Hon. John G. Cook

HON JOHN GRANT COOK, county auditor of Polk County, Iowa, is one of the dependable citizens of Des Moines, and a man whose deep interest in public affairs is generally recognized and appreciated. He was born at Clinton, Iowa, December 25, 1870, a son of Robert E. and Nancy Maria (Ferris) Cook, both born in New York State, from whence they migrated soon after the close of the war between the states.

A railroad man, Robert E. Cook came West, and had charge of the carpenter work in the shops of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company at Clinton, Iowa. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Of the eight children born to them Auditor Cook is the fourth in order of birth and one of the six yet living. For many years the parents were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and in political faith he was a Republican.

After attending the public schools of Clinton, Iowa, John Grant Cook had some instruction in country schools while working on a farm, where he remained until he was of age, at which time he engaged in the grocery business for himself at Spencer, Iowa. There he remained for four years and then engaged in the same line of business at Clinton, but after several years in the latter city went to Arnold's Park, and for the subsequent seven years conducted a summer resort during the summer months, while in the winter ones he was otherwise employed, being for two terms committee clerk of the Iowa State Legislature and for two terms filing clerk of the Iowa State Senate, and because of this work established his residence at Des Moines, where he has continued to reside. For six years, he was deputy auditor of Polk County, during four years of that period being first deputy, and then, in 1923, was elected auditor, taking office in 1924. He was reelected in 1925, and again in 1927. In this office he has given entire satisfaction and is recognized as one of the best officials the county has ever possessed.

In 1910 Mr. Cook married Miss Edith Jordon, who was born at Des Moines, where she was educated. She is a daughter of James E. Jordon, a farmer. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cook: Robert J., who is attending high school; and Catherine, who is attending the grade school. Mr. Cook belongs to the Baptist Church. He is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner, an Odd Fellow, and both he and Mrs. Cook belong to the Eastern Star and the White Shrine, and in the latter order he is one of the Wise Men. Always interested in the success of the Republican party, he has become a prominent factor in the local political arena, but devotes his time and attention to his office.