Guide to the Cook Family Letters,
1827-1843.

Collection Number: 6030

Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Cornell University Library

Contact Information:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
2B Carl A. Kroch Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-3530
Fax: (607) 255-9524
rareref@cornell.edu
http://rmc.library.cornell.edu
Compiled by:
B.D.
Date completed:
Dec. 1978
EAD encoding:
Andrea Hektor, June 2004

© 2004 Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY

Title:
Cook family letters, 1827-1843.
Collection Number:
6030
Creator:
Cook Family
Quantity:
7 items.
Forms of Material:
Letters.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
Abstract:
Contains letters sent or received by members of the Chester Cook family. Topics include sin and temptation, a request for a loan, a cabin, information about the village of Orleans (N.Y.), a lyceum meeting, a baptism, views on marriage and recipes, a wedding and local and family news. Correspondents include Sally Wicks, J.W. Sheriff, Samuel Sheriff, William Cook, Sarah Cook, Chester Cook, Caroline Cook, M.J. Edgerton and Elisabeth Paris.
Language:
Collection material in English

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Chester Cook Sr. was a Methodist itinerant minister; he and his wife Had five children: William (who also became a minister), Sarah, Chester, Francis, Caroline and Melissa. At sometime before May of 1838, William, Sarah, Caroline and Chester moved from Oneida County to Orleans in Ontario County. Melissa, who was born in l8l6, married John Sheriff (date unknown); there is some evidence that her sister Caroline may have lived with them, or was at least a visitor in their home when she wrote one of her letters.
COLLECTION DESCRIPTION

The Cook Family Papers include a variety of letters sent or received by various members of the Cook family. They involve mainly family gossip and views on country life. One letter deals with a woman's feelings on sin, temptation and heaven; another notable letter deals with a woman who has very strong negative views regarding married life.
SUBJECTS

Names:
Cook family.
Cook, Caroline.
Cook, Chester.
Cook, Sarah.
Cook, William.
Edgerton, M. J.
Paris, Elisabeth.
Sheriff, J. W.
Sheriff, Samuel.
Wicks, Sally.

Subjects:
Family--New York (State)--Orleans--Religious life.

Places:
Orleans (N.Y.)--Religious life and customs.
Ontario County (N.Y.)--Religious life and customs.
Orleans (N.Y.)--Social life and customs.
Ontario County (N.Y.)--Social life and customs.
INFORMATION FOR USERS

Cite As:
Cook family letters, #6030. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
CONTAINER LIST

Description
Container
Sally Wicks, July 1, 1827.
Item 1
("Dear Cousin You will probably be surprised...") to her cousin Melissa, gives advice and opinions on sin and temptation.
J.W. Sheriff, September 14, 18?
Item 2
("Dear Sir having leisure I embrace...") probably to his parents, wished to borrow 200-300 dollars.
Samuel Sheriff, to his parents, May 15, 1842.
Item 3
Writes about the cabin he has built and his plans for the future.
From William, Sarah, Chester and Caroline Cook to their mother and sister, May 6, 1838.
Item 4
Two sheets of paper containing letters telling about the village of Orleans where they have moved, and containing bits of family gossip.
M.J. Edgerton (a schoolteacher) to her cousin (2nd page is torn), January ?
Item 5
Telling about a Lyceum meeting and describing a baptism at the Baptist Church in Lima.
Caroline Cook, to her cousin, date unknown.
Item 6
Giving Caroline's negative views on marriage and some recipes.
Elisabeth Paris to Caroline Cook, July 5, 1843.
Item 7
Containing a description of a wedding and some local gossip.