S. M. Cook

As printed in 1880

DR. S. M. COOK, minister; Levering; is a native of Franklin Tp., being the second son of Rev. Stephen Cook; his mother’s maiden name was Mary Van Cleve; lie was born Oct. 1, 1845, and passed his boyhood amid the scenes and labors of rural life, until he reached his 20th year. In 18(50 he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. After his return he taught school for some time. Subsequently he began reading medicine in the office of Dr. W. N. King, ot Mansfield, Ohio; after remaining here one year he went to the Michigan University, receiving instruction in the Medical department one year; he next visited Iowa, and found employment in the schools of that State; when his school reached a successful close he entered the Iowa Business College at Des Moines, completing his course there; he returned to Ohio and united his fortune with Margaret A. Hardgrove, of Knox Co., Sept. 4, 1870. In October following he entered the Ohio Medical College, graduating March 1, 1871, with the first honors of his class. He began the practice of Medicine in Pulaskivi lie, Ohio, remaining one year; he removed to Waterford, Ohio, where he remained five years, building up a large and lucrative practice in Knox, Morrow and Richland Counties. In 1877 Dr. Cook sold his property in Waterford, closed his office, and purchased his present home of thirty-two acres in Franklin Tp., and entered the ministry under the auspices of the Disciple Church, leaving a profession where wealth and distinction awaited him in the near future; from a sense of duty to his God and a love for his fellow being, he engaged in a cause where only sacrifices sweeten toil; and a conscious presence of Him who said it is more blessed to give than to receive, is more than riches. He united with the North Branch Church at the age of 13 years, following his Master in the ordinance of baptism, under the administration of Rev. N. A. Walker, of Indianapolis, Ind. During the first year of his ministry Mr. Cook baptised 60 persons, who came confessing their sins; he is now preaching for different churches in Morrow, Knox and Licking counties. Although Dr. Cook would gladly retire from the practice of medicine, he is called to many a home where disease and want go hand in hand, and fees are never thought of or demanded. He has gathered a fine collection of miscellaneous books, embracing 150 volumes, in addition to his medical library. They treat of theology, history, science and literature. He has a family of two sons and three daughters — Lovina R. was born June 19, 1871; Van Cleve, July 20, 1873; Scott, June 9, 1875; Connie L., Aug. 14, 1877; Etha, Sept. 5. 1879.

As printed in History of Morrow County and Ohio : containing a brief history of the state of Ohio ... a history of Morrow County ... biographical sketches, portraits of some of the early settlers and prominent men, (1880). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.