This is NOT my COOK line; posted FYI; please do not contact me for further information! Thanks! From: Comp. of Hist. & Biog. of Kalamazoo Co., MI; by D. Fisher & F. Little, ed.; pub. by A. W. Bowen & Co., Publishers, Engravers & Book Mfrs., Chicago (no date available), p. 417: Edson W. Cook The restless energy of the great Empire state which has not only developed that commonwealth to such gigantic proportions of commercial, industrial and intellectual growth, but has also laid now regions under the dominion of its all-conquering spirit, was one of the most potent factors in redeeming the wilds of southern Michigan and making them fruitful in the products of the farm, rich in the domain of manufactures, powerful in fiscal agencies, and sound, substantial and commanding in civic, educational and moral institutions. And among the men from that state who are to be mentioned with credit in any compilation of the motive powers of progress here, Edson W. Cook, the well known farmer and stock breeder of Brady township, has a high rank. He was born in Genesee county, NY on January 20, 1842, the son of Washington & Susan (Caulkins) Cook, themselves natives of NY and prosperous farmers in that state. They became residents of this county about the year of 1852 and loca! ted on a tract of wild land in Brady township, which some years later they sold, afterward owning several other farms in the county. In 1863 they moved to Allegan county, where they passed the remainder of their days. Their family comprised 3 sons and 3 daughters; 5 of whom are living, Edson W. being the only resident of this county. The father was a leading Whig until the death of that party, and afterward a Republican; but he never sought or accepted a political office of any kind. The son was educated in this county, and has passed all of his life here since he was 10 years old. He cleared the greater part of his present farm, and of it, unpromising as it was when he took hold of is, he has made a model place, bringing nearly all under vigorous cultivation and improving it with first-rate buildings and other necessary conveniences. On this farm he has resided 33 years continuously, and during that period he has been one of the most active and serviceable promoters o! f every commendable enterprise for the good of the section. He was married in 1872 to Miss Livina French, a native of Kalamazoo county and a daughter of Richard French, one of the county's prominent citizens. they had one child, Buell E. Cook, who is living at home. The mother died in 1885. From the dawn of his manhood Mr. Cook has been actively engaged in breeding draft horses of the Percheron strain, and has become one of the leaders in this industry in the county. Much of his product is shopped to the commercial centers, many of his best horses going to New York city. Mr. Cook is one of the leading Republicans of the township, and is always earnestly alive to the best interests of his party, as he is to the best interests of the county in every way. But he is not an office seeker, and desires none of the honors of public life. In the fraternal life of the community he is active as a Freemason of the Knight Templar degree. End of document. Hope this helps someone. Be well & God bless, Kate Beaugrand Cook Minnesota [email protected] or [email protected]