Cook, James M. bio

Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 603; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
James M. Cook. It is not necessary to visit our large cities in order to find examples of zeal in prosecution of business, faithful performance of duty, or honorable conduct as a citizen. In every hamlet throughout the broad expanse of the United States persons are met with who exemplify these qualities and who, furthermore have exhibited them from a very early period in their lives. Deeply as we may regret the throwing of a child upon his own resources for maintenance, the heart is always thrilled with admiration when we recall the incidents in a career which has proved successful from a beginning that was unpromising. Such is the case with the biographer in reviewing the life of James M. Cook, proprietor of Cook’s meat market at Fairview.
The young gentleman of whom we write was born in Fairview, August 6, 1864, and began to work on a farm when but seven years old, receiving $7 per month. He continued his labors as a farm hand until he was sixteen years old, when he began to learn the butcher’s trade. His aptitude for the business enabled him to become an expert and to command the best of wages during the time in which he was an employe. He worked for a Mr. Davis of Fairview for seven years, and in 1887 bought out his employer and began business for himself. His trade has been on the increase and he now has as much custom as any man in this part of the county. In the fall of 1889 the store he occupied was burned but during the winter it was rebuilt by Mr. Davis and is still the seat of a flourishing trade. The building is a two-story frame, 60x24 feet, fitted with all the modern conveniences and appliances necessary to furnish the citizens of Fairview with choice, fresh meat.
Realizing that it is not good for man to live alone Mr. Cook secured a companion in the person of Miss Lena M. Swartz, with whom he was united in marriage February 2, 1886. Mrs. Cook is a daughter of William and Margaret (Hendricks) Swartz, natives of the Hoosier State, her mother a niece of the late Vice President Hendricks. She was born in Monmouth, is well educated, possesses womanly accomplishments and is a consistent member of the Reformed Church. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have been blessed by the birth of two children – Howard and James M.
The energy and desire for the public advancement that are possessed by Mr. Cook have been manifested as a Trustee on the City Board of Councilmen and in his connection with the fraternities of Fairview. He belongs to the Odd Fellows Lodge and Camp of Modern Woodmen, holding the office of Trustee in each. He is at present Constable of Fairview Township and is discharging his duties in a satisfactory manner. He is quite prominent in the musical circles of Fairview, having been a member of the brass band for eight years. The instrument he uses at present is the tuba, but he formerly played the B flat cornet.