Surname: Cook

Charles Cook is a representative citizen of Yankton County, of foreign birth, having first opened his eyes to the light of day in Germany in December, 1845. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Hyland) Cook. He was educated in the schools of his native country and when twenty-two years of age crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling in Missouri, where he remained for two years, following blacksmithing. He then went to California, walking most of the way and carrying his provisions on his back. He suffered many hardships and trials during that long journey, but ultimately reached his destination and remained in the Golden State for five years, working at the blacksmith’s trade. At that time wages were high on the coast and ordinary workmen often made as much as twenty dollars per day. About 1872 Mr. Cook left California for New York, making the journey by way of the Panama route. For a short period he lived in the metropolis of the east and then paid a visit to his friends in Germany, remaining for six months in the fatherland. His interest, however, centered in the new world, for he believed that its privileges and advantages were far superior to those of his native country. Accordingly, he returned to this country, and, making his way to Missouri, he was there united in marriage to Miss Catherine Hoffman, of Canton, Missouri, the wedding taking place on the 3rd of June, 1877. Her parents were Michael and Marguerite (Buchner) Hoffman, both of whom were natives of Germany and, coming to this country, established their home in Missouri.

After his marriage Mr. Cook remained in Missouri for three years and then removed to Illinois, where he spent one year. In 1882 he came to Yankton County, South Dakota, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he has since owned and operated, having now a well-developed farm. As the years have passed he has extended the boundaries of his property by additional purchases until he now owns about four hundred acres of land in this county. His business affairs are capably conducted and his energy, diligence, and strong determination have formed the foundation upon which he has built his success.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cook have been born nine children, but four of the number have passed away. Those still living are George, now seventeen years of age; Mary, sixteen years of age; Clara, a maiden of fourteen; Charlie, a youth of ten; and Willie, who completes the family and is seven years of age. All are still under the parental roof and are attending school. The parents and family are members of the Lutheran church of Yankton and Mr. Cook is an active Republican but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs, in which he has met with creditable success. His wife has been to him an able assistant on the journey of life and is a most estimable lady. Both enjoy the warm regard of many friends and the life record of Mr. Cook stands an exemplification of what may be attained through industry if one has the perseverance to continue in a given course and guides his efforts by sound judgment and integrity.