Denison TX
July 14, 1887

Taken from Judge J.M. Cook

Judge Cook was born at Middleville, Ga. Jan'y 12, 1830. Parents were old settlers of Ga. and ancestors Southerners for generations back, coming from Ga., South Carolina, and Va. Judge Cook's father was a farmer and the Judge remained on his father's farm until he enlisted in the Mexican [War] in 1847. 13th Regiment U.S. Army. And remained until the end of the war. In 1849 came to Texas and located at the head of Red River, Pine Bluff. And was engaged as Clerk for a general store, remained in this position (2) two years and while in the employ of this company, traveled through North Texas selling and collecting on horseback. And 39 years ago road [sic] through the country where Denison now is located, at that time was not anything but wild country. In 1850 he went to Titus County and engaged in gen'l merchandising and made a great deal of money, remained in this county until 1855. When the [Civil] war came he was very well-to-do but lost everything. Remained at home until 1862, then got in Company of 146 men and went to Charleston, S.C.

After the war returned home and in 1866 was elected member of 6th Legislature from Titus County. Was engaged in trading in cotton for some time at Massbek (?), Texas. Came to Denison and saw the first house built and first train come in. The Judge was elected to his present position in 1882 and remained until 1885, then was reelected last fall for (2) two years. In addition to his farming property and Denison Real Estate he owns some mineral springs 5 miles from Denison that he thinks are very valuable.

Married Oct. 1st 1856 to Miss Shuyles (?) of Morrison County. Texas, a native of this state. He has (7) seven children living and (5) five dead. All are with him in Texas