James F. Cook was a lumberman and politician. He lived at 1932 Alberni Street from 1912 to 1918, 1154 Gilford Street in 1934, and again at 1932 Alberni Street from 1935 to 1937.
He was born on December 25, 1863, in Black Point, New Brunswick. His parents were Donald Cook (1828-1889) and Margaret Archibald (1834-1892).
James came to Vancouver in 1888 (on May 24, 1888, according to some sources). By 1898, he was living in Goshen, near Bellingham, Washington, where he was working as a blacksmith. It appears that he also operated a sawmill in the Bellingham area.
On September 6, 1898, in Langley Prairie, British Columbia, James married Annie McKim Nelson, the youngest daughter of Johnston Kaulbeck Nelson (1831-1907) and Margaret Armstrong (1837-1907). Annie was born about 1881 in Wiarton, Ontario.
A PLEASANT WEDDING
There was a very happy gathering at the home of Mr. J. Nelson, Langley Prairie, on Tuesday, 6th inst., when his youngest daughter, Annie McKin [sic], was married to James F. Cook, Josheu [sic: Goshen], Washington, Rev. Mr. Dunn of Warnock, officiating. Miss A. Cook, Vancouver, attended the bride, while the bridegroom was supported by Mr. D. Cook, Annacortes. After the ceremony was performed, the marriage party sat down to an excellent and most tastefully prepared luncheon. Both bride and bridegroom are held in high esteem, as their numerous costly wedding gifts attest. They set out on their married life with a very bright prospect and with the best wishes of all who know them.
Vancouver Daily World, September 12, 1898, page 7.
It appears that Annie died in 1901, and that she was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
In 1908, James became owner and manager of the Pacific Coast Shingle Company.
In 1910, James was in a brokerage business with James R. Craig.
On April 26, 1911, in Vancouver, James married Bertha Jane Fraser. She was born on June 25, 1892, in Granville (which became part of Vancouver). Her father was Angus Carmichael Fraser (1844-1906). Her mother was Annabella Nicholson Smith (1850-1933).
In late 1911, James and Bertha moved to 1932 Alberni Street, where they stayed until about 1918.
About 1917, James retired from the lumber business and went to live on a farm called St. Roche [or Rock]-Kilgard at Sumas, British Columbia.
He was the reeve of the District of Sumas in 1921, 1922 and 1924.
In the early 1930s, he retired and moved back to Vancouver. In 1934, he was in Sylvia Court, at 1154 Gilford Street. In 1935, he moved to 1932 Alberni Street, where he had lived during and after the First World War.
James died on February 21, 1937. He was buried in Ocean View Burial Park in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Bertha died in Vancouver on June 12, 1951. She was buried in Ocean View Burial Park in Burnaby.
James and Annie had one daughter.
Annie Beatrice Cook
Annie Beatrice Cook was born on December 20, 1900 in the United States, probably in Washington State.
She did not marry.
In 1921, “Beatrice Cook” appeared in the Canada census as a student nurse at the Vancouver General Hospital. She graduated as a nurse in 1923.
She died in Vancouver on October 2, 1925. She was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
Sources
James F. Cook
Donald Cook (1828-1899); Birth: 1828, Sliddery, Kilmore Parish, Isle of Arran, Buteshire, Scotland; Death: 1889, Black Point, Durham Parish, Restigouche County, New Brunswick, Canada (ancestry.ca).
B.C. VOTERS LIST 1898 – Co to Cq, http://www.bcgenweb.org/vote1898/voteco.htm: “Cook, James F., 135 Hastings St, Blacksmith, Van.”
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JD8X-1QB : accessed 22 April 2015), James F Cook and Annie M Kim Nelson, 06 Sep 1898; citing New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11382, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,975.
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDDQ-3J2 : accessed 23 April 2015), James H Cook and Bertha Jane Fraser, 26 Apr 1911; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11375, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,703.
Wedding notice, James F. Cook and Bertha Jane Fraser, Vancouver Daily World, April 27, 1911, page 12: “On Wednesday morning at nine o’clock a pretty wedding was solemnised at St. Andrew’s church, when Miss Bertha Jane, daughter of the late Angus C. Fraser and Mrs. Fraser, of Kerrisdale, a graduate of Burrard Sanitarium, and Mr. James F. Cook, were married by the Rev. J. A. Logan. The bride wore her going away gown of grey cloth, and a string – colored hat touched with coral and black lace, and carried a shower bouquet of white roses and lilies of the valley. She was attended by her sister, Miss Ruth Fraser, attired in a pale blue silk poplin frock and black picture hat, and carrying pink roses. . . .Little Miss Katy Draney, frocked in white satin and also carrying a basket of pink roses, made a sweet flower girl. Mr. Austin McNair supported the groom. The bride was given away by her mother. The church decorations consisted of lilies and hyacinths . . . and throughout the ceremony Mr. Bewell played softly.”
Vancouver Province, August 8, 1911, page 5: “Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Taylor, who disposed of their residence at 1932 Alberni street last spring to Mr. James F. Cook, have removed to suite one, Mayfair Apartments, 1019 Bute street, where they will reside temporarily. Mr. Cook and his bride are expected to arrive from England this week and will shortly take up their residence at 1932 Alberni street.”
1921 Canada Census, James F. Cook, Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 14; Census Place: Chilliwack, Fraser Valley, British Columbia; Page Number: 18; Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FL2V-2QP : accessed 22 April 2015), James Cook, 21 Feb 1937; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13159, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,953,192.
“Ex-Reeve of Sumas Succumbed Sunday: J.F. Cook Came to City in 1888,” Vancouver Province, February 22, 1937, page 10: “James F. Cook, pioneer B.C. lumberman and former reeve of Sumas, died on Sunday at his home, 1932 Alberni street. Funeral services will be announced later by Center & Hanna Undertaking Co. Born on Christmas Day, 1863, Mr. Cook came to Vancouver on May 24, 1888. Shortly after arriving here he became associated with J.R. Craig and A. Johnston in the Abbotsford Timber & Trading Co. He remained with this firm until 1908, when he returned to this city and entered the lumber and real estate business. He was owner and manager of the Pacific Coast Shingle Co. until 1917, when he retired to his farm, St. Roch-Kilgard, at Sumas. A prominent citizen of Sumas, Mr. Cook was reeve of the district in 1921, 1922 and 1924. He came to Vancouver later. Surviving are his wife, and four sisters, Mrs. T. Berry and Mrs. A. Webster of Vancouver, Mrs. G. Froome of Lynn Valley and Mrs. J.W. Alway of California.”
“J. Cook, Ex-Reeve of Sumas, Dead, Vancouver Sun, February 22, 1937, page 13: “James F. Cook, pioneer British Columbia resident, and former reeve of Sumas, which he served as chief magistrate in 1921, 1922 and 1924, died Sunday at his home, 1932 Alberni Street. Mr. Cook was born in Black Point, N.B., on Christmas Day, 1863, and came to Vancouver in 1888. He became interested in lumber and real estate, and was associated with J.R. Craig and A. Johnston in the Abbotsford Timber and Trading Co., 1901 to 1908. In 1907 he became owner and manager of the Pacific Coast Shingle Co., and in 1917 retired to his farm, St. Rock-Kilgarde at Sumas. He was a past president of the Board of Trade in Abbotsford, and first president of Sumas Co-operative Association. In 1911 [sic] he was married to Bertha Jane Fraser, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Angus C. Fraser, early pioneers of B.C. Surviving are his wife, four sisters, Mrs. T. Berry, Mrs. A. Webster, Vancouver; Mrs. G. Fromme, Lynn Valley; Mrs. J.W. Alway in California. Center & Hanna, funeral directors, are making arrangements for funeral services.
James F. Cook, death notice, Vancouver Province, February 22, 1937, page 11; Vancouver Sun, February 22, 1937, page 11: “Cook – On February 21, 1937, at his residence, 1932 Alberni street, James F. Cook, aged 73 years. Mr. Cook leaves his wife at home, four sisters, Mrs. T. Berry, Mrs. A. Webster, city; Mrs. G. Fromme, Lynn Valley; Mrs. J.W. Alway, Modesto, California. Remains resting at Center & Hanna’s Chapel Funeral announcement later.
James F. Cook, Chilliwack Progress, February 24, 1937, page 5: “James F. Cook, pioneer British Columbia lumberman and former reeve of Sumas died on Sunday at his home in Vancouver. He was associated with the Abbotsford Timber and Trading Company for many years. He lived for a time on his farm on Sumas and was prominent in the district. He was reeve in 1921, 1922 and 1924.”
Annie McKim Nelson (wife of James F. Cook)
“Canada Census, 1881,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MV69-VHD : accessed 23 April 2015), Johnstone Nelson in household of Jane Simpson, North, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 27; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13284, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,920; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/e/e329/e008211093.pdf
“Canada Census, 1891,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWKS-SC4 : accessed 23 April 2015), Johnston Nelson, New Westminster, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148092; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1891/pdf/30953_148092-00306.pdf
Chapter 4: The Great Railway, http://www.fortlangley.ca/langley/4rail.html: “Johnston K. Nelson arrived in Langley with his wife, the former Margaret Armstrong, and his grown family in 1882. His daughter Ellen was married to Robert Monahan. Both Nelson and his son-in-law took up homesteads at Murray’s Corners. They had originally come out from Orillia, Ontario, via American rail to San Francisco and finally to port Moody in 1880. . .. Nelson apparently had the first steam saw mill in Port Moody while his son-in-law, James Cook, had a mill in operation in Bellingham, Washington. Upon coming to Murray’s Corners [Nelson] built a second steam saw mill with the machinery from his first operation. Cook did likewise and brought his machinery across the border to be used in Nelson’s operation at the Corners. Monahan was later joined by his brother Simon Fraser Monahan and his family. Shortly after their arrival in Langley, Nelson’s other daughter married Henry Mutri. The small mill at Murray’s Corners employed Nelson and his three sons, Cook, and the two Monahan brothers. Their lumber was hauled to build most of the homes in South Langley. In 1890 this mill was sold to Samuel Charles Baumgardner and Arthur J. Bovil who kept it in operation until 1902. Cook, upon selling his shares in the mill, moved to Sumas Prairie and became involved in beef ranching with Joseph Michaud.
Virtual Tour: Murrayville Cemetery, http://museum.tol.ca/Places/Langleys-Cemeteries/Virtual-Tour-Murrayville-Cemetery; Found in what was once called an Odd Fellows Cemetery is an odd monument marking the passing of Johnston and Margaret Nelson. This unique and impressive marker is carved out of red granite and consists of a sphere supported by a pedestal. The perfect sphere surely must have been a challenge to create, but also draws much admiration. As the second family to settle in Murrayville, the Nelsons operated Langley’s first steam-powered sawmill.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLLV-54M : accessed 23 April 2015), J H Nelson, 10 Jan 1907; citing Langley, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13089, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,927,117. Medical certificate of death: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12455-49046-96?cc=1538285.
Sessional Papers, British Columbia, 1885, page 63, Voters’ List, New Westminster District, No. 664: Nelson, Johnson Kaulbeck, Langley, Millwright.
B.C. Voters List 1898 – N; http://www.bcgenweb.org/vote1898/voten.htm; “Nelson, Johnson Kaulbeck, N.E. 1/4 Sec.31, Tp.10, Langley, Millwright, WDel”
Nelson, Hayman families, http://boards.ancestry.ca/thread.aspx?mv=tree&m=282&p=localities.northam.canada.novascotia.colchester: “Posted: 2 Nov 2005 10:02PM GMT, . . . My ggrandfather William Nelson and his brother Johnson K Nelson came to Ontario from NS. They were born 1832 and 1834. Parents were David Nelson and Ellen (Eleanor) Hayman. Records say they were from Scotland. William settled in Derby Twp in Grey County and Johnson moved to BC in late 1870’s. Would like info on the NS link and if they had siblings? Also more info regarding Johnson Kalbeek (also have seen spelling Kaulbick) Nelson .Both brothers married sisters with surname Armstrong.”
Mountain View Burials, http://former.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/NONMARKETOPERATIONS/MOUNTAINVIEW/burials/co.htm: “COOK, Annie; Jan-05-1901; OLD/0/03/007/0005.”
Bertha Jane Fraser (wife of James F. Cook)
Society, Vancouver Daily World, July 5, 1920, page 7: “Mrs. Reginald Arkell and children, Kerrisdale, have returned to their home after a week spent at St. Roche, Kilgard, as the guests of Mrs. Arkell’s sister, Mrs. James F. Cook.”
Society, Vancouver Daily World, August 9, 1920, page 7: “Mr. and Mrs. Roy Mcintosh and two children have returned from a motor trip to Vancouver Island, and a visit to Mrs. James Cook at St. Roche, Kilgard.”
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLP4-8VT : accessed 23 April 2015), Bertha Jane Cook, 12 Jun 1951; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13208, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2,032,700.
Bertha Jane Cook, death notice, Vancouver Sun, June 13, 1951, page 35; Vancouver Province, June 13, 1951, page 33: “Cook – Mrs. Bertha Jane Cook, wife of the late James A. [sic] Cook, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 1951, at Vancouver General Hospital. Mrs. Cook leaves 4 sisters, all residents of Vancouver, Mrs. Charles R. Draney, Mrs. F. Reginald Arkell, Mrs. E. Webb Thomas and Mrs. Cecil Hill. Funeral will take place at 10 o’clock Friday morning at Center & Hanna’s chapel. Entombment, The Abbey, Rev. Dr. A.M. Tendell officiating.”
Annie Beatrice Cook (daughter of James F. Cook)
“Canada Census, 1901,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVV-48C : accessed 23 April 2015), Annie B Cook, B, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 6, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
“A reception in honor of the graduating year will be given on Thursday afternoon,” Vancouver World, May 17, 1923, page 9; “A reception in honor of the graduating year will be given on Thursday afternoon from 3 to 6 o’clock by the Vancouver General ‘Hospital Alumnae Association. The same evening the dance in honor of the graduating class and the Vancouver General Hospital Alumnae Association will be tendered by the board of directors and the visiting doctors. The graduating exercises will be held In the auditorium of the King Edward High school on the evening of Friday, June 1, at 8:30 o’clock. The valedictorian will be the president of the class, Miss Margaret Layton. The graduates include: . . . Miss Annie Beatrice Cook . . ..”
1921 Canada Census, Beatrice Cook, Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 12; Census Place: Ward 6, Vancouver, British Columbia; Page Number: 26; Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.
Original data: Library and Archives Canada. Sixth Census of Canada, 1921. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Library and Archives Canada, 2013. Series RG31. Statistics Canada Fonds.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FL24-99L : accessed 22 April 2015), Annie Beatrice Cook, 02 Oct 1925; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13126, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,927,303.
Other relatives of James F. Cook
“New Brunswick, Provincial Returns of Births and Late Registrations, 1810-1906,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XT3M-J3P : accessed 23 April 2015), Elizabeth Cook, 26 Jun 1880; citing Black Point, Restigouche, New Brunswick, certificate , Provincial Archives, Fredericton; FHL microfilm 1,943,966.
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JD8B-P6Q : accessed 23 April 2015), David Cook and Henrietta Hague, 30 Sep 1902; citing , British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11373, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,530.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLLK-M2V : accessed 23 April 2015), David Cook, 16 Jan 1925; citing North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13127, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,927,304.
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDZX-MYM : accessed 23 April 2015), William Webster and Agnes Cook, 12 Oct 1899; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11372, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,529.
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JD8Z-XGQ : accessed 23 April 2015), Christian Todd Berry and Elizabeth Cook, 07 Sep 1912; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11376, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,704.
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDZ6-RLB : accessed 23 April 2015), Julius Martin Fromme and Martha Cook, ; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11372, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,529.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLP6-BYG : accessed 23 April 2015), Martha Fromme, 26 Jan 1958; citing North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13235, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2,033,176.
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDDQ-7DG : accessed 23 April 2015), Dan E Cook and Sarah Elizabeth Parker, 11 Oct 1911; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11375, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,703.
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