By Muriel Bristol | August 9, 2026
Jeremiah Cook was born in Rochester, NH, circa 1775, son of Joseph and Anna (Young) Cook.
Strafford County historian Duane H. Hurd noted the settlements at Plummer’s Ridge, after 1772, of Benjamin Scates, Beard Plumer and his brother Joseph Plumer. He noted further that they were followed by James C. Hayes, David Wallingford, William Palmer, Elijah Horn, Moses Chamberlain, and others.
This was soon followed by quite a rush of settlers to the west side of the town, Daniel Hayes, Caleb Wakeham, Enoch Varney, Samuel Nute, William Wentworth, William Tuttle, Ichabod Hayes, James Hayes, Ebenezer Coursan, and Stephen Merseron [Meserve], being among the first, Jeremiah Cook, Dudley Burnham, Jotham Nute, Otis Pinkham, Ephraim Plumer, John Twombly, James Varney, John Varney, William Mathes, and others coming soon after (Hurd, 1882).
Jeremiah Cook married in Rochester, NH, March 22, 1798, Hannah Wentworth, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony. She was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, March 22, 1776, daughter of William and Hannah (Hayes) Wentworth.
(The known children of Jeremiah and Hannah (Wentworth) Cook were: William W. Cook (1798–1874), Hannah H. Cook (1800–1883), Hiram W. Cook (1806-1873), Mary Cook (1806–1866), Joseph Cook (1809–1892), Elizabeth “Betsey” Cook (1811-1881), Elias S. Cook (1814-1868), and Ezra T. Cook (1817–1897)).
Son William Wentworth Cook was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, October 17, 1798. He was a namesake for his maternal grandfather.
Daughter Hannah H. Cook was born in Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, August 17, 1800.
Jeremiah Cook headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Hannah (Wentworth) Cook], one male aged under-10 years [William W. Cook], one female aged under-10 years [Hannah H. Cook]. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).
Father Joseph Cook and his brother, Wentworth Cook, both signed the Rochester Division Petition of May 1802. (See Rochester Division Petition – May 1802).
Mother Ann (Young) Cook died in Rochester, NH, January 23, 1805.
Jeremiah Cook and his father, Joseph Cook, were among the fifty-two Milton petitioners that sought to have Jotham Nute appointed as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, in August 1805.
Jeremiah Cook and his father, Joseph Cook, were assessed in the Milton School District No. 4 of Dudley Burnham in 1806 (See Milton School Districts – 1806).
Son Hiram W. Cook was born in Milton, in 1806. Daughter Mary Cook was born in Milton, November 21, 1806.
S0n Joseph Cook was born in Milton, in 1809.
Jere. [Jeremiah] Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 26-44 years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Hannah (Wentworth) Cook], one male aged 10-15 years [William W. Cook], one female aged 10-15 years [Hannah H. Cook], two males aged under-10 years [Hiram Cook and Joseph Cook], one female aged under-10 years [Mary Cook]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Daniel Wentworth and John Drew. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).
Daughter Elizabeth “Betsey” Cook was born in Milton, in 1811.
Ebenr Wingate, Dudley Burnham, and Jeremiah Cook witnessed the last will of Otis Pinkham, in Milton, October 26, 1812 (Strafford County Probate, 13:327).
Son Elias S. Cook was born in Milton, in 1814. Son Ezra T. Cook was born in Milton, March 8, 1817.
Son William W. Cook married (1st), circa 1819, Clarissa Davis. She had two daughters, Sophia D. Cook (c1820-1873) and Hannah Cook (c1823-1875), and died before November 1826.
Jere: [Jeremiah] Cook signed the Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance of June 1820. (See Milton Militia Dispute – 1820 and Milton Anti-Division Remonstrance – June 1820).
Father Joseph Cook died in Milton, June 18, 1822.
Daughter Hannah H. Cook, married in Middleton, NH, March 14, 1824, Elijah B. Kenniston [Kenney], both of Milton. Rev. William Buzzell performed the ceremony. Kenniston was born in Middleton, NH, October 7, 1803.
Son William W. Cook married (2nd) in Wolfeboro, NH, November 18, 1826, Mary Yeaton, he of Milton and she of Wolfeboro, NH. Rev. Joseph Banfield performed the ceremony. She was born in Wolfeboro, NH, circa 1802, daughter of George and Abigail (Wentworth) Yeaton.
Son Hiram Cook married in Middleton, NH, April 9, 1829, Hannah W. Rhines, he of Milton, and she of Middleton, NH. Rev. William Buzzell performed the ceremony. She was born in Middleton, NH, circa 1807, daughter of Nathaniel and Martha (Higgins) Rhines.
Jeremiah Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 50-59 years [Hannah (Wentworth) Cook], one male aged 20-29 years [Joseph Cook], one male aged 15-19 years, one female aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 10-14 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hiram Cook and Timo Brewster.
Elijah B. Kennison headed a Brentwood, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Hannah H. (Cook) Kennison], one male aged 15-19 years, and one male aged 5-9 years.
Hiram Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Hannah W. (Rhines) Cook], one male aged 10-14 years, and one male aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jesse Knox and Jeremiah Cook.
Joseph Cook married (1st), circa 1834, Rebecca L. Ricker. She was born in Rochester, NH, December 10, 1816, daughter of Charles and Mary (Lord) Ricker.
Son-in-law John L. Pike was a Middleton, NH, Selectman in 1835 and 1836.
Son Elias S. Cook married, circa 1835, Hannah Brumbly Howe. She was born in Milton, circa 1817, daughter of Jonathan and Mehitabel (Twombly) Howe.
Son Ezra T. Cook married (1st), circa 1836, Betsey F. Gilman. She was born in Pittsfield, NH, July 21, 1814.
Notice. THIS is to forbid any person or persons purchasing a note signed by me to one Samuel Downing of Middleton in the county of Strafford, and State of New Hampshire for twenty dollars, dated at Middleton on the 14th Nov. 1835 payable in on year from date and interest, as said note was obtained from me without consideration and I am determined not to pay the same nor any part of it. WILLIAM W. COOK. Milton, Feb. 7. 35 (Dover Enquirer, February 4, 1837).
Jeremiah Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 60-69 years [himself], one female aged 60-69 years [Hannah (Wentworth) Cook], one male aged 30-39 years [Joseph Cook], one female aged 20-29 years [Rebecca L. (Ricker) Cook], one male aged 10-14 years, two females aged under-5 years [Mary A. Cook and Frances J. Cook], and one male aged under-5 years [Martin V.B. Cook]. Three members of his household were engaged in Agriculture. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Nathaniel Burnham and Hopley Varney.
William Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Mary (Yeaton) Cook], one female aged 10-14 years, two males aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Stephen Main and John C. Nute.
Elijah B. Keniston [Kenney] headed a Wolfeboro, NH, at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Hannah H. (Cook) Keniston], two males aged 10-14 years, two females aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.
Hiram Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Hannah W. (Rhines) Cook], one male aged 10-14 years, one male aged 5-9 years, two females aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, and one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.
John L. Pike headed a Middleton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 30-39 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Betsey (Cook) Pike], two males aged 5-9 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged under-5 years, one female aged under-5 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture.
Elias S. Cook headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 years [himself], one female aged 20-29 years [Hannah B. (Howe) Cook], one female aged under-5 years, and one female aged 70-79 years. One member of his household was engaged in Agriculture. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Ebenezer Wakeham and Elizabeth Edgerley.
Son Joseph Cook received his first appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 17, 1841. He received a five-year reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 14, 1842.
Daughter-in-law Rebecca L. (Ricker) Cook died in Milton, April 24, 1843, aged twenty-six years, five months, and fourteen days.
Joseph Cook married (2nd) in Milton, December 28, 1843, Lydia Blaisdell, both of Milton. Rev. Jacob Davis performed the ceremony. She was born in Lebanon, ME, May 1, 1807, daughter of Enoch Jr. and Olive (Nason) Blaisdell. (Her birth date has been calculated from her age at death).
Hannah (Wentworth) Cook died in Milton, November 29, 1845, aged sixty-nine years.
Son Joseph Cook received a five-year reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 15, 1846.
Daughter Mary Cook married in Milton, March 17, 1847, Samuel W. Pinkham, she of Milton and he of Farmington, NH. Rev. Simeon Swett performed the ceremony. Pinkham was born in New Durham, NH, circa 1808, son of Stephen and Judith (White) Pinkham.
Elijah B. and Hannah H. Kenniston, and their children, Hiram C. Kenniston, Eli B. Kenniston, Hannah C. Kenniston, Simeon B. Kenniston, Betsey J. Kenniston, Joseph P. Kenniston, Sarah F. Kenniston, and Lorenzo L. Kenniston, all changed their surname from Kenniston to Kenney, July 2, 1847. (And Kenney has become Canney for some branches of the family).
Son Elias S. Cook received his first appointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, July 3, 1847 (Dover Enquirer, July 18, 1847).
Son Ezra T. Cook accidently shot and killed his nephew, Joseph W. Cook, in Milton, August 25, 1847, æ six years, two months.
FATAL ACCIDENT. – Joseph W. Cook, a lad about 7 years old, son of Joseph Cook, Esq., of Milton, was accidently shot on Monday the 25th ult., by his uncle, Ezra T. Cook, of Manchester, who was on a visit at Milton. The circumstances as we learn them, are as follows: Mr. Cook was passing round the end of a barn with a gun (with a percussion lock) on his shoulder, with the muzzle pointing forward; in passing a ladder which stood against the barn, the lock accidently hit the ladder, when the gun was discharged, the contents entering the back of the boy, who was not before seen by his uncle, causing almost instant death; this is truly an affecting case, especially to his uncle, to whom however, no blame is attached – Gaz. (Dover Enquirer, September 7, 1847).
William W. Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Yeaton)] Cook, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), George H. Cook, a shoemaker, aged eighteen years (b. NH), William P. Cook, a shoemaker, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Mary E. Cook, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Mark F. Cook, aged nine years (b. NH), Ira Cook, aged six years (b. NH), and Charles E. Cook, aged four years (b. NH). William W. Cook had real estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Elias S. Cook, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), and Joseph Pearl, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH).
Elijah B. Kenney, a farmer, aged forty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Hannah H. [(Cook)] Kenney, aged forty-nine year (b. NH), Hannah C. Kenney, aged seventeen years (b. NH), Eli B. Kenney, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Betsy J. Kenney, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Joseph P. Kenney, aged twelve years (b. NH), Sarah F. Kenney, aged ten years (b. NH), Lorenzo Kenney, aged seven years (b. NH), Simeon B. Kenney, a shoemaker, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), and Rhoda [(Goodwin)] Kenney, aged eighteen years (b. NH). Elijah B. Kenney had real estate valued at $700.
Hiram Cook, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Rhines)] Cook, aged forty-three years (b. NH), Jeremiah Cook, a farmer, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Hannah Cook, aged thirteen years, Edwin Cook, aged two years. Hiram Cook had real estate valued at $600. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Augustus Jenkins, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH), and Luther Nute, a farmer, aged forty-four years (b. NH).
Samuel W. Pinkham, aged forty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Cook)] Pinkham, aged forty-four years (b. NH), and Edwin Pinkham, aged fourteen years (b. NH). Samuel W. Pinkham had real estate valued at $200. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jethro Nutter, a shoemaker, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH).
Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Blaisdell)] Cook, aged forty-two years (b. NH), Jeremiah Cook, a farmer, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), Frances J. Cook, aged fifteen years (b. NH), Mary Cook, aged thirteen years (b. NH), and Martin V.B. Cook, aged eleven years (b. NH). Joseph Cook had real estate valued at $3,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel W. Pinkham, a farmer, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and Hopley Varney, a farmer, aged fifty-eight years (b, NH).
John L. Pike, a farmer, aged forty-two years (b. NH), headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Cook)] Pike, aged forty years (b. NH), Jacob Pike, a farmer, aged fifteen years (b. NH), John S. Pike, aged twelve years (b. NH), and Mary A. Pike, aged eleven years (b. NH). John L. Pike had real estate valued at $2,500. They shared a two-family residence with the household of John Hinn, a shoemaker aged sixty-two years (b. NH).
Ezra T. Cook, a shoemaker, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), headed a Haverhill, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Betsey F. [(Gilman)] Cook, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), George E. Cook, aged thirteen years (b. NH), Ezra F. Cook, aged five years (b. NH), Vender Courson, aged twenty years (b. ME), and Joseph Kent, aged eighteen years (b. NH).
[N.B., In the following entry one may see living together the two daughters of William W. Cook’s first marriage to Clarissa Davis: Sophia D. (Cook) Wood, with her husband and infant son, and her younger sister, Hannah Wood Cook].
Lorenzo Wood, a clerk, aged thirty years (b. ME), headed a Lowell, MA, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Sophia D. [(Cook)] Wood, aged thirty years (b. NH), and Hannah Wood [Cook], aged twenty-seven years (b. NH). Lorenzo Wood had real estate valued at $1,000.
Son Joseph Cook received a five-year reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 17, 1851.
Jeremiah Cook of Milton made his last will, November 8, 1851. He devised $1 to his eldest son, William W. Cook, and $1 to another son, Joseph Cook. He devised $100 to his eldest daughter Hannah, wife of Elijah B. Kenney. He devised the rest and residue of his monied property to his daughter Betsey, wife of John L. Pike, and his son Ezra T. Cook, in equal shares. He devised his watch to his son, Hiram Cook, excepting a note he held against him and a cow. He devised all his household furniture to his three daughters, reserving only his desk for his son, Elias S. Cook, whom he named as executor. Nathl W. Burnham, James H. Pinkham, and Timothy K. Emery signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 65:177).
Jeremiah Cook died of heart disease in Milton, December 5, 1851, aged seventy-six years, one month, and twenty-five days.
DEATHS. In Milton of disease of the heart, Dec. 5th, Mr. Jeremiah Cook, aged 76 years, 1 month, and 25 days (Dover Enquirer, December 23, 1851).
The last will of Jeremiah Cook was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, January 6, 1852 (Strafford County Probate, 65:178).
Son-in-law John L. Pike received his first appointment as a Middleton, NH, justice-of-the-peace, January 8, 1853.
The NH Annual Register & US Calendar of 1853 identified Milton’s Justices of the Peace as being Stephen Drew, John L. Swinerton, Joseph Cook, John J. Plumer, Daniel Hayes, Jr., Daniel P. Warren, James Berry, Ichabod H. Wentworth, Joseph Pearl, Robert Mathes, Elias S. Cook, David Wallingford, John E. Goodwin, Charles C. Hayes, Jas. Jewett, Thos. Y. Wentworth, Asa Fox, James Connor, and Eli Wentworth (Lyon, 1853).
Son Joseph Cook received a five-year reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, May 17, 1854.
Son-in-law John L. Pike was a Middleton, NH, Selectman in 1855 and 1856.
[N.B., In the following entry one may see again the two daughters of William W. Cook’s first marriage: Sophia D. (Cook) Wood, with her husband and infant son, and her younger sister, Hannah Cook].
Lorenzo Wood, a farmer, aged fifty-five years (b. ME), headed a Dracut, MA, household at the time of the MA State Census of 1855. His household included Sophia D. [(Cook)] Wood, aged thirty-five years (b. NH), Lorenzo F. Wood, aged one year (b. MA), and Hannah Cook, aged thirty-two years (b. NH).
[Sophia D. (Cook) Wood and her family may be found again back in Lowell, MA, at the times of the Eighth (1860) and Ninth (1870) Federal Censuses. She died of heart disease in Lowell, MA, December 7, 1873, aged fifty-three years, six months].
Son-in-law John L. Pike received a five-year reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, January 8, 1857.
Son Elias S. Cook received a five-year reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 13, 1857.
Son William W. Cook published a sort of “emancipated minor” legal notice in November 1858, regarding his own his own son, who would have been about sixteen or seventeen years of age. (Mark F. Cook was living still with his parents at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census).
Notice, IS hereby given that I have this day given to my son MARK F. COOK, his time to act and trade for himself. I shall claim none of his earnings nor pay any debts of his contracting after this date. WILLIAM W. COOK. Witnesses – James D. Stevens, John H. Barker. Milton, N.H., Oct. 22, 1858. 23 (Dover Enquirer, November 4, 1858).
Son Joseph Cook received a five-year reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 17, 1859.
MILTON. Justice, State, John E. Goodwin. Justice, Quorum. Eli Wentworth. Justices, John L. Swinerton, Daniel P. Warren, Joseph Pearl, Robert Mathes, Elias S. Cook, David Wallingford, Charles C. Hayes, Thomas Y. Wentworth, Asa Fox, Daniel E. Palmer, Joseph Plumer, Luther Hayes, Ezra H. Twombly, Joseph Mathes, Elbridge W. Fox, Charles Jones (Farmer, 1860).
[N.B., Hannah Cook, the younger daughter of William W. Cook’s first marriage, is included below with the Milton family of his second marriage, rather than with her elder sister in Lowell, MA].
William W. Cook, a farmer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Yeaton)] Cook, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH), Abba A. Cook, aged thirty-one years (b. NH), Hannah Cook, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), Mark F. Cook, a shoemaker, aged nineteen years (b. NH), Ira A. Cook, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Chas E. Cook, aged thirteen years (b. NH). William W. Cook had real estate valued at $600 and personal estate valued at $400. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Samuel Plumer, a farmer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), and James Doldt, a clergyman, aged forty-nine years (b. NH).
Elijah B. Canney, a farmer, aged fifty-six years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Hannah H. [(Cook)] Canney, aged fifty-nine years, Eli B. Canney, a farmer, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Betsey J. Canney, a tailoress, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), and James W. Canney, aged six years (b. NH).
Hiram Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household, at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Rhines)] Cook, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), and Edwin E. Cook, aged eleven years (b. NH). Hiram Cook had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $400. Their household appeared in the enumeration between Dudley Wentworth, a farmer, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), and Augustus Jenkins, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH).
Samuel W. Pinkham, a farmer, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Cook)] Pinkham, aged fifty-four years (b. NH), and Charles A. Foss, aged twelve years (b. NH). Samuel W. Pinkham had real estate valued at $3,000 and personal estate valued at $1,000. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Luther Nute, a farmer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), and George Dore, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH [?]).
Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton P.O.”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Lydia [(Blaisdell)] Cook, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), M.V.B. Cook, a farmer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), M.A. Cook, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and Joseph Kenney, a farm laborer, aged twenty-one years (b. NH). Joseph Cook had real estate valued at $6,000 and personal estate valued at $3,000. His household appeared in the enumeration between those of Henry Varney, a farmer, aged thirty years (b, NH), and Stephen Twombly, a farmer, aged fifty-seven years (b. NH).
Ezra T. Cook, a boot & shoe maker, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Bethlehem, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Betsey F. [(Gilman)] Cook, aged forty-five years (b. NH), Charles W. Cook, aged six years (b. MA), and Ella F. Cook, aged three years (b. NH). Ezra T. Cook had personal estate valued at $300. Betsey F. Cook had real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $500.
John L. Pike, aged fifty-two years (b. NH), headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Betsey [(Cook)] Pike, aged forty-eight years (b. NH), Jacob Pike, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), John S. Pike, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Mary A. Pike, aged twenty-one years (b. NH), Jeremiah L. Pike, aged eight years (b. NH), Mary A. Pike, aged four years (b. NH), Victoria F. Pike, aged six years (b. NH), and Betsey Whittaker, a pauper, aged seventy years (b. NH).
Elias S. Cook, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Hannah [(Howe)] Cook, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), Elwyn S. Cook, aged three years (b. NH), and Jeremiah Randall, aged eleven years (b. NH). Elias S. Cook had real estate valued at $2,500. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Daniel Hayes, a farmer, aged sixty-nine years (b. NH), and William W. Cook, a farmer, aged sixty-two years (b. NH).
Son Elias S. Cook was the Milton Census enumerator for the Eighth (1860) Federal Census.
Son Elias S. Cook was the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Strafford County Commissioner in March 1860. He lost in Dover, NH, to Republican candidate Thomas Bennett, by 966 votes to 612 votes (Dover Enquirer, March 15, 1864).
Son Elias S. Cook was the Democratic candidate for Strafford County Commissioner in 1861.
News Items. … At the Democratic Convention for Strafford County, held last Tuesday at Rochester, Lyman W. Foss of Strafford as nominated for Register of Deeds – Andrew C. Chesley of Dover for County Treasurer, and Elias S. Cook of Milton for County Commissioner (Dover Enquirer, January 24, 1861).
Son-in-law John L. Pike was a Middleton, NH, Selectman in 1862 and 1863.
Son Ezra T. Cook of Bethlehem, NH, paid $1.10 in U.S. Excise Tax on his cattle and sheep (valued at $110) in 1862. He had three 18-month-old cattle, valued at $90, and four sheep, valued at $20.
Son Elias S. Cook received a five-year reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 14, 1862. (The ledger had a later marginal note to the effect that he “Died April 1868”).
Son-in-law John L. Pike received a five-year reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, January 3, 1863. (The ledger had a later marginal note to the effect that he was “Dead”).
Son-in-law John L. Pike died in Middleton, NH, October 9, 1863, aged fifty-five years, ten months, and six days.
DEATHS. In Middleton, Oct. 9, John L. Pike, Esq., aged 56 (Dover Enquirer, October 29, 1863).
NH Governor Joseph A. Gilmore appointed son Elias S. Cook as a Strafford County justice-of-the peace in May 1864.
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS. – William D. Knapp of Somersworth, Dearborn Wedgewood of Farmington, and Nehemiah Morrison of New Durham have been appointed Justices of the Peace and Quorum throughout the State; and James Farrington, Rochester, Elias S. Cook, Milton, and Charles W. Murphy, Dover, Justices of the Peace for Strafford County (Dover Enquirer, May 26, 1864).
Son Joseph Cook received a five-year reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, July 2, 1866.
MILTON. Justices – Charles Jones, State; Elbridge W. Fox, Joseph Plummer, Luther Hayes, Ebenezer Wentworth, Ezra H. Twombly, Joseph Mathes, Charles A. Cloutman, Asa Jewett, Elias S. Cook, Lewis Berry, Joseph Cook, Robert Mathes (McFarland & Jenks, 1866).
Daughter Mary (Cook) Pinkham died in Milton, November 20, 1866, aged sixty-three years.
DEATHS. In Milton, 20th inst., Mary Pinkham, wife of Samuel Pinkham, aged 63 years (Dover Enquirer, November 29, 1866).
Executor’s Notice. THE subscriber hereby gives notice that he has been duly appointed Executor of the last will and testament of MARY PINKHAM, late of Milton, in the county of Strafford, deceased, and has taken upon himself that trust and given bond as the law directs. All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment, and all having claims to present them to the subscriber for adjustment. JOSEPH COOK, Executor. Milton, Jan. 1, 1867. 34 (Dover Enquirer, January 3, 1867).
Daughter-in-law Hannah W. (Rhines) Cook died of consumption in Milton, July 7, 1867, aged sixty years, eight months, and ten days.
Justices. Milton. Charles Jones, Luther Hayes, Elbridge W. Fox, Joseph Plumer, Ebenezer Wentworth, Ezra H. Twombly, Joseph Mathes, Charles A. Cloutman, Asa Jewett, Elias S. Cook, Joseph Cook, Robert Mathes, Eli Fernald, Asa Jewett, Daniel S. Burley, Ira C. Varney, George Lyman, George W. Peavey (Briggs & Co., 1868).
Son Elias S. Cook of Milton made his last will, March 27, 1868. He bequeathed $20 each to his eldest son, E. Sydney Cook, his youngest son, Frank Pierce Cook, and his only daughter Mary Bell Cook. He devised all his real estate (in Milton) to his beloved wife, Hannah Cook, for so long as she remained his widow. He appointed her as sole guardian of the children. He appointed his wife, Hannah Cook, and his friends, James Hilton of Middleton, and John S. Hersey of Milton, as joint executors. Ira C. Varney, Eli Varnney, and Abby M. Varney witnessed his signature (Strafford County Deeds, 80:119).
Son Elias S. Cook died of consumption in Milton, April 6, 1868. He was a married farmer. His last will was proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, May 5, 1868. (Strafford County Deeds, 80:121)
William W. Cook, a farm laborer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Mary [(Yeaton)] Cook, keeping house, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), and Ira A. Cook, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-six years (b. NH). Ira A. Nute had real estate valued at $450. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Hannah Goodwin, keeping house, aged seventy years (b. ME), and John L. Nute, works for shoe factory, aged twenty-three years (b. NH).
Hiram Cook, a farm laborer, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Maria A. Cook, keeping house, aged forty-three years (b. NH). Hiram Cook had real estate valued at $1,000 and personal estate valued at $100. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Luther Nute, a farmer, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), and Augustus Jenkins, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH).
Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged sixty-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia Cook, keeping house, aged sixty-three years (b. ME), Mary A Cook, a teacher, aged thirty-two years (b. NH), Martin V.B. Cook, a farm laborer, aged thirty years (b. NH). Joseph Cook had real estate valued at $5,000 and personal estate valued at $1,765. Martin V.B. Cook had real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $300. Their household was enumerated between those of James H. Varney, a farmer, aged forty years (b. NH) and Stephen Twombly, a farmer, aged sixty-six years (b. NH).
Betsey [(Cook)] Pike, keeping house, aged fifty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Middleton, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Jeremiah L. Pike, a farm laborer, aged eighteen years (b. NH), Fanny V. Pike, at home, aged sixteen years (b. NH). Betsey Pike had real estate valued at $1,200 and personal estate valued at $276.
Ezra F. Cook, a farmer, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Bethlehem, NH, household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Betsey F. [Gilman)] Cook, keeping house, aged fifty-five years (b. NH), Charles W. Cook, aged fifteen years (b. MA), and Ella T. Cook, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Ezra F. Cook had real estate valued at $1,500 and personal estate valued at $1,090.
Hannah [(Howe)] Cook, keeping house, aged fifty-three years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household included Elwin S. Cook, a farm laborer, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), Frank P. Cook, a farm laborer, aged sixteen years (b. NH), and Mary B. Cook, at school, aged twelve years (b. NH). Hannah Cook had real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $555. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Robert K. Peavey, works for shoe factory, aged forty-two years (b. NH), and Gilbert Shore, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b. NH).
[N.B., Hannah Cook, the younger daughter of William W. Cook’s first marriage, can be seen in the entry below, sharing a two-family residence in Milton Mills in the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. She died of rheumatic trouble in Milton, March 22, 1875 [?], aged fifty-four years, two months. Her father was said to have been W.W. Cook and her mother was said – incorrectly – to have been Mary [Yeaton)], rather than Clarissa [(Davis)]].
Hannah Cook, keeping house, aged forty-five years headed a Milton household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. Her household shared a two-family residence with the household of Francis Coffin, a farm laborer, aged forty-one years (b. NH). The two-family residence appeared in the enumeration between those of William Otterway, a shoemaker, aged forty-two years (b. England), and Edward Brierley, a felt manufacturer, aged fifty-three years (b. England).
Son Joseph Cook received a five-year reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, July 12, 1871.
Son Hiram Cook died of dropsy in Milton, September 16, 1873, aged sixty-three years, eleven months. He was married.
Son William W. Cook died of dropsy in Milton, July 7, 1874, aged seventy-five years, eight months. He was married.
DEATHS. In West Milton, Mr. William W. Cook, aged 76 years (Dover Enquirer, July 25, 1874).
Daughter-in-law Betsy F. (Gilman) Cook died in Bethlehem, NH, April 6, 1875.
Son Ezra T. Cook married (2nd) in Franconia, NH, October 14, 1875, Ruth (Clark) Priest, he of Bethlehem, NH, and she of Whitefield, NH. He was a farmer, aged fifty-eight years, and she was aged forty-nine years. Rev. J. Erskine performed the ceremony. She was born in Whitefield, NH, circa 1826, daughter of Hugh and Betsy (Stevens) Clark.
Son Joseph Cook received a five-year reappointment as a Milton justice-of-the-peace, June 20, 1876.
MILTON. Justices. Luther Hayes, C.H. Looney, E.W. Fox, State; Joseph Mathes, Joseph Cook, George Lyman, G.W. Peavey, J.S. Hersey, J.N. Sims, B.B. Plummer, B.P. Roberts (Tower, 1876).
Son-in-law Elijah B. Kenney died of urinary disease in Wolfeboro, NH, August 21, 1876, aged seventy-five years. he was a farmer. [August 27, 1827].
Ira A. Cook, a farmer, aged thirty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Annie E Cook, a dressmaker & keeping house, aged twenty-nine years (b. NH), and his mother, Mary [(Yeaton)] Cook, keeping house, aged seventy-seven years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Louisa Knight, keeping house, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH), and John S. Hersey, a farmer, aged sixty-four years (b. NH).
Joseph R. Canney, a farmer, aged forty-three years (b. NH), headed a Wolfeboro, NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Martha A. Canney, keeping house, aged fifty years (b. NH), his daughters, Hannah M. Canney, at home, aged twenty-two years (b. NH), Seddie A. [Sadie A.] Canney, attg [attending] school, aged fourteen years (b. NH), Jennie Canney, attg [attending] school, aged twelve years (b. NH), his son, George B. Canney, attg [attending] school, aged six years (b. NH), his mother, Hannah H. [(Cook)] Canney, at home, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH), and his adopted daughter, Capitola L. Canney, attg [attending] school, aged twelve years (b. NH).
Joseph Cook, a farmer, aged seventy-one years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lydia Cook, keeping house, aged seventy-three years (b. ME), his son, Martin V.B. Cook, a farmer (b. NH), aged forty-one years, his daughter-in-law, Sarah E. [(Sanborn)] Cook, keeping house, aged forty-one years (b. ME), and his granddaughter, Bertha Cook, aged three years (b. NH). Their household was enumerated between those of James H. Varney, a farmer, aged fifty years (b. NH), and Deborah Pike, keeping house, aged seventy-nine years (b. NH).
Betsy [(Cook)] Pike, keeping house, aged sixty-eight years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. Her household included her daughter, Fanny V. Pike, works in woolen mill, aged twenty-five years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of George Hoyt, works in felt mill, aged forty-two years (b. ME), and Sylvina P. Hanscom, keeping house, aged forty-five years (b. NH).
Frank P. Cook, aged twenty-six years (b. NH), headed a Milton household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Lucy J. [(Hoyt)] Cook, aged thirty years (b. NH), his mother, Hannah [(Howe)] Cook, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), and his siblings, Elwyn S. Cook, aged thirty-three years (b. NH), and Mary B. Cook, aged twenty-two years (b. NH). Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Brown, works on farm, aged fifty-two years (b. ME), and Orrin D. Giles, a farmer, aged seventy-two years (b. NH).
Ezra T. Cook, a farmer, aged sixty-three years (b. NH), headed a Bethlehem, NH, Household at the time of the Tenth (1880 Federal Census. His household included his wife, Ruth [(Priest)] Cook, keeping house, aged fifty-four years (b. VT).
Daughter Betsey (Cook) Pike died of pneumonia in Rochester, NH, December 15, 1881, aged seventy [-seven] years, three months. (“Dying is but going home”).
Daughter Hannah H. (Cook) Kenney died in Wolfeboro, NH, December 18, 1883.
Lydia (Blaisdell) Cook died of congestion of the lungs in Milton, October 28, 1890, aged eighty-three years, five months, and twenty-seven days. She was a married housekeeper.
DIED. In Farmington, Oct. 29, Lydia Cook, aged 83 years, 5 months and 27 days (Farmington News, October 31, 1890).
Daughter-in-law Mary (Yeaton) Cook died of bronchitis in Milton, December 31, 1890, aged eighty-eight years, twenty-seven days.
NORTH BARNSTEAD. Mrs. and Mrs. John K. Davis went to West Milton to attend the funeral of the late Mary Cook of the town (Farmington News, January 9, 1891).
Son-in-law Samuel W. Pinkham died of heart failure in Farmington, NH, January 11, 1891, aged eighty-two years, seven months, and twenty-four days. He was a widowed farmer.
Son Joseph Cook died of cystitis in Milton, August 13, 1892, aged eighty-three years, two months. He was a widowed farmer. John P. Elkins, M.D., signed the death certificate.
LOCALS. Joseph Cook of West Milton died last Friday at his home (Farmington News, August 19, 1892).
The last will of Joseph Cook and its codicil were proved in a Strafford County Probate Court held in Farmington, NH, August 16, 1892 (Strafford County Probate, 105:538).
Son Ezra T. Cook died of pneumonia in Bethlehem, NH, February 9, 1897, aged seventy-nine years, eleven months. He was a married farmer. G.F. Abbott, M.D. signed the death certificate.
Daughter-in-law Hannah B. (Howe) Cook died of old age in Milton, January 11, 1899, aged eighty-two years, four months, and twenty-seven days. She was a widow.
Daughter-in-law Ruth ((Clark) Priest) Cook died of Bright’s Disease in Campton, NH, May 15, 1899, aged seventy-four years, eight months, and thirteen days. She was an widow. H.A. Cheney, M.D., signed the death certificate.
References:
Find a Grave. (2010, February 20). Anna [Young] Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/48404036/anna-cook
Find a Grave. (2013, May 12). Ezra T. Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/110453412/ezra_t-cook
Find a Grave. (2022, July 11). Jeremiah Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241512490/jeremiah-cook
Find a Grave. (2018, June 28). Joseph Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/190955583/joseph-cook
Find a Grave. (2022, July 11). Joseph Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241512377/joseph-cook
Find a Grave. (2022, July 11). William W. Cook. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241512656/william_w-cook
Find a Grave. (2013, January 30). Hannah H. Cook Kenney. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/104392523/hannah_h-kenney
Find a Grave. (2013, July 29). Betsey Cook Pike. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114557273/betsey-pike
Find a Grave. (2022, July 11). Mary Cook Pinkham. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/241512201/mary-pinkham
Milton Observer 