The Mankato free press., 1912-10-04
lYSANDER COOK DEAD;
PIONEER N THE COUNTY

Lysander Cook, one of the best
known of the older residents of the
county, passed. away at $3.50 o'clock
last evening at the home of his SON.
in-law and daughter, Mr.. and Mrs.
j. r. Thompson, corner of Fulton
and Marshall streets, of old age. He
had been gradually failing for the
past few years, but this was more
rapid during the last eight months,
and he had not been able to leave
the house since Christmas. His Wig
orous constitution is all that held
the slender thread of life until the
present time.
From Sturdy Stock.
Mr. Cook came from sturdy New
York stock. that being his native
state, and the date of his birth was
April 2, 1879. 1t was fifty years ago
the present year that he concluded
to cast his fortunes in the west, and
he made a long step and journeyed
across country clear to Blue Earth
county, where he located on some
Indian reservation land near Good
Thunder There he broke the soil
and reared a home and raised a
small family. He was of too gener-
Gus nature to accumulate very large
stores of this worlds goods, but he
succeeded in laying aside a small
competence.
Sustained Severe Loss.
Mr.. Cook sustained a severe loss
when his wife died four years ago,
and it was at that time that he con-
Guided to retire from his farm, and
he came to Mankato to make his
home with his daughter and SON.
in-law. Here his declining years were
made as comfortable as possible, al
though his old enemy, asthma. chung
to him. In spite of his sufferings, he
was ever patient, cheerful and af-
fable. These traits of his character
drew about him many warm friends,
who will greatly regret his death.
Served in Legislature
Mr.. Cook served two terms in the
Minnesota house of representatives.
In politics he was a democrat, and
stayed by his faith through thick
and thin. He was elected on his
party ticket in 1875, and was again
elected in 1888, this time. on a fu
sion ticket He served his constitu-
ents TO the best of his ability, and
emerged from his political life with
name and record unsullied. He
was honored by his fellow residents
of the township that he helped to
organize by having most of the Off.
ces bestowed upon him at one time
or another.
Was Prominent Mason.
Although baptized as a child in
the Presbyterian church, Mr.. Cook
never took an active interest in
church work. He was a charter men,
ber of the Masonic lodge at Good
Thunder and went through the chairs
Mr.. Cook was man Of sterling
traits and genuine worth. Possessed
of gentleness of manner he had iron
muscles and ruggedness of charac-
ter. His disposition was most happy,
and he enjoyed the presence and
comrades of his friends. He looked
upon the bright side of life, and en-
joyed wit and humor. He was a
true friend and kind and loving hus-
band and father, and will be missed.
Two daughters survive-Mrs. j. R..
Thompson of this city and Mrs. G.
u. thompson OF Hamllne, VINO was
with her father during his last hours.
Funeral services will be held at
the residence, 303 Fulton street, at
1:30 o'clock tomorrow afternon, and
the interment will be made at Good
Thunder, where the Masonic lodge
will have charge.
The History of the Minnesota
Valley gives a brief biography of
Mr.. Cook, in which it is stated
that he was native of Lewis
county, New York, and that he
taught school for ten years, starting
when eighteen years of age. He
taught in both his native state and
Wisconsin. His marriage occurred in
1857, his wife's maiden name being
Miss Ann J. Torrey.