| WILLIAM COOK | COOKEY; A Good Old Salt | WILLIAM COOK |
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| The Preacher | ||
WILLIAM “COOKIE” COOK – THE PREACHER |
| COOK INFORMATION & FAMILIES | THE LIFEBOATMAN | THE SMUGGLER | THE FOLKESTONE LIFEBOAT |
| WILLIAM COOK | COOKEY; A Good Old Salt | WILLIAM COOK |
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| The Preacher | ||
WILLIAM “COOKIE” COOK – PREACHER 1815 – 1888William Cook was born on 31st December 1815 by his account although Parish Records show him baptised on 12th February 1815, the fourth child and third son of John and Susanna Cook. His father, JOHN, was a mariner and smuggler and William followed in his footsteps, at least in the early part of his life. William was just six when his father drowned on the last voyage of the smuggling cutter “Jane”. At that time there were six children ranging from age sixteen down to the baby who was just a few weeks old. Along with many other families they were dependent on the parish and were well looked after by the Vicar, Parson Pearce.
William married Sarah Ann Hall in 1843 and they had one daughter Mary Ann later that year. Mary Ann married Charles Philpott in 1864. Later in life he became part of the Temperance Movement and was a founder member of the Band of Hope in Folkestone. His life is probably best described by the articles which appeared about him after his death and by the enormous funeral procession which accompanied his burial. He appears to have been much loved by everyone and espcially by the children of the town. FOLKESTONE HYTHE AND SANDGATE ECHO 29th SEPTEMBER 1888THE DEATH OF WILLIAM COOKWilliam Cook, the old Folkestonian mariner known by the familiar title of “Cookie” to everyone who claims to be acquainted with the most noted amongst our townsmen, died on Saturday last in the 73rd year of his age, after a short and painful illness. Mr Cook was a man who had enjoyed the most robust health, and his appearance was that of a weather–beaten old salt, whose physique would stand many a further year of this world′s “wear and tear,” but he fell victim to the insidious effects of cancer, and disliking the idea of any operation being performed upon him, he cheerfully resigned himself to his fate, and passed away after intense suffering in the simple hope and faith of a Christian, his death being consistent with his well spent life, and an example also to those around him. “Cookie” was one of nature′s noblemen, equally liked by old and young, rich and poor, the circle of his acquaintance extending to all classes. Ever ready with a helping hand to the young, by offering plain words of earnest admonition, and as definite in administering an honest rebuke to the foolish and profligate carrying himself with dignity and directness of purpose in the society of all. “A word in season” was the motto indicating “Cookie′s” way to do good, and he had the intimate sense of knowledge of the time when to hold his tongue, and pass on with a sigh or a word of pity.As a young man, according to hid own testimony he was “as wild as anybody,” but for half a century he had been identified with Temperance work, and the religious instruction of the sea-farer. Amongst his co-workers here were the late Councillor Willis, and the late Mr. Thomas Mummery, who with others were the principle pioneers of the tee total movement in our locality, as well as leaders in the circles of Nonconformity, being attached to the Independents or Congregationalists. Ten years ago William Cook was included amongst Christian workers in a series of articles which appeared in the British Workman, and his portrait was published amongst the admirable wood engraving for which that magazine has always been noted. He was there depicted in the cabin of a collier, where he was in the act of supplying the crew of the vessel with books to be placed in his library bag, an invention of his which he furnished to ships for the charitable and useful purpose of a circulating library, and which he kept replenished with fresh books every voyage. But the special work with which “Cookie′s” name will be handed down to posterity was his regular attention to the wants of Sunday school children, and the wonderful affection which existed between him and the last two or three generations of little ones of the east part of Folkestone. Every Sunday morning he had a certain round which he took for distributing pictorial card, leaflets, and little books, and the anticipation of this visit each week might have been seen by the children waiting at their respective doorsteps to greet Mr Cook, and to receive the little gift and cheery words of the kind old man – many of the children always clinging round him on his journey through the streets. On Sunday afternoons also it was an understood arrangement that at a certain hour “Cookie” was to be found on the Dover Hill above Junction Station, where he was employed in distributing tracts and books to whoever passed in that direction, and it was an undoubted fact that he was most successful in winning his way and making his gifts acceptable even to the roughest he might chance to meet. In truth “Cookie” was above all things a model tract distributor. In matters of controversy regarding religious questions, he was always ready with most simple dogmatic arguments, and as these sufficed for him, it therefore appeared to “Cookie” that they ought to satisfy others. He had probably given “a bit of his mind” to teachers of most denominations, and was ready on occasions to relate his experiences in this direction. He used to tell a Yarn respecting the way in which the Vicar of Folkestone, the Rev. M. Woodward, on a certain occasion took opportunity to impress “Cookie” with the idea that he (the Vicar) was the Shepherd appointed to the cure of souls for the Parish of Folkestone. “Sheppard, Mr Woodward? Why then let me be your Sheep–dog!” “But we could not agree” would be the concluding words of this story. The idea of such a shepherd having such a sheep–dog was rather comical and certainly suggestive of incongruity, but it never seemed to strike “Cookie” in that light. A few years ago when the enlargement of the Congregational Church was under discussion, it was suggested by some of the building committee that a certain gallery would not be required – “Oh give us a gallery, Mr Palmer” said Cookie, “sailors always like to go aloft,” and it was at once decided to have a gallery, and we believe that it has been greatly appreciated by the seafaring portion of the congregation. On attaining his 70th year, a movement was set on foot to present Mr Cook with some mark of the esteem in which he was held by his more intimate friends, and the result was the presentation of a purse of £10, a pair of gold spectacles, an easy chair, a portrait, and other suitable gifts including the embellishment of an open Bible, on which could be read “The hoary head is a crown of glory, when found in the way of righteousness” and an illustration of “The cottage home of William Cook.” On the occasion of this presentation at the Congregational Schools Mr. S. C. Weston occupied the chair, and amongst those who took part in the enthusiastic proceedings, were Rev A J Palmer, J Clark, Esq., J.P., Mr Kerr and a host of friends belonging to the town, and the acknowledgement of these gifts by “Cookie” was a characteristic oratorical treat never to be forgotten. The following effusion was a notable feature in proceedings.
A truly Kind old man is William Cook, William Cook′s surroundings were always remindful of hard work and indomitable industry. On the beach in the season he was for many years a well–known boatman, numbering among visitors many who prized his friendship, and as a gardener in a modest way he was specially noted, the cabbage garden in the lower Sandgate road, opposite the Switchback railway, always well cropped, used to be a favourite rendezvous for those children who were privileged to enjoy his closest friendship; and on building his “cottage home” at Bowles–well, it soon became luxuriantly surrounded with trees and shrubs converting the open meadow into a trim, well kept abode. It was here with his wife, that he spent many of his latest years, and it was here with the loving care of his faithful partner to tend him, that he died, leaving behind him the vivid memory of an honest useful life, and a vacancy in our local annals which it will be difficult to refill. THE FUNERALOn Wednesday afternoon, the mortal remains of William Cook were taken to their last resting place in the Folkestone Cemetery, amidst the general and genuine tokens of sorrow sympathetically participated in by all classes of his fellow townsmen, an official expression of which was shown by the hoisting of the “Union Jack” hoisted half–mast high at the Town Hall. Messrs Prebble were the undertakers, and in a coffin borne upon the open hearse, and covered with beautiful wreaths of flowers, the body of dear “Old Cookie” was taken from his residence in Dover Road through the streets of his native town, by way of Rendezvous Street, Sandgate Road, Manor Road and Cheriton Road, to the cemetery. Three carriages followed containing his relatives and nearest friends, behind whom walked many members of the Good Templar Lodges, wearing their regalia, and hundreds of Sunday school children of the Congregational and other schools with their teachers; while the streets and roads were lined with those who were the general acquaintances of the deceased, consisting mostly of women and children, all mourning the loss of a near and dear friend. Every sign of heartfelt sorrow was seen on the route and the crowd became thicker and more dense as the cemetery was reached.The scene around the grave was most impressive. An irregular square was formed, the inside fringe of which consisted of masses of children, everyone present taking the liveliest interest in the solemn service commemorating the loss of their old fried, while the chief mourners , members of the family of the deceased, with such old acquaintances as Mrs Willis, the Rev R Willis (widow and son of the late Councillor Willis) and others, stood at the head of the grave, beside which rested the coffin covered with the flowers “Old Cookie” loved so well. Amongst the little group of particular friends, was also Mrs Pledge the Mayoress, holding in her hands a wreath of laurel leaves covered with an anchor wrought in simple flowers, and embellished with streamers of red, white and blue ribands, an appropriate symbol to the worthiness and profession of the brave old sailor; and hardly a child was present who had not brought some little posy or floral gift to place reverently beside the honoured grave. The Rev. A. J. Palmer first gave out a hymn specially for the children, which was heartily sung, the youngsters filling the quiet autumn air with their childish treble in tones that must have reached the “silent land” of the departed. The Rev. R Foster Jeffrey next read the scriptures, “Now is Christ risen from the dead, etc.,” with solemn impressiveness. The Rev. A. J. Palmer then offered prayer and asked for the Devine blessing and help on behalf of the bereaved family. Another hymn followed, and the body was placed in the grave, after which Mr Palmer delivered a most appropriate and telling address, commencing as is his usual wont with a tale. He said that when a Quaker was once asked why they were silent at their burial services, the answer was, it was sufficient to know on such occasions that “the Dead speaketh.” In like manner, standing by the open grave of their dear old friend, he exhorted his hearers to remember the cheery words they so often heard from his lips. Alluding to the last hours of William Cook, the rev. gentleman said he had attended many bedsides in sickness, but had never known a good man to suffer so much pain at the last as did their friend. But his faith triumphed over his sufferings, and he said in answer to an enquiry as to how he felt – “I have fought the good fight I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, righteous judge shall give me that day.” As the end drew near, holding his hand in mine, said Mr Palmer, the dear old man seemed to catch a glimpse of The Master, as with an effort he said “The old valiant sailor is going to receive his reward; Home, Home, Home,!” These were his last words as he sank back upon his pillow. The Rev. Forster Jeffrey added a brief address at the grave side, and the Good Templars performed their services for the burial of a brother;- and yet when the ceremonial rites were all over, the crowd still lingered round the spot which now marks “Old Cookie′s” grave. |
| Grave of William Cook The Preacher | The Inscription |
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In Loving Memory of WILLIAM COOK “COOKIE” Native of Folkestone The Children′ Friend One of the Founders of the first Band of Hope in the Town he originated the Bible-Bag-Mission for Seamen And Sunday Distribution of Little Books Amongst Children. He Went Home September 22nd 1888 aged 72 years And was followed to the grave By upwards of 4000 persons He Being Dead Yet Speaketh Heb XI. 4
Also of
On the open prayer book is written |
| Surprisingly there is an error in the inscription on William Cook′s grave. His wife was Sarah who died 1914. Mary Ann was his daughter. | |
THE FOLKESTONE EXPRESS, 29th SEPTEMPER 1888A well known man has just passed away and many residents of Folkestone in by–gone days will hear with sorrow of his death, notwithstanding that he had reached the allotted span of man′s life. William Cook, or as he was more generally called and was fond of the name, “Old Cookie” for the last 25 years had been the children′s friend. Troops of youngsters, on Sunday afternoons, were in the habit of wending their way to the Dover Road to meet the cheery kindly old man who always sallied out with a big bundle of cards, tracts, and pamphlets, which he delighted to distribute among the little children, and his face will long be remembered by hundreds whom he scarcely knew even by sight. William Cook was the son of an old Folkestonian, who obtained a living, as many another did in the early part of the century, by smuggling. Cookie′s father went for the last voyage in the smuggling lugger “Jane” whose crew numbered fifty, every one of whom was drowned, and Cookie and his five brothers and sisters, were left orphans. In telling the sad story the old man said in that year there were not less than 200 orphan children in Folkestone, and he gratefully spoke of the late Mr Pearce, then Vicar of Folkestone, who, he said was indeed a friend to the fatherless and the widow. Cook has often told the story of his own early life when speaking at meetings in support of missions to seamen. In the hey–day of his youth he fell into bad habits, but as a very young man he was converted. The fact is there never was any vice in Cookie′s nature, and there is no question that he found very early that “the way of transgressors is hard” Deriving such comfort from religious exercise himself, he was untiring in his efforts, and in his appeals in simple, honest language, to induce others to forsake their vicious courses, and to attend regularly the little Bethels, as they were termed, where mariners of pious lives were wont to worship. On the platform he could tell anecdotes with child-like simplicity, but with the utmost earnestness, of his experiences as a missionary among seamen, and how many had benefited through his medium, or the medium of the bags of books it was his privilege to place in the “foksle” of outward-bound vessels. For many years he had lived with his wife in a little cottage in a garden in Dover Road. On the occasion of his 70th birthday (December 31st 1885), the old missionary and his wife were entertained at a public tea, held in the Congregational School Room, and an armchair was presented to him, a small sum of money and a pair of gold–framed spectacles together with an illuminated address, in the centre of which were the lines:
A truly Kind old man is William Cook, The foregoing lines contain practically Cookie′s life story. His death was caused by a complication of disorders. An injury to his hand resulted in a cancerous formation, and a heavy cold induced inflammation of the chest and liver. He passed away with the peacefulness which marks the dying bed of a faithful, humble follower of the Great Teacher, almost his last utterance being “Home, home, home,” and he died in “sure and certain hope of a joyful resurrection.” On Sunday afternoon his little friends, to the number of several hundreds, were privileged to take a last look at the poor old man′s peaceful face, and many of them carried flowers, which they deposited in the coffin. The funeral took place on Wednesday when it is estimated that four or five thousand people were present in the Cemetery. Nearly 1,500 children (the schools of the town being closed for the afternoon) attended in procession as well as many adults, good templars, and friends. The Mayor caused the flag on the Town Hall to be lowered to half-mast, and he and the Mayoress sent a wreath composed of ivy and laurel leaves, an anchor of corn flowers, tied with red, white and blue ribbon, to lay upon the grave. Many other friends also sent floral wreaths in token of respect and regret. On Sunday next the Rev. A. J. Palmer will preach a memorial sermon at the Congregational Chapel. FOLKESTONE CHRONICLE 29th SEPTEMBER 1888DEATH OF WILLIAM COOK.It is with the deepest regret that we have to report the death of Mr. William Cook, which took place at his residence shortly before eleven o′clock on Saturday morning. To the general public in Folkestone he was, perhaps, better known as “Cookey” and especially amongst the juvenile portion. Although his station in life was but lowly, yet there was not a man more respected in Folkestone. He was born on 31st of December, 1815 in an old farm-house on the cliff, close to the Parish Church, and of such an estimable character has been his career in life that in 1886 Mr. Henry Galer (well-known in Mission Work in Folkestone), wrote an interesting account of his life. From it may be gleaned many matters of interest. The deceased′s father by trade was a brick-maker, but in the winter months, like many scores of his neighbours, he indulged very freely in the smuggling trade. One of the various plans used by the Government to prevent the extensive smuggling was to press the offenders into the Navy, and in this way “Cookey” was deprived his father for a considerable time. He was captured in a very curious manner. A badger fight was announced to take place in the Cherry–tree–gardens and consequently a large number collected to witness the sport. At the same time a large party of soldiers were commissioned to block them in, and as the excitement of the badger fight increased, so the soldiers drew nearer, and commenced to capture their men. A fight ensued, and John Cook was amongst the men who were taken aboard the ships lying in the Downs. Parson Pierce was approached by the unfortunate wives, but beyond expressing a little sympathy, could do nothing to facilitate the release of their husbands. They were, however, eventually released through the influence of Lord Darnley, who then lived at Sandgate. Some time afterwards he attempted another voyage with a party of fifty–two smugglers in the cutter Jane, but on the return journey the cutter, with all hands, was lost, and William, then but a child was left an orphan. His earliest occupation was as a rook–boy, and at the age of about seventeen he became weary of the dull farm life and joined the smack Hope, which carried fish to London. In 1842 he shipped in the Victoria, a collier, carrying freights of coal, etc., from the North. “Cookey” was always of a pleasant disposition and was never more pleased than when he could relate a most pathetic dream experienced by him whilst swinging in his hammock on a homeward voyage from Shields. He has often interpreted it, after a lengthy description of the thrilling things he saw, thus: “The lord showed me heaven and hell. He gave me my choice and I chose heaven.” “Cookey” soon gave up seafaring life and held several boats on the beach. Doubtless many hundreds of visitors will remember him, especially those who frequented the bathing machines, to which he attended almost up to the very last. Both “Cookey” and his wife for many years past took a warm interest in Mission Work, and no one will miss his kindly face more than the children, who used to make a general practice of flocking from the Sunday Schools to meet him in the Dover–road for a tract or a card. A letter was received by him some years ago from a gentleman (a partner in a large engineering firm in Toronto, Canada), who was brought up in Folkestone, and knew “Cookey” through his connection with the Union Chapel Sunday School and Band of Hope meetings. The letter was written after an elapse of thirty years and an extract of it runs as follows:- “I think one could ask for no greater compliment than to be remembered by busy men, scattered thousands of miles apart, as a friend and favourite of their childhood. Remembered, not for lavish gifts of worldly wealth, but for kindly words of good advice and a humble Christian life and example; and such, ‘Cookey’ is my memory of you – God bless you! I am inclined to think men could be found in all parts of the globe who remember you with similar regard.” It was through Cook that the great Bible Bag Mission commenced; in consequence of his placing bags, containing tracts, a Testament, and copies of the “Sunday at Home” and other books of a similar nature, in cabins of the coal vessels and fishing boats visiting Folkestone. In this work, which was rather expensive to his private funds, he was generously helped by Miss Boobbyer and several other friends. In May 1870, a detailed account of his good works appeared in the “British Workman” with an illustration of Cook nailing up a bag in a cabin and surrounded by sailors. Upon reaching his 70th birthday on 31th December 1885, several Folkestone friends presented him with a purse of money, a pair of gold spectacles, an arm chair, and an illuminated address composed and executed by Mr. J. Smurthwaite, of Millfield House, in a splendid manner. In the centre of the address were the following lines:–
A truly Kind old man is William Cook, A few weeks ago he caught a cold which developed into congestion of the liver, and was the immediate cause of death. He was quite conscious till the last, and exclaimed just before his death “Home! Home! Home!” A very large number of children visited the body on Sunday afternoon.
The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, and it is many years since such a striking scene was witnessed in Folkestone. The interment was announced to take place at half past two, but for fully an hour and a half before that time the children began to rendezvous outside of the Congregational Sunday School, where the deceased was well–known. The hearse containing the coffin moved slowly down the Dover–road shortly before 2.30, followed by the mourning coaches, containing Mrs. Cook (the deceased′s widow), the Revs. A J Palmer and Foster Jeffrey, and several of the deceased′s friends and relatives. At the bottom of the road the procession stopped and was joined by upwards of two thousand children and many of the deceased′s friends, including representatives of several Friendly Societies &c. Upon arriving at Folkestone Cemetery the coffin was borne to the grave–side. It was covered in magnificent wreaths, sent by his numerous acquaintances. The burial service was performed by the Rev. A. J. Palmer and the Rev Foster Jeffrey, in a most impressive manner. The service was witnessed by many thousands of people who had turned out to pay a last token of respect to their old fried “Cookie”. Several hymns were sung, including the deceased′s most favourite:
“Oh, think of the Home over there, An eloquent address was delivered by the Rev. A. J. Palmer, touching on the life of the deceased.
A memorial service will be conducted at the Congregational Church on Sunday evening by the Rev. A. J. Palmer. The deceased was the oldest member of the church. FOLKESTONE EXPRESS 3rd OCTOBER 1888“COOKIE′S” MEMORIAL SERVICE.On Saturday placards were posted inviting children to attend a service at the exhibition, in memory of William Cook, the seamen′s missionary and the children′s friend. Several hundreds attended, but there were more adults than children in the meeting, which was held in that part of the exhibition used for concerts and entertainments. In the other portion, where the Japanese refreshment stall stands, with a lot of rustic tables and chairs, a host of little ones were enjoying themselves, and were apparently quite oblivious of the fact that a solemn service was being conducted beyond the screen. If the spirit of old Cookie could have visited the exhibition he would certainly have been among the graceful palms and smiling little ones who were spending a pleasant hour in the great hall. On the platform, among others were the Revs. W Hall, A. J. Palmer and R F Jeffrey, Messrs John Holden, E.J. Holden, Logan, Willis &c. A hymn, “Over There” was sung, and the Rev A.J. Palmer offered a brief prayer, after which he asked Mr. John Holden to take the chair. Addresses were delivered by the Chairman, the Rev. R. F. Jeffrey, the Rev. W Hall, Mr. Logan, Mr. Willis and Mr. C J. Holden, the proceedings lasting about an hour.THE FOLKESTONE CHRONICAL 6th OCTOBER 1888THE LATE WILLIAM COOK
By the kindness of the directors of the Pleasure Gardens Company, the Exhibition Building was on Sunday afternoon lent for a special “William Cook Memorial Service for Children.” The service was commenced about three o′clock, but long before that time the great building began to fill, and by the time the Rev. A J. Palmer announced the opening hymns it was crowded to its utmost capacity. Nearly two thousand children and adults gathered to do honour to the memory of William Cook, “The children′s friend”. On the platforms were the Revs. A.J. Palmer, R Foster Jeffrey, W Hall, J. B. Benneworth and R Willis and Messrs J Holden, J.P., J Jenner, T Logan, E. J. Holden, and Richard May. The service was commenced by the singing of “Cookey′s” favourite hymn, “O think of the Home over there,” and the Rev J. B. Benneworth then offered prayer. Another hymn, one well loved by the ′hildren, “Around the Throne of God in Heaven” was most heartily sung. Mr John Holden then took the chair as President of the meeting.
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