Tags
Clear Fork, Ellen Canterbury, farming, genealogy, Guyandotte River, Henry H. Hardesty, history, James B. Cook, Mary Cook, Matilda Cook, Millard F. Cook, R.A. Brock, Richmond, Sun Hill, Virginia, Virginia and Virginians, West Virginia, William Canterbury, Wyoming County
From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Millard F. Cook, who resided at Sun Hill, West Virginia:
Son of James B. and Matilda (Shannon) Cook, was born Aug. 15, 1859, in Wyoming county, W.Va., where his parents now reside, both natives of this county also. His father was born on Sept. 11, 1826, and his mother on Nov. 7, 1836. Jan. 15,1890, Millard F. Cook was united in marriage with Mary Canterbury, the marriage being solemnized in Wyoming county; she was born here April 15, 1870. Her father, William Canterbury, was born in this county March 22, 1838, where he still resides. Her mother’s maiden name was Ellen Cook, born Dec. 23, 1838, and died May 11, 1887. Mr. Cook was appointed as enumerator of the 178th district of the 2d Supervisor’s Division of W.Va., in 1890, which position he filled with honor. He has a beautiful home on the Clear Fork of Guyandotte River; is a good citizen and well respected by all who know him. Mr. Cook is engaged in farming near Sun Hill, Wyoming county, W.Va.
Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 827.
Brandon Ray Kirk 
Fieldon C. Cook was my grandfather – so James and Matilda were my great grandparents. My mother was Frances Matilda Cook Sanders. My children and I are coming back to the coal fields in a week for them to revisit with me North Fork, where he lived when I was young – Welch where he had lived earlier – and where other Cook relatives lived – and Wyoming county, particularly Oceana, Pineville and Clear Fork. If you have any ideas – please email them to me. Is it possible for us to visit your center?
Thanks – Alice Alston
Hi, Alice. If you are coming to Wyoming County, I suggest a visit to the Wyoming County Museum in Oceana. I can offer plenty of ideas about things to see and do in that area: my college serves Wyoming and McDowell counties (along with other coalfield counties), but I’m not sure about exactly what you would want to see or do. My email address is: brankirk@yahoo.com. Let’s keep in touch and I’ll ponder over what I can send your way…
Thanks for your response. I have just emailed you – let me know if you got it and have any ideas. Where is the cabin in the picture here? Where did Millard live – and/or where were the first cabins of the settler and his family? My memory is that my grandfather bought a piece of land that he said was where his father (James B) had lived – and built a small cabin for his family to use as a getaway. With him and my mother, I visited it as a small child and would so like to return to that area.