Polk Co. IAGenWeb

COOK, IRA — Is a native of the Empire State, having been born in Union, Broome county, New York, October 6, 1821; during his minority he spent the most of his time in attending school, and in 1836 he came with his father and family to Iowa and settled at Davenport, Scott county and improved a farm now within the city limits, and a part of which has been laid out in city lots. Here Mr. Cook found employment on the farm until twenty-eight years old when he engaged in merchandising. During a part of this period, in 1851-2, he was deputy U. S. Surveyor, engaged in townshiping and subdividing in the northern part of Wisconsin, a work in which he did good service as an expert and prompt official. In 1855 he closed his merchandising interests in Davenport and moved to Des Moines, where he entered into the banking business with the firm of "Cook, Sargent & Cook," which was continued until 1860, at which time he engaged in the real estate and insurance business in company with C. C. Dawson. In 1864 Mr. Cook became sole proprietor and since that time has followed that business with the exception of two years. During 1862-3 he spent nearly all his time in Washington, D. C. in the post-office department, but resigned during the latter year. He has filled several places of trust in the gift of the people. In 1861 he was elected mayor of Des Moines and did good service in that capacity; served two years in the city council; was deputy revenue collector under Horace Everett in 1864, and in 1868 was one of the trustees of Des Moines township. In every position in which he has been placed he has been true and loyal to his convictions of duty. He was married in 1854 to Miss Mary C. Owen, a native of Ohio, by whom he has one child, Rachel. Has one adopted daughter, Carrie.