Abraham Mastin Cook was born on 26 Apr 1812 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. His parents were Daniel Cook, Sr. and Ruth Moultrie. His father died sometime before 20 March 1815. After the death of Daniel, Ruth and the children moved to Stewart County, Tennessee. There on 30 Sep 1824, Ruth (Moulrie) Cook executed a Land Deed “unto my beloved children John Cook, William Irving Cook, Abraham Martin [Mastin] Cook also for divers good causes and considerations me the said Ruth Cook hereunto moving hath given granted and confirmed and by these presents do give grant and confirm unto the said John Cook, William Irving Cook, Abraham Martin [Mastin] Cook all and singular my goods chattels plates, towels leases and personal estate whatsoever in whose hands custody or possession soever they may be within the state of Tennessee.”
By 1850, Ruth had passed away (In Kentucky) and Abraham Mastin Cook appeared in the census in 1850 in Wilcox, Alabama. He continued to live in Wilcox County, Alabama until his death on 16 Jan 1868 at the age of 55. Abraham had executed his will on 13 Nov 1867.
Abraham Mastin Cook and Eliza Pressly were married on 29 April 1846 in Abbeville County, South Carolina. Eliza Pressly, daughter of Samuel Patterson Pressley and Elizabeth Knox Hearst, was born on 26 Mar 1812 in Cedar Springs, Abbeville, South Carolina. She died on 21 Nov 1870 at the age of 58 in Oak Hill, Wilcox, Alabama.
.jpg)
Abraham Mastin Cook and Eliza Pressly had the following children:
i. Albert Cook was born on 3 Jun 1847 in Wilcox County, Alabama. He died on 14 Mar 1930 at the age of 82 in Selma, Dallas, Alabama.
ii. Elizabeth Knox Cook, born 1 Oct 1848, Wilcox County, Alabama; married John Oliver Young, 1 Sep 1869, Wilcox County, Alabama; died 31 Dec 1938, Wilcox County, Alabama.
iii. Tabitha Jane Cook was born in 1851 in Wilcox County, Alabama. She died on 18 Dec 1895 at the age of 44 in Montevallo, Shelby, Alabama.
iv. Samuel Daniel Cook was born on 16 Jul 1853 in Wilcox County, Alabama. He died on 16 Apr 1855 at the age of 1 in Wilcox County, Alabama.
v. Mary Caroline "Carrie" Cook was born on 4 Oct 1856 in Wilcox County, Alabama. She died on 6 Sep 1932 at the age of 75 in Wilcox County, Alabama.
BONUS NARRATIVE:
During the past weeks I have been experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI). So, in today post I have added a narrative created by Gemini AI with the data used above.
The Cooks of Wilcox County: A Legacy of Resilience
The story of the Cook family unfolds against the backdrop of a changing South, from the fertile cotton fields of Alabama to the challenges of war and rebuilding. Abraham Mastin Cook, born in 1812 in South Carolina, carried the hopes and dreams of a young nation westward. By 1846, he found love and married Eliza Pressly, daughter of a respected family. Their life together in Wilcox County, Alabama, was blessed with five children: Albert, the eldest, Elizabeth, Tabitha, Samuel (who tragically died young), and Mary.
Life revolved around the rhythm of the seasons. Abraham likely toiled in the fields, cultivating cotton, the "king" crop of the time. Eliza undoubtedly managed the household, a demanding task in itself, especially with a growing family. Their children, raised with Southern hospitality, learned the value of hard work and resilience.
The Civil War, which erupted in 1861, undoubtedly cast a long shadow over the Cook family. Though details are unclear, Abraham likely saw the war's impact firsthand. Perhaps he served in the Confederate army, leaving Eliza to shoulder the burden of managing the farm and raising the children. In 1867, Abraham signed his will, a poignant reminder of life's uncertainties. Sadly, he passed away in 1868 at the age of 55.
Eliza persevered, living another two years as a widow before her own passing in 1870. Despite these hardships, the Cook children carried on their parents' legacy. Albert lived a long life, reaching 82, while Elizabeth and Mary lived well into their 70s. Tabitha, though her life was cut short, undoubtedly left her own mark on the family.
The Cooks of Wilcox County represent the spirit of the American South. They faced the challenges of their time with grit and determination. Their story, pieced together from census records and family history, is a testament to the enduring power of family and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
No comments:
Post a Comment