Biographical Sketch of

Columbus Cook

Transcribed by Barbara Voss



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 502 - 503 


Columbus Cook who is engaged in farming on section 9, in the town of Packwaukee was born in the town of 
Pine Grove, Warren Co., Pa., on the 15th of April, 1826, and is of Scottish descent. The branch of the 
family to which he belongs was established in America by two brothers, natives of Scotland, who emigrated 
to America during the early Colonial days. One of them, Robert Cook, was the grandfather of our subject. 
The parents of Columbus were Asa and Fanny (Elmer) Cook, the former a native of Massachusetts and the 
latter of Vermont. They were married in Windham County of the Green Mountain State, whence they removed 
to Chautauqua County, N. Y. They did not long remain in the Empire State, however, but with a four ox team 
being before the age of railroads they started for Pennsylvania, settling in Warren County, where they made 
their home until death. Both lived to an advanced age. They were the parents of four children, who grew to 
mature years and are yet living, namely Lucinda widow of Alden Marsh, of Warren County Pa.; Robert E., who 
is now living in Colorado; Columbus of this sketch; and Eveline G., wife of Jacob M. French, of Plainview, 
Minn.

The early life of our subject was passed in much the usual manner of farmer lads, and the occupation to which 
he was reared he has made his life work. His education was such as the common schools of the county afforded 
fifty years ago, but by subsequent reading and observation he has gained a practical knowledge which has been 
of much use to him in business life and numbers him among the intelligent citizens of this community. He keeps 
himself well informed on the leading issues of the day, and is thus able to converse upon almost any topic.

One of the most important events in the life of Mr. Cook occurred in Chautauqua County, N. Y., on the 12th of 
May 1850, when he was united in marriage with Miss Emily H. Newton, who was born in Chittenden County, Vt., 
December 25, 1828, and is a daughter of John and Eliza W. (Bidwell) Newton. Her father was a native of 
Massachusetts and her mother of Franklin County, Vt. They were married in the latter State, and twelve years 
later settled in Peru, whence they removed to Port County, N. Y., and later became residents of Chautauqua 
County, settling in the town of Ellicott. Their next home was in Bradford County, Pa., but later they returned 
to Ellicott, N. Y., where Mr. Newton died in 1869.  His wife now finds a pleasant home with the wife of our 
subject. Mr. and Mrs. Newton were the parents of nine children, but only three of that number is now living, 
namely: John W., Mrs. Cook, and Alelia A., wife of Robert Brady, of Jamestown, N. Y. 

On the 16th of August 1856 Mr. Cook, accompanied by his family, consisting of wife and one child, left his home 
in Warren County Pa., for Packwaukee, Wisconsin. He had previously visited in this locality and selected a farm. 
The long journey was made in a wagon and four weeks were consumed in making the trip. Hardly could the traveler 
of today realize the wild and unsettled condition of the country at the time of the arrival of our little party. 
The greater part of the land was still undeveloped, wild game of all kinds was found in abundance and the Indians 
yet roamed over the country as their hunting ground. But little improvement had been made on the farm purchased 
by Mr. Cook, but he at once began the cultivation and development of his land and has now a valuable farm, 
constituting the quarter section which he located on his arrival. It is pleasantly situated, and there is found 
all the necessary improvements, together with many ornamental ones. The home is a neat and substantial dwelling, 
tastefully furnished and filled with the comforts and many of the luxuries which tend to make life worth the 
living. Three children came to gladden the home by their presence- Frank L., Asa J. and Nettie E. The eldest is 
now a resident of Forest County, Wisconsin; the younger son is living in Minor County, Dakota and Nettie is at 
home.

Thus have we given a brief sketch of one of Marquette County�s early and most highly esteemed citizens, who for 
the long period of thirty three years has been prominently identified with the farming interests of the town of 
Packwaukee. He has also served his fellow citizens in official positions, was Justice of the Peace for two years, 
has been a member of the Board of Supervisors and was District Clerk. He has given his support to the Republican 
Party since its organization, and is one of the stanch advocates of its principles.

 




Back to the Marquette Pages Menu