William Cook, who passed away on the 20th of October, 1912, at the venerable age of eighty seven years, was long numbered among the representative agriculturists and esteemed citizens of Delaware county, owning and operating a valuable farm comprising one hundred and fifty acres in Coffins Grove township. His birth occurred in England on the 6th of March, 1825, his parents being Richard and Jane (Warren) Cook, who were likewise natives of that country. In 1851 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating first in St. Charles, Kane county, Illinois, and subsequently taking up their abode on a farm near Hopkinton, Delaware county, Iowa, where they spent the remainder of their lives. To them were born eleven children, two of whom survive, namely: Richard, who is now in the ninety-first year of his age; and Jane, who is the wife of Thomas Simpson of Lamont, Buchanan county, Iowa.
      It was in 1849, when a young man of twenty four years, that William Cook emigrated to the new world. General agricultural pursuits claimed his attention throughout his entire business career and at the time of his demise he owned a valuable and well improved farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Coffins Grove township, Delaware county, which is now in the possession of his widow. He always kept the property in the very best condition and its attractiveness is enhanced by a pretty pine grove and surrounding walks. Mrs. Cook now rents the farm and displays excellent business ability in the management of her affairs.
      Mr. Cook was first married in England, on the 14th of September, 1846, to Miss Mary Frow, who passed away on the 18th of April, 1882. On the 26th of February, 1883, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Emily Cocking, of Manchester, Iowa. She was born in England on the 21st of February, 1859, a daughter of Joseph and Susanna (Osgerby) Cocking, who spent their entire lives in that country. They had eleven children, eight of whom are still living. In 1882 Mrs. Cook came to the United States in company with an uncle, Jabez Osgerby, and took up her abode in Delaware county, Iowa. By her marriage she became the mother of two daughters. Susan J., born October 3, 1884, is a graduate of the Manchester high school and there followed the profession of teaching. She is now the wife of Herbert McDonald of Brooklyn, Iowa, and has one son, Horace F., who was born October 14, 1913. Lizzie Maye, born October 26, 1893, is likewise a high school graduate and also pursued a course in music. She is now giving instruction in music.
     Mr. Cook gave his political allegiance to the democracy and always took an active and helpful interest in public affairs, filling several township offices in a highly creditable and commendable manner. He died October 20, 1912, and his remains were interred in the Oakland cemetery at Manchester.
     He had won an extensive circle of warm friends during the long period of his residence here, so that his loss was deeply and sincerely mourned. Mrs. Cook is also well known throughout the community, and this record cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers.