The History of Dallas County, Iowa - Containing a History of the County, its Cities, Towns - Des Moines: Union Historical Company 1879

COOK, W. H., farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. Earlham; owns 112 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; born in Union county, Indiana, in 1827; came to Iowa in 1853, and located on present farm; married Keziah Bowles, in 1845; she was born in Indiana in 1817; have four children: Sarah Jane, Asenath, Darius B. and Peter. Members of Society of Friends. Republican.

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Died. - At the home of his son, Peter Cook, near Earlham, Iowa, on the tenth of First Month 1907 William H. Cook, eldest son of Peter and Keziah Cook, in the eightieth year of his age. He was born in Vermillion County, Indiana, on the fifteenth o Fifth Month, 1827. He was married to Keziah Bowles Second Month 10th, 1815. who departed this life Fourth Month 8th, 1895. William with his family removed from Indiana to Iowa in the year 1853, locating in Dallas County. He was among the number who organized the first Friends' meeting in the then new settlement since known as Bear Creek. The first Friends' meeting was held at his house, and appointed meeting by Seth Barker traveling minister from North Carolina. During his life he was called to many important stations il, the Church, till of which he filled faithfully and at the time of his death occupied the station of elder. His words were few, his judgment good, and his conclusions were to the point. When a time of trial came to the meeting and it was much reduced in numbers, he declared his belief in the principle of Friends and manner of worship remained unchanged, saying that he felt that he must uphold them if he stood alone. It could be said of him not only that he was an esteemed member but of good report among those who were without. His life and conversation bore evidence that he was a disciple of the Lord Jesus. His interest in the affairs of the Church never waned. A few hours before his departure at his request members of the family read to him from the minutes of the [unintel.] Yearly Meeting. As the end drew near and bodily suffering increased, he was heard to make request that he might be granted an easy passage out of this world, and at the last moment said. "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and quietly passed away at the home of his nephew.

-- The Friend: A Religious and Literary Journal, page 264, Robert Smith, 1927

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