Biographical Sketch of

Nathaniel Cook

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 634 - 635


Nathaniel Cook is one of the oldest citizens of Marquette County, as well as one of the early settlers of the 
town of Packwaukee, where he is now living.  He was born in Wakefield, N. H., Dec. 21, 1795, and is a son of 
Jonathan Cook.  When a child he removed with his parents to Porter, Me., and in 1813, when eighteen years of 
age, enlisted in Capt. Stark's company as a defender of his country during the War of 1812.  He was afterward 
transferred to the command of Capt. Lyons, but subsequently was again placed in the regiment in which he 
enlisted, and assigned to the company commanded by Capt. Goodrich.  He took part in the battle of Chippewa on 
the 5th of July, 1814, and on the 25th day of the same month participated in the celebrated battle of Lundy's 
Lane, his term of service covering nineteen months.
 
Soon after the close of the war, Mr. Cook returned to Wakefield, the place of his birth, and in that city 
married Rachel Hawkins.  He continued to reside in New England until about 1848, and came thence to Marquette 
County, in the fall of 1854.  Settling on a farm in the town of Packwaukee, he has since continued to make his 
home on that farm.  Many happy days have there been passed, but his joy has not been unmixed with sorrow.  In 
1865 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 5th day of September, at the age of 
sixty-seven years.  They were parents of eleven children, but only five are living at the time of this writing, 
1889--Eliz, Adeline, Sally, Lyman and Elvira.  The daughters, Eliza and Sally, are with their father on the old 
homestead, and Lyman is a resident of Montello.
 
Mr. Cook is now in his ninety-sixth year, but still retains his mental faculties to a remarkable degree.  His 
memory is certainly wonderful especially concerning the events that occurred prior to the War of 1812, and during 
that struggle.  Physically, however, he is not so strong.  He has lost his eyesight entirely and is partially 
deaf.  He is one of the oldest settlers in the county, and certainly deserves mention in this volume.  He was 
prominently identified with many of the leading interests of the community during the early days, and still feels 
an interest in the prosperity and welfare of the county, though not able to take an active part in the promotion 
of its interest.






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