The Cook Family
In 1832, the Maryland Colonization Society attempted to allow free blacks to return to Liberia. As a result, there was a special census of all free blacks in every county –about 1200 Maryland blacks sailed to Liberia. Among the free blacks listed in the special census of 1832 for Somerset County was a woman named Nancy Cook age 42 living in the Barren Creek District. In her household were seven children: Byard Cook age 16; John Cook age 14; Stephen Cook age 12; Lidda Cook age 8; Rhody Cook age 6; William Cook age 3 and Tempy Cook age 2.
The following Cook families were living in the Barren Creek District of Somerset County, Maryland recorded in 1850 census: James Adam –household; Nancy Cook age 60, Jane Cook age 5, George S Cook age 1, Joseph Cook age 17, and Harriett A Cook age 17. John Cook- household: he was age 26, Sarah Cook age 28 and Handy Cook age 2. John Cook- household: he was age 32; Sally Cook age 28. Isaiah Cook age one. Stephen Cook - household, he was age 29; Martha Jane Cook age 19. William Cook- household, he was age 25; Emeline Cook age 22, Nancy E Cook age 6, Isaiah Cooke age 2.
The Cook families in Tyaskin District listed in 1850 census. Tempy Cook age 20 and John W Cook age 2 months. Byard Cook age 35 and Steven Cook age 5, Methia Wright age 82. The Cook families in Tyaskin District listed in 1860 census. Stephen Cook – household: Martha Jane Cook, George Cook age 10, Eliza Cook age 8, Nancy Cook age 2, Joseph Cook and Stephen Cook age one, Charlotte Cook age 35, Hester Cook age 5, George Cook age 4 and an infant age 6 months.
Steven Cook age 16 living in a different household. Byard Cook – household: he was age 56, Gattie Cook age 35, Nancy Cook age 8, Mary Cook age 6, Vashtie Cook age 5, Michael Cook age 4.The Cook families in Barren Creek in 1870 Census.Byard Cook –household: Gattie Cook, Mary Cook age 10, Nancy Cook age 16, William I Cook age 8, Malvenia Cook age 7, John S Cook age 2. Nancy E Cook age 13 in a different household. John Cook –household: he was age 55, Leah Cook age 45, James H Cook age 21, George Cook age 13, Albert Cook age 8.
The 1900 census in Barren Creek show one Cook family. William Cook born January 1857 married 22 years to Lillie, she was born February 1860 She had seven children, five of them living. John W Cook born May1879; Noah Cook born April 1881; Levin Cook born March 1883; William Cook born June 1884; Molly Ann Cook born July 1876.
1880 census in the Sharptown District of Wicomico County shows three Cook families. George H Cook age 29, Henrietta Cook age 28 his wife, their children - William W Cook age 1, John E S Cook age 20 a brother of George, Betsy Stanley age 18 a sister-in-law.
Isaiah Cook age 30, Louisa Cook age 22 his wife, their children - William H Cook age 6, Annie M Cook age 4, Elvira Cook age 2. John Cook age 65, His wife Leah Cook age 54, their children - George Cook age 25, Joseph A Cook age 17, Mary L E Cook age 12, and a sister Lydia Brown age 55.
1900 census in the Sharptown District. Isaiah Cook Born January 1838 Head of the Household, was married 39 years to Louisa who was born circa 1840. Their children were John H Cook born August 1861; Alfred C Cook born September 1883; Annie M Cook born November 1875; Sarah E. Cook born October 1885; Luther H Cook born January 1991; William H Cook born September 1893 and Alverta Cook Circa 1877. The grandchildren were Bessie Cook born November 1896 and Sherman Cook born September 1898. Two of Nancy Cook’s son Byard Cook and Stephen Cooked made their homes in Wetipquin.
James Byard Cook born circa 1816 in Barren creek, Somerset County, Maryland. He married Eliza Wright August 21, 1843, a daughter of Stephen and Methia Dutton Wright of Wetipquin, Maryland. One son, Steven W Cook, was born September 1844 in Wetipquin. Eliza Wright Cook died shortly after the birth of her son. Byard Cook remarried to Gattie Robertson. They lived in Wetipquin for a while then moved to Sharptown and finally Delaware. Gattie Robertson Cook was the mother of twelve children. The following information were written in Delaware Death Records: A daughter of Byard Cook and Gattie E Robinson Cook, named Melvenia Cook age 45, died April 19, 1914 and buried Seaford, Delaware. Byard Cook age 67, died May 23, 1897 Seaford, Delaware.
Young Steven inherited property from his grandmother Methia Dutton Wright dated May 11, 1867. November 4, 1868 he married Hester Caroline Peters. She was born April 1851 in Somerset County, Maryland. Steven and his wife sold the property to the Furbush family and moved to Dorchester County, Maryland. The 1880 census show Steven Cook with his family living in the Drawbridge District in Dorchester County. Some of the children in the home were: Sarah J Cook age 8, Anne E. Cook age 7, William H Cook age 5 and Mary Cook age 2 months born April 1880.
According to the 1900 census, Steven Cook and his wife Caroline was still living in the Drawbridge District of Dorchester County, Maryland. Most of their children were adults and had families of their own. She was the mother of twelve children. Ten of them were living. In the household were relatives of theirs; John peters age 18 and Louisa Peters age 14. There was only one other person named Cook not living in Steven Cook household of the Drawbridge District. She was Mary A Cook born May 1825 age 75, a widow and having no children.
In Cambridge District N0. 7 of Dorchester County several other Cook families were listed in 1900 census. Joseph Cook, head of the household, born July 1862 age 37 married 12 years to Sarah. She was born February1860 in Pennsylvania. Sarah was the mother of three children. Estella Cook born July 1889 age 10; Rita Cook born June 1890 age 9; Julia Cook born August 1893 age 6.
William J Cook, head of the household, born January 1876 age 24, married two years to Julia. She was born July 1881 age 18, a mother of child, Maria Cook born March 1898. Martin Cook, head of the household, born February 1864 age 36, married 10 years to Mary. She was born March 1870 age 30 and had five children. Lidie (Lydia) Cook born August 1892 age 7; Mabel Cook born October 1893 age 6; Gladys Cook born September 1895 age 4; Minyan Cook born September 1897 age 2.
James Cook, head of the household, born April 1867 age 33, married five years to Ida. She was born September 1876 age 23. a mother of three children. Berny Cook born February 1894 age 6; Estelle Cook born October 1897 age 2; Ida Cook born September 1899 8 months old. Nancy Cook’s other son living in Wetipquin was Stephen S Cook. He was born June 30, 1820 in Barren Creek District, Somerset County, Maryland. October 11, 1847 he married Martha Jane Wright daughter of George Wright and Catherine Wright. Martha Jane was born March 12, 1831 in Somerset County, Maryland. Stephen S Cook and his family moved a lot. Most of his children were born in different places. Their issue was George, Eliza, Joseph, Nancy, Stephen Jr., Dennis and Mary Louisa.
Stephen S Cook died March 23, 1899 and was buried in Friendship Methodist Church cemetery in Wetipquin. Martha Jane Wright Cook inherited property from her mother, Catherine Wright Moore, first wife of Noah Moore of Wetipquin. She sold the property to Samuel James Chase of Wetipquin. The Cook’s were living in Sussex County, Delaware when the property was sold. Martha Jane Wright Cook died February 1, 1915. She was buried in Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin.
George Cook was born circa 1850 in Somerset County, Maryland. Joseph Cook was born February 1857 at Nanticoke Point, Maryland. His wife was Mary Reddell of Camden, New Jersey. She was born March 1865 in Camden, New Jersey. After his death she moved to Delaware.
Their issue was Elizabeth, Lydia, George, Martha Jane, Isaac, George Stanley, Mary Alice and Robinson Edward Cook. George Cook, a minister, was born circa 1882 in Wetipquin. He died June 1974 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was buried Eden cemetery in Darby, Pennsylvania. His wife was Katherine Luki Cannon Cook. Their issue was Leola C Cook. She was born in Camden, New Jersey. Leola was a minister also. She died February 1978 and was buried in New York City.
Elizabeth Cook was born February 1886 in Camden, New Jersey. She married Anthony Wright July 28, 1904 in Wetipquin. He was born 1874 in Wetipquin. His parents were Michael Wright and Eleanor Peters Wright of Wetipquin. He died July 6, 1930 and was buried in Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin. Elizabeth Cook Wright passed away December 1950 in Wetipquin. Their issue was William, Glenmore Howard (Polk), Delsie, Ella Mae and Mary Wright.
Lydia Cook was born August 1891 in Camden, New Jersey. She died March 14, 1985 in Salisbury, Maryland and was buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin. She was joined in holy matrimony to Harrison Samuel Wright August 12, 1913. He was born February 1889 in Wetipquin. His parents were Michael Wright and Eleanor Peters Wright of Wetipquin. Lydia was a good homemaker. She sewed and made quilts. Fishing was her favorite hobby. Her husband died May 1964 in Salisbury, Maryland. He was buried in Odd Fellows cemetery.
The children of their marriage were Beatrice, Cora Etta, George and Harrison Jr. Martha Jane Cook was born March 1895 in Delaware. Isaac Cook was born March 1896 in Wetipquin. George Stanley Cook was born April 17, 1902 in Wetipquin. He died February 1967 in Salisbury, Maryland and was buried in Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin.
Robinson Edward Cook was born November 17, 1903 in Wetipquin. His first wife was Bessie Dashiell of Mardela Springs, Maryland. Her parents were Harley and Eva Jolley Dashiell. He spent his childhood and was educated in the public school of Wetipquin. When he became an adult he ventured to Salisbury, Maryland. For many years he owned and operated the Cook’s Hotel. He was the first black man to own and operated a radio dispatched cab company, “Cook’s Cab Company”. He was a carpenter and master certified electrician. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Salisbury. He later reinstated his membership with friendship United Methodist Church in Wetipquin. His fraternal affiliation included Knights of Pythias, Past Noble father of United Order of Odd Fellows No. 4472, a member of No. 1051, IBPOEW, Past Grand Exalted Ruler Council, Past State President Council, Past Exalted Ruler Council No. 78 of the Eastern Shore: Tri State Association of Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia, 33 degrees Mason with his membership of Lamach Lodge No. 30 FM & AM King David Consistory No. 284 and Past Patron of Naomi Chapter No. 16.
For those living in the Salisbury area evidence of his handiwork can be seen in the many things that he did. He was a strong able and concern Christian who gave to his church and community spiritually, financially and physically. Ed’s second wife was Elnore Cook from Virginia. They adopted (a niece) Dinnett Cook LeSueur of Salisbury, Maryland. Mary Alice Cook was born circa 1901 in Wetipquin. She died July 1973 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her husband was William Harliston. He died 1963 in Philadelphia. Nancy Cook, daughter of Stephen S Cook and Martha Jane Wright Cook, was born circa 1857 in Somerset County, Maryland.
Stephen S Cook II, a Local preacher, was born March 1858. He died December 1949 in Wetipquin and was buried in Odd Fellows cemetery. He preached and performed several weddings. His first wife was Lucinda Dixon. They were married June 23, 1889 in Saint Mary County, Maryland. She was born December 1858. She died February 19, 1922 and was buried in Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin. Her parents were John Dixon and Mary Lucinda Woodland Dixon. Their issue was Willie Cook and Alice Dickerson.
Stephen S Cook II second marriage was to Louise Frances Morris. She was born circa 1875 to Ernest and Leah Jane Wright Cook of Wetipquin and was buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery. Their issue was Ernest Morris, Mary & Martha Morris, Alice Stevinia Cook, Catherine Louise Cook and Stephen S Cook III, who died in infancy. Dennis Cook, a local preacher, was born February 1870 in Sharptown, Maryland. He was a farmer, fisherman and could catch turtles by the barrows. Dennis was a fearless and daring person. It was told that one time he went to pick huckleberries in the woods and when he came home there were small snakes and briers all cut up around his boots.
When he was young he had small pops, which left his face scaled. He died circa 1946 and was buried in Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin. In 1890 he married Laura Wright. She was born April 1875 in Wetipquin. She died October 1957 and was buried in Odd Fellows cemetery. Laura Wright Cook’s mother was Sally Wright. 1910 census of Wicomico County show that she was the mother of six children, three of them reaching adulthood. Their issue was Mary, Ollie and James Isaac Cook.
Mary L Cook was born February 1893 in Wetipquin. She married Rufus Dutton April 22, 1909 in Wetipquin. He was born January 1891 in Princess Anne, Maryland. His parents were John Lee Dutton and Hester Jones Dutton. Mary L Cook Dutton died February 1972 in Bridgeton, New Jersey and was buried in Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin. Their issue was James, Lena and Jefferson Dutton.
Ollie Cook was born March 1899 in Wetipquin, Maryland. Her issue was John Camper, Delilah Cook, Ada Cook and Rosa Cook. Ollie Cook and her family moved to New Jersey. James Isaac Cook (Buddy Cook) was born circa 1903 in Wetipquin. He married Lessie M Morris February 14, 1922. She was born circa 1905 in Wetipquin. Her parents were Charles Henry Morris and Bertha Seldon Morris. Their issue was Mary Hester Cook, Charles Cook and Berth Ellen Cook who was born & died in infancy May 26, 1922. Lessie Morris Cook passed away at young age leaving Buddy Cook a widower. His family moved to Pennsylvania. He passed away November 1988 in Philadelphia, PA and was buried there.
Mary Louisa Cook, daughter of Stephen S Cook and Martha Jane Wright Cook, was born December 1866 in Sharptown, Maryland. In 1889, she married Daniel Joseph Seldon (fondly called Joe). He was the son of George and Matilda Hull Seldon of Wetipquin. He and a son Pembrook Seldon died during World War II as a result of an accident while working for the government. The children of this marriage were Theodice Seldon born September 1884; George Albert Seldon born November 1886; John Seldon born August 1888; Edith Seldon born September 1891; Mary Esther Seldon born March 1895; Enoch Pembrook Seldon born December 1897; Sarah Seldon born October 23, 1889.
Eliza Cook, the oldest daughter of Stephen S Cook and Martha Jane Wright Cook, was born June 1852 in Somerset County, Maryland. Her marriage to Edward Franklin Hull was October 1872. He was born circa 1852 in Quantico, Maryland. His parents were Sidney hull and Mary Horsey Hull. Their children were Isaac Hull born circa 1877; Mary Lucinda Hull born circa 1879; Edward Hull Jr. born August 1882; Eliza Hull born July 1885 and Thomas Hull born June 1888. After the death of her husband Edward, Eliza married George Alfred Dashiell June 30, 1890. George was born circa 1852.
Their issue was George Alfred Dashiell Jr. He was born circa 1892 in Wetipquin. Eliza Cook’s third marriage was to Handy Coulbourn. He was born circa 1850 in Maryland. The 1920 census of Laurel Delaware in Sussex County show that they owned their home and were rearing an adopted son named William Fruitt age 9, born in Delaware. Eliza Cook Coulbourn passed away May 7, 1931 in Laurel, Delaware at age 80. She was buried in Odd Fellows cemetery in Wetipquin, Maryland.
The following marriages of the Cook Family are recorded in Wicomico County, Maryland:
Nancy Cook to Peter Allen – July 18, 1900
William Cook to Matilda Dashiell November 24, 1894
Thomas Cook to Annie Handy June 18, 1890
James Byard Cook to Eliza Wright August 21, 1843
Stephen Cook to Martha Jane Wright October 11, 1847
Marcy E Cook to Samuel Quinton January 2, 1865
John H Cook to Charlotte Robinson September 21, 1829
Mary L Cook to Daniel Joseph Seldon 1888
Dennis Cook to Laura Wright –1890
Albert Cook to Katie Dixon 1887
Stephen Cook to Caroline Hester Peters November 4, 1868
Eliza Cook to Edward Hull October 1872
Rodella Cook to George W Dashiell July 14, 1899
Lydia Cook to Harrison Wright August 12, 1913
Elizabeth Cook to Anthony Wright July 28, 1904
George S Cook to Henrietta Cook April 14, 1870
Louise Cook to Booker T Moore 1934
Ada Cook to Jesse L Hull January 15, 1930
Stephen Cook age 58 to Louise Frances Morris July 8, 1922