Larkin (Larry) Willard Cook married to Sarah Jane Martin 03 Oct 1880 and father of Sarah Annie Cook Wilson, my grandmother.

George Wilson

Larkin Willard Cook - taken from family photo

IN MEMORIUM

Larkin W. Cook was born in Monroe Co., Tenn., not far from Wilson's Station, April 17, 1861, and departed this mortal life as we sincerely believe for the life immortal August 24,
1923 near the place of his birth.

He was married first to a Miss Martin, a daughter of one of his father's nearest good
neighbors. She was a good wife and mother. We think it would have been quite
difficult to have found her superior as a true helpmeet.
To them were born several sons and daughters, all of whom have arrived at years of maturity.

Bro. Cook when a young man made an open profession of saving faith in his redeemer and at once identified himself with the people of God by becoming a
Member of the Southern Methodist Church at Old Eleazer.

For several years he was a regular farmer, and then he added to his advocation a country mercantile business and trading in livestock, in which he was successful
For several years until like many good and honest men he met with severe financial reverses which burdened his mind with perplexity and distress. But with it all we never heard any man call in question or say that he doubted Larkin W. Cook's honesty and sincere business integrity.

He was burdened with the care and support of a large family which at times dampenedhis religious enjoyment and caused him to neglect some of his religious duties. But through it all he was true to his church and her faith and polity.

He had the great misfortune to lose his excellent wife and a few years afterwards feeling that it was his duty to have someone to look after his household in his absence he was married the second time to a comparatively young widow Crofts who was a daughter of Mr. Moses one of his neighbors. His marriage added to his already large family some four or five children all of whom are of young and tender age.

Brother Cook was possessed intelligent intellect; but his education was limited.
Had his early environments and opportunities been as good as some men's, we believe that he would have become quite distinguished in financial circles or in the practice of law. He was a ready fluent speaker and a fine entertaining conversationalist. He was a liberal man and given to hospitality. He was an excellent husband, a kind indulgent father and one of the best of neighbors.

A short time before the death of Mr. Cook we visited in his home twice; and on both occasions it was his earnest request that we preach to himself and family which we did to the best of our ability.

Jesus said "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" and the last hours
Days and hours of the deceased were spent nearly altogether in talking about religion and the things that made for peace and happiness beyond the grave, saying if God should raise him up from his sickness that he had no other purpose or desire but to live right and endeavor to influence others to live upright lives. Just before his redeemed spirit took it's flight he said, "Wife, have my children who are old enough make vows to the Lord to live right."

Sadly will Bro. Cook be missed by his family, his neighbors and his church.

The great throng of people who attended the funeral of the deceased evidenced
The esteem and respect in which he was held by the public. The funeral rights were conducted from Old Eleazer Church by the writer, assisted by Rev. Willie Martin after which the remains were deposited in the nearby cemetery by the side of his parents and first wife to wait the clarion call of the arch angel to the sleepers –
"arise."

"No further seek his merits to disclose
nor draw his frailties from their dread abode
For they, alike, in trembling hope repose
In the bosom of his Father and his God."

C. M. James


This was hand typed from a newspaper article in the newspaper. (Madisonville, TN ?)