Rebecca Cook 1843-1917

COOK, PICKETT, STILLS, BARTHURST, SMITH, MORRIS, MCINTIRE

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/6/2018 at 14:13:24

27 December 1917 - West Branch Times

Died at the home of her son-in-law, Sydney E. Smith, West Branch, Iowa, 12th mo., 16th, 1917, Rebecca Cook, in the 75th year of her age. She was born in Randolph county, Ind., 13th of 8th month, 1843. Her parents, Thomas and Ann Pickett, moved with their children in the early sixties and settled a short distance north of where the town of Stuart, Guthrie county, now stands. She was married to Jacob Cook in 1864. They settled on the bleak prairie 3 miles southwest of Stuart (although the town sprang up some years later). This was their home some 39 years. Nine children were born to this union. Three died in childhood. One sister, Hannah Stills, of Stuart, Ia., and two sons and four daughters are left to mourn the loss of a loving sister and mother. Fannie Bathurst, Casey, Ia., Chas. Cook, Winterset; George Cook and Tacy McIntire, Stuart; Emma Smith and Eunice Morris, West Branch.

Many hardships were to be met with when the country was new. By industry and economy they not only made a comfortable home for themselves, but were able to aid the poor and needy. They did not sound the trumpet nor desire the praise of men. The only conveyance the people had in the earlier years was a big wagon, yet nothing but sickness often prevented their regular attendance at the appointed place of worship, which was 3 or 4 miles distant. Altho this dear one (as the writer has heard her relate) when young was drawn into things she knew was wrong. She sought the love and forgiveness of her Savior and became an earnest christian and thru a long life pursued an even unwavering course. She was not tossed about by every wind of doctrine but was established upon the Immutable Rock Christ Jesus. She loved everybody and had charity for their faults. If she erred in judgment it was on the side of mercy, an error of the head and not of the heart. Her public exhortations were short but lively. "Give up the whole heart and be willing to serve the good Master" was often the burden of her message. Among her favorite texts were "Be still and know that I am God"; "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Much affliction and suffering were her portion the last years of her life. She did not murmur, but sometimes prayed vocally for help to bear it and to wait with patience her appointed time. She was tenderly cared for by loving hands but the parting hour came when the dust shall return to the earth as it was and the spirit to God who gave it.

Funeral services were held at the Friends meeting house at 2 o'clock, Third day. Interment beside her husband in the West Branch cemetery.