914, The Bluefield Daily Telegraph:

"REV. T. BOYD COOK VICTIM OF PNEUMONIA
End Came at His Home at Athens Last Night After an Illness of Only Six Days

Rev. T. Boyd Cook, aged fifty-six years and father of eleven children, died at his home at Athens last night, after an illness of six days of pneumonia. Mr. Cook's illness had scarcely been heard of outside of Athens and his death will be the source of general surprise and regret to his friends throughout the county. Rev. Mr. Cook was a man who had affiliated himself with public affairs of the county and had formed a wide and popular acquaintance. He was ordained into the ministry of the Missionary Baptist denomination about twenty-five years ago and his church work throughout this course of time has extended pretty generally all over the county. At the time of his death he held under his charge the church work at Dunns, Little Bluestone and Daniel, this county. Aside from his church work he took a deep interest in the county's affairs, once having served as deputy sheriff of the county and performing other duties in a public way.

Rev. Mr. Cook was the father of five daughters and six sons - Mrs. Effie Fulton of Colorado; Mrs. Bertha Campbell , of Kentucky; Mrs. Barty Wyatt of Pineville; Mrs. Emerson Walker, of Lashmeet, this county, and a single daughter at home, Miss Winnie; Forest Cook of Pin Oak, this county; and Edgar Cook of Athens, both married, and Jay, Wayne, Theodore and Dale Cook, of Athens. His widow, who was a Miss Thompson, of Lashmeet, also survives him, as do two brothers and two sisters, Senator William H.H. Cook, of Wyoming county; Ollie Cook, of Giatto; Mrs. A. Bailey, of Dott, and Mrs. Hartless, of Godfrey.

The funeral services will be held at Athens at noon Saturday, internment following at that place. The deceased was member of both the Odd Fellows and Masons, but whether these fraternities will conduct the burial rites was not known at the midnight hour, at which time the news of Mr. Cook's death was received by the Telegraph."

FROM A COPY OF A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - date and paper unknown (probably after 1938):

"The late Rev. Thomas Boyd Cook, who died in Athens in 1914 was one of the well known and interesting characters of Mercer county a half century ago. He was a brother to the late Rev. W.H. Cook, Pineville, and came to Mercer county in 1876 where he married the late Louise Thompson and became a Baptist preacher and one of the latest circuit riders.

Cook built a home on the headwaters of Rich Creek, near the Pinoak post office. Part of the building is still standing; although it has been remodeled and is at present occupied by one of his eldest daughters, and husband Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Walker.

During Cook's ministry he became a deputy sheriff for a four year period from 1896 to 1900 under County Sheriff James White. While he was in office and while conducting a meeting in Spanishburg, he arrested a man charged with disturbing public worship, handcuffed him - then brought him to the front of the church and resumed the services.

In 1908, Cook bought property in Athens and moved his family there for the purpose of educating the younger children at Concord College. The move was ill-fated in one respect. One son, Jay "Red" Cook attended school there and became a popular baseball and football player. During a football game; his neck was broken.

The offspring of the Cook family, part of whom are still living, are: Forest P. Cook, Wayne M. Cook, Jay Cook, Ted B. Cook, Dale Cook, Geter Gook, Mrs. Effie Oakes, Mrs. Robert Campbell, Mrs. Emerson Walker and Mrs. John Lyons, and Lake Wyatt.

Cook numbered among his closest friends J. Sam Bennett of Princeton and the late H.W. Straley of Princeton and Dr. Sam Holroyd of Athens."

Louisa Estas Thompson was born on April 19, 1861.²⁶ She died on March 29, 1938 at age 76; Acute cardiac decomposition, senility.²⁸

Children of Thomas Boyd⁶ Cook and Louisa Estas Thompson were as follows:

• 30. i. Thomas Boyd⁷ Jr., born July 4, 1900; married Ruby Bailey.
• 31. ii. Forrest P., born August 24, 1889; married Bertha M Shrewsbury.
• iii. Averill Geter was born on January 11, 1883. He was murdered while coming from work at the Newport News, VA shipyard.
• 32. iv. Leora Effie, born September 12, 1878; married (--?--) Fulton; married Marion Oakes.
• v. Bertha was born on August 31, 1880. She married Robert Campbell. She married Manifee Bailey. She died in 1935.
• 33. vi. Lake Erie, born September 13, 1885; married Barton "Uncle Barty" Wyatt.
• 34. vii. Brada E., born August 30, 1887; married Emerson Walker.
• viii. Tenney J. was born on March 6, 1892.
• ix. Jay was born on June 2, 1894. He died in 1915; He died as a result of a broken neck sustained while playing football at Concord College, Athens, WV. He lived for three months following the accident.
• 35. x. Wayne McKinley, born June 20, 1896.
• 36. xi. Winnie Hobart, born June 20, 1896 in Mercer Co., WV; married John Arley Lyons.
• xii. Dale was born on April 22, 1902. He died in 1918.  He was killed in the mines at Sullivan or Fireco, WV.

Children of Lane S.⁶ Cook and Mary Stewart were as follows:

• 37. i. Richard Wade⁷, married Nancy Jane Purdue.
• ii. George P..
• 38. iii. Viola, married (--?--) Belcher.
• iv. B. Hayes.
• v. Morton Blaine.
• vi. Lilly.
• 39. vii. Walter R., married (--?--) ?
• 40. viii. A. Elmer, married Addie (--?--).

Children of William Sherman⁶ Cooke and Minerva Lambert were as follows:

• i. .B. R.⁷⁴ also went by the name of Rouse Cook.
• ii. Vida.⁴
• iii. Vernila.
• iv. Mable.⁴
• 41. v. Walter Ray, born April 16, 1907 in Athens, Mercer Co., WV; married Grayce Hamilton.

Children of R. Scott⁶ Cook and Betty Huffman were as follows:

• i. Ernest⁷.⁴
• ii. Ott.⁴
• iii. Leslie.⁴
• iv. Lida.⁴
• v. Grace.⁴

Children of E. Hamilton⁶ Cook and an unknown spouse were as follows:

• i. Andy⁷.⁴
• ii. Bernard.⁴

"He was a Baptist minister. He received his early education in the schools of Rock District and at twenty became a teacher in the rural schools, where he taught for two years. The next eight years were spent in farming. For the next seven years he was called away from the farm by his zealous services as a minister of the Missionary Baptist Church, joining in 1892 and becoming an ordained minister at twenty one. At varying intervals he pastored all Missionary Baptist churches in most of Mercer County having served at Rock, Giatto, Spanishburg, Helen, Mountain Creek, Camp Creek, Rich Creek, Wenonah, Matoaka, Sophia, Crane Creek, Goodwill and Flat Top, to name a few. He was a charter member of the Matoaka Baptist Church established in 1925 and was pastor. On June 19, 1906, he and his wife, Amanda, deeded one acre and five poles of land for a church and cemetery where Cook's Chapel, formerly the Pinoak Baptist Church, now stands. For some reason the cemetery was never started. At the time the property was deeded the trustees were R. S. Cook, W. W. Lilly and Thomas Boyd Cook. Much of H. I.'s pastoral service was without compensation. At the time of his death he was the pastor at Amigo.

Although he led a busy life as a preacher of the Gospel, he found time to take part in civic affairs. He ran for the House of Delegates on the Prohibition ticket (c.1915) knowing defeat was destined. In 1918 he moved to Matoaka and was elected justice of the peace to fill the unexpired term of his brother, Harrison, murdered in the line of duty. He was reelected in 1920. In 1921 he was elected mayor of Matoaka. On July 5, 1921, Mayor Cook was attacked by a man he had fined in his capacity of justice of the peace. The man shot Mr. Cook four times, another bullet holed his coat. This did not deter Mr. Cook from serving two more terms as mayor and continuing his Christian work. While truly a remarkable escape from death, one of the bullets still in his body caused an infection resulting in his death in 1934.

The funeral was held in the Matoaka High School auditorium and was attended by the largest crowd ever assembled for a funeral in that community. The services were unique in that they let many of his friends of long acquaintance pay their last tributes of respect at this service. Practically everyone in the crowded auditorium paid a final tribute by raising their hand in acknowledgment that "Brother" Cook had influenced their lives through his loyal and faithful service to the community.

A recognized leader of the Republican party in Mercer County, he was affiliated with the Knights of Khorassan, Knights of Pythias, and the Masons.

Both he and his wife are buried at Woodlawn Cemetery."⁴

From History of West Virginia, page 527

"Rev. H. Ingram Cook is not only a clergyman of the Missionary Baptist Church but is also serving as justice of the peace and as mayor of the thriving little City of Matoaka, Mercer County. His high ideals are expressed in his general social, official and religious relations, and he commands high place in public estimation in his native county.

Mr. Cook was born on a farm on Widemouth Creek, Mercer County, February 10, 1875, and is a son of John N. and Margaret (Stewart) Cook, both of whom were born in Wyoming County, this state in the year 1845. The death of the father occurred January 8, 1898, and that of the mother in 1911. The family home was established on the Widemouth farm in Mercer County in the year 1874. John N. Cook served as a Union soldier in the Civil war, and hardships which he endured in this connection permanently impaired his health. He gave his active career to farm enterprise, served as a member of the schoold board, was influential in community affairs, and both he and his wife were devout members of the Missionary Baptish Church, in which he served twenty years as a deacon. Of the nine children the subject of this sketch was the fourth, and the following are living: R. Scott Cook is a timber contractor at the Ennis coal mines; Rev. E. Hamilton Cook is in the employ of the American Coal Company at Widemouth and is a clergyman of the Missionary Baptist Church; Rev. H. Ingram Cook, of this sketch, is the next younger; Laura B. is the wife of R. W. Laxton, of Widemouth; Ora Dell is the wife of Barnett Laxton, of Matoaka; and Cozetta is the wife of Riley Akers, of Arista, Mercer County. Sherman, another of the sons, was forty-two years old when he met his death in a coal mine accident. Harrison, another son, likewise met a tragic death, he having been assassinated while in performance of his official duty as justice of the peace at Matoaka in 1918.

Rev. H. Ingram Cook received his early education in the schools of Rock District, Mercer County, and at the age of twenty years he became a teacher in the rural schools, his service in this capacity continuing two years. For eight years thereafter he was actively engaged in farm enterprise, and for the ensuing seven years he was called away from the farm by his zealous services as a minister of the Missionary Baptish churches in a goodly part of Mercer County, and he continues active in church work, especially the Sunday School, he being at the time of this writing the teacher of a class of young women in the Sunday school at Giatto, Mercer County. After resuming his active association with farm industry Mr. Cook continued his residence on the farm until 1918, when he removed to Matoaka, where in November of that year he was elected justice of the peace, an office to which he was re-elected in November, 1920. In 1921 he was elected mayor of Matoaka, and he is serving effectively in both of these official positions. On the 5th day of July, 1921, Mayor Cook was attacked by a man whom he had fined in his capacity of justice of the peace, the man having shot Mr. Cook four times and another bullet having made a hole through the latter's coat - a truly remarkable escape from death.

On the 6th of November, 1895, was solemized the marriage of Mr. Cook and Miss Amanda Meadows, who was born in Wyoming County, this state, February 3, 1870, a daughter of William T. Meadows. Of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Cook two are living: Roy L. is a student in Staunton Military Academy, Staunton, Virginia; and Neva is attending the public schools of Matoaka. Walter, who was born September 6, 1896, died February 22, 1901, and D. West Cook died in infancy."

"REV. H. I. COOK OF MATOAKA, PASSES
Pastor of Baptist Church at Amigo Succombs
Funeral Services Will Be Held On Wednesday Afternoon

The Rev. H. I. Cook, 59, pastor of the Amigo Baptist church at Amigo, W.Va., died at 1:30 yesterday afternoon at his home in Matoaka following a baffling illness which he developed on November 5.

Mr. Cook was a life-long resident of Mercer county and was widely known and highly esteemed.

Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon in Matoaka. Complete arrangements had not been announced last evening.

He is survived by his widow and two children - Roy L. Cook, of Matoaka, and Mrs. O'Ferrell Quillen, of Matoaka. He also leaves one brother and several sisters. The present location of his brother is unknown to th Rev. Mr. Cook's family, and if anyone knows of his whereabouts they are asked to notify Roy L. Cook at Matoaka."

"RITES TODAY FOR REV. H.I. COOK
Services For Beloved Minister Of Matoaka Will Be Held This Afternoon
Death Occurred Monday Afternoon

The Rev. H.I. Cook, 59, of Matoaka, whose career as a minister extended over a period of thirty-eight years, heard and answered on Monday afternoon the call of the Master whom he served so faithfully and well, and the last rites for him will be held in the Matoaka high school auditorium this afternoon at 2 o'clock, followed by internment in Woodlawn.

Mr. Cook was a native of Mercer county and spent the greater part of his life in Matoaka where he served as pastor for some time.

During the early part of his ministry he was pastor at Rock, W.Va., then came years of work in different churches, much of which was without compensation. He served the Baptist congregations at Giatto, Spanishburg, Helen, Mountain Creek, Camp Creek, Rich Creek, Wenonah, Crane Creek, and Goodwill. At the time of his death he was pastor at Amigo.

Although he led the busy life of a preach, Mr. Cook found time to take part in civic affairs, and was well known because of his early stand against the liquir traffic. About twenty-five years ago he had the courage to make the race for the house of delegates on the Prohibition ticket, knowing that we was destined to be defeated.

Since he was interested in the betterment of his community, he served the unexpired term of Harrison Cook as justice of the peace, following which, he was elected for a term of four years. While discharging his official duty, he was seriously wounded by a drunken desperado. Undaunted by such an experience, he continued to serve as a peace officer and later in the capacity of mayor of Matoaka for two terms. Politically, his views were those of the Great Emancipator, and he was a recognized leader of the Republican party in Mercer county.

Mr. Cook was affiliated with the Knights of Khorassan, Knights of Pythias, and Masons. He seemed to enjoy the fellowship found in these fraternal orders.

He was a fine, benevolent, Christian gentleman whose zeal for right and hatred of wrong won for him a few enemies and a host of friends, fulfilling this statement of Tennyson's: He never made a friend who never made a foe."

He is survived by his widow, Amanda Meadows Cook; one son, Roy L. Cook, and one daughter, Mrs. L. O. Quillen of Matoaka, and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Rufus Laxton, Widemouth; Mrs. Riley Akers, Arista; Mrs. Burnette Laxton, Matoaka; Mrs. J. H. Akers, Princeton; R. Scott Cook, whereabouts unknown; Rev. Hamilton Cook, Dott; and the families of Harrison and Sherman Cook, of Matoaka.

The flower bearers will be selected from among the Matoaka high school girls and the pall bearers will be: Wilbur Martin, Reginald Davidson, R.S. Orton, T.L. Williams, Johnson Martin, A.A. Hadden, O.J. Garrett and Roger Brown.

Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the numerous churches that he served and friends too numerous to mention in Matoaka, Bluefield, Princeton and elsewhere."

"NOTED DIVINE, H. I. COOK OF MATOAKA, DIES
Had Been Ill Since Early In Month
Was Life-Long Pastor of Amigo Baptist Church and
Served As Justice of The Peace.

Funeral services for the Rev. H. I. Cook, 59, of Matoaka, were held at 2 o'clock, Wednesday afternoon, in Matoaka. His death occurred Monday Afternoon at his late home, following an illness which started early in November.

Mr. Cook, a life-long resident of the county, was widely known and universally respected. He was pastor of the Amigo, W.Va., Baptist church, located on the Mullens-Beckley highway.

Mr. Cook was perhaps best known because of his record as Justice of the Peace of Rock District, during the twenties, during which time he was a terror to evil doers.

His widow and two children, Roy L. Cook, Matoaka, and Mrs. L. O. Quillen, of Matoaka, a brother and several sisters survive."⁴

Amanda Jane Meadows was born on February 3, 1876 in Wyoming Co., WV. She died on February 1, 1968 in Mercer Co., WV, at age 91.

Children of Henry Ingraham⁶ Cook and Amanda Jane Meadows were as follows:

• i. Walter Harrison⁷ was born on September 6, 1896 in Mercer Co., WV. He died on February 22, 1901 in Dott, WV, at age 4.
• 42. ii. Roy Leon, born November 21, 1901 in Springton, WV; married Goldie Beatrice Wilkinson.
• iii. DeWest was born on December 31, 1903 in Dott, WV. He died on January 13, 1905 in Dott, WV, at age 1.
• 43. iv. Neva Alma, born February 3, 1909 in Matoakat, Mercer Co., WV; married Leland O'Ferrall Quillin.

Ella Blankenship⁴ was born in possibly in Mercer Co., WV.

Children of Harrison E.⁶ Cook and Ella Blankenship were as follows:

• i. Harry E.⁷.⁴
• ii. Stella.⁴
• iii. Aileen.⁴
• iv. Ova.⁴

29. William Henry Harrison⁷ Stewart (Catherine⁶Cooke, John⁵, Catherine⁴Stewart, Ralph³, James²Stuart, John¹) was born on December 19, 1866 in Key Rock, Wyoming Co., WV.⁵ He married Martha Victoria Halsey in 1887.¹² He died on November 12, 1951 in Welch, Wyoming Co., WV, at age 84.⁵  He was a school teacher in the Wyoming Co. school system for 45 years.

Martha Victoria Halsey was born on April 2, 1869 in NC.¹⁹ She died on August 12, 1936 in Beckley, WV, at age 67; Result of a Goiter operation.¹⁹

Children of William Henry Harrison⁷ Stewart and Martha Victoria Halsey were as follows:

• 44. i. Alberta A.⁸, born August 20, 1887; married Thomas E. Cook.
• ii. Lilly Ann was born on March 10, 1889. She married Chester A. Ellison after 1904. She died on January 4, 1929 at age 39.
• iii. Walter Otis was born on April 18, 1891.⁵ He married Edith Godfrey. He died on April 10, 1960 at age 68.⁵
• iv. Rosa O