In recognition of the upcoming 250th celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the DAR America 250! Committee of the Botetourt County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is placing a spotlight on members’ Patriot ancestors who helped the country achieve American Independence. Joseph Cook Jr. is a Patriot ancestor of members Beth Pappas and Megan Pappas Fay.
Some time before 1635, Joseph Cook and Mary (Bennett) Cook migrated from Essex, England, to the area of Long Plains, Mass.. Their son, Joseph Cook, Jr., was born in 1751. He married Elizabeth Barker of Rhode Island in 1773.
Joseph Cook, Jr. became known as “Captain” following a petition dated November 1779 in Boston and signed by Elias Hasket Derby of Salem, requesting that Cook be commissioned as commander of the ship Salem Packet (a privateer). A privateer ship went to sea for the purpose of making reprisals against enemy shipping and carried no cargo except a complete armament of guns and a crew large enough to man any prizes captured during the cruise. Later, he commanded the schooner Lexington, which mounted 16 swivel guns and carried a crew of 25 men. In a list of officers and crew, he is described as being 5 feet, 4 inches tall, with a light complexion.
In 1795, a new opportunity arose for the Cook family, and they embarked upon an arduous journey with their 11 children. The trip was made by ox team, with cows and other livestock driven behind. They first settled in Belpre, Ohio, a fortified settlement across from the mouth of the Little Kanawha River. It was here that their 12th child was born.
The Cook family eventually crossed the Ohio River to settle in Wood County, (West) Virginia. His transition from sea commander to pioneer patriarch helped lay the civic and agricultural foundations of the region. Two years after settling there, he purchased a farm totaling 216 acres, part of which now lies within the corporate limits of Parkersburg, (West) Virginia.
In 1800, by appointment of James Monroe, then governor of Virginia and later President of the United States, he served as a Justice of the Peace. After the death of his wife in 1816, Joseph married his late wife’s sister, Rhoda, who was also the widow of his brother, Pardon. He died in 1823 and is buried in Riverview Cemetery in Parkersburg, W.Va.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political organization open to any woman who has lineage to a Patriot who contributed to the success of the American Revolution. Founded over 125 years ago, it is focused on service to the community and fosters Patriotism, Education and Service. If you are interested or have questions about joining our chapter, contact Membership Chair Emily Talbot-Guillote via email at eptg1019@gmail.com or Registrar JoElla John, jjohnregistrar@gmail.com
