Charles P. Cook

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Charles P. Cook

An honored citizen and representative business man of Dover, New Jersey, is Charles P. COOK, who is here superintendent of the city water department, having been the efficient incumbent of that position for the past eight years. Mr. COOK is a native of Maryland, his birth having occurred at Middletown, that state, February 8, 1865. He is a son of Alexander A. and Charlotte (COBLENTZ) COOK, both of whom are now deceased, their remains being interred in Maryland, where they passed their entire lives. The father was a tinsmith by trade and conducted a tin shop at Middletown, Maryland, for many years prior to his demise. He was a public-spirited citizen, and served his community for several terms as constable and justice of the peace. He was three times married and to his first union were born: Joseph, Alice, and Christina. By his second marriage he had children: Millard F., Ella F., Mary, John K, Charlotte C. and Charles P., the last of whom is he whose name initiates this article.

Charles P. COOK grew up during the trying period of reconstruction following the Civil War. The schools in those days were not of the best, but such as they were he attended them and managed to eke out a fair education. At the age of seventeen years he began to learn the trade of butcher and he was engaged in the meat business until he had reached his twenty-eight year. He subsequently came to Dover, and for five years conducted a laundry in this city. In 1900 the position of superintendent of the Dover Gas Company was proffered him. This offer he accepted, and he served in that capacity for the ensuing five years, at the end of which he became superintendent of the Dover Water Company. It is now eight years since he entered the employ of the water company, and he bids fair to continue as it superintendent for an indefinite period. He is unswerving in his devotion to duty and has introduced many improvements in the plant of the water department.

In 1890 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. COOK to Miss Mary F. CHAMBERLAIN, whose birth occurred at Chester, New Jersey, and who is a daughter of Nathaniel CHAMBERLAIN. Mr. CHAMBERLAIN died, and his wife, whose maiden name was Emeline SWARTZ, also passed to the great beyond. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. CHAMBERLAIN: William, Mary F., Emma, John, Della, Bertrum, and Elias. Mr. and Mrs. COOK have one son, Zerman, who is now a drug clerk in Dover, where he is studying pharmacy.

Fraternally, Mr. COOK is connected with the Masonic fraternity, and he is likewise affiliated with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, the Knights of Malta, and the Royal Arcanum. In religious faith the COOK family are fervent members of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Dover.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)