My Genealogy Hound

G. W. COOK, the subject of this sketch, is a merchant of Orleans, Harlan county, Nebr., and was born in Susquehanna county, Pa., in June, 1846. He is the elder of two sons, now living, born to Leonard and Betsie Cook, both natives of Pennsylvania, the other son being Almond B., now a resident of Carbondale, Pa. The father died in his native county of Susquehanna, Pa., when the subject of this sketch was but ten years of age, and the mother, who bore the maiden name of Gellatt, being a daughter of Collin Gellatt, died also in Susquehanna county in 1860, after which sad events our subject was compelled to depend upon his own efforts for a livelihood. At the early age of fifteen he entered the United States army in the fall of 1861, enlisting in Company A, Fifty sixth Pennsylvania infantry, and after a service of three months was discharged for disabilities. Returning home he remained there until the summer of 1863, when he again enlisted in the army, entering Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fourth New York infantry. His regiment was placed in Hatch’s division, department of South Carolina, and saw the most of its service along the South Carolina coast. It sustained its heaviest losses at John’s Island, James Island, siege of Wagner, Deveraux Neck and Honey Hill, its total loss being 217, most of which occurred in the last-named engagement.

When the war was over, Mr. Cook returned to Susquehanna county, Pa., where, in September, 1866, he married Miss Alma L. Steenback, daughter of J. B. Steenback of that county, his wife being a native of Susquehanna county and a neighbor girl whom he had known from childhood. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Cook began farming, which vocation he followed for about a year, when he engaged in the lumbering business as an employe of Bennett & Co., of Susquehanna county, at which he continued for about two years. After this he worked as a stone-mason until coming West. In this section of the country he first located in Shelby county, Ia., where for a year he was again engaged in farming. Thence he came to Adams county, Nebr., but later took up a homestead in Furnas county, this state, and then returned to Adams county, where for another year he engaged in farming. His next move was to Arapahoe, Furnas county, Nebr., where he worked in a livery-stable for six months, at $20 per month, on which sum he was expected to board himself and wife and two children; but this brave lady, seeing her husband’s earnings were not sufficient to make both ends meet, proved herself to be worthy by taking in washing and sewing and thus assisted in meeting the family expenses. From Arapahoe, Mr. Cook moved to Cambridge, Furnas county, where he conducted the Cambridge House, a hotel which for a year met with popular favor under the management of its genial landlord. From Cambridge he came to Orleans, Harlan county, and for a year was landlord of the Orleans House, now known as the Gardner House; next he returned to Cambridge and resumed the proprietorship of the Cambridge House, but six months later came back to Orleans (in 1887) and engaged in the confectionery business with a capital of $100, and this business he has raised to its present proportions, carrying a stock that invoices $4,000, and gaining trade every day. Recently Mr. Cook has taken into partnership Mr. M. T. Stowell, the firm name being Cook & Stowell, and each holds a half-interest in the business. For the successful pursuit of the mercantile business Mr. Cook is well qualified. He is a careful, conservative man, and is attentive to business and watchful of the public wants. As a citizen, he is progressive and public-spirited. He takes hold of local enterprises with a will and helps to push them as vigorously as he does his own affairs. He has never been an aspirant for public honors, but has filled the usual number of town and township offices such as all good citizens are expected to fill when called on.

Mr. Cook is a member of Whitehead Post, No. 114, G. A. R., Orleans, having been a member of the G. A. R. ever since 1867, and has done as much as any man to build up the organization. When the fact is recalled that Mr. Cook began the battle of life when a mere lad, his industry and tact in business will be appreciated for all it is worth, and when it is further added that, after arriving in Nebraska from Iowa, with only a pony team and $7 in cash, which latter was taken to file a homestead claim, still more credit will be awarded him.