John Cook (governor) facts for kids

John Cook (born 1730, died 1789) was an American farmer and politician from Smyrna, Delaware. He was an important leader in Delaware's government. He served in the state's main law-making group, the Delaware General Assembly. He also held the top job as the President of Delaware, which was like being the governor.

Early Life and Family Connections

John Cook was born in a place called Duck Creek, which is now known as Smyrna. His parents were Michal and Lois Cook.

John Cook was a first cousin to Thomas Collins, who also became a State President of Delaware. John Cook likely married Elizabeth Collins, who was Thomas Collins's sister. This would mean he married his first cousin. They had five children together: Sarah, Margaret, Elizabeth, Michael, and Robert.

John Cook was a successful farmer and also worked as a tanner, someone who prepares animal hides. Over time, he bought a lot of land in the area. His family home was probably near a famous old house called Belmont Hall. The Cook family were members of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Smyrna.

John Cook's Political Journey

John Cook started his public service as the Sheriff of Kent County. He held this important job from 1772 until 1778. This was just before the start of the American Revolution.

At first, like many people in Kent County, Cook was not fully in favor of breaking away from Great Britain. He was seen as a "conservative," meaning he preferred to keep things as they were. Because of this, some people wondered if he was truly loyal to the new American government.

However, John Cook was well-liked by many. He was chosen to be part of the Delaware Constitutional Convention in 1776. This was a special meeting where leaders wrote the first rules for the new state of Delaware. He was also elected to the first State House, which is part of the state's legislature, for the 1776-1777 session.

In 1777, Cook was considered for a job as a judge on the new State Supreme Court. But his appointment was stopped. This happened because, during the height of the American Revolution, only people who strongly supported the American cause could get such important positions.

Even so, John Cook remained popular in Kent County. He was elected to the House of Assembly again for the 1778-1779 session. Later, in the 1780-1781 session, he began serving in the Legislative Council, which is now called the State Senate.

Becoming President of Delaware

During the 1782-1783 session, John Cook was the Speaker of the Legislative Council. This meant he was in charge of leading the meetings. When the current President of Delaware, John Dickinson, resigned, John Cook stepped in. He became the President of Delaware himself!

His time as President was a bit unusual. People agreed that he would only serve until a special election could be held to choose a new President. He served as President from November 4, 1782, until February 1, 1783.

After his time as President, he continued to serve in the state government. He was back in the State House for a term in 1783-1784. He returned again in 1786-1787. He finished his political career with two more years in the Legislative Council, starting in the 1787-1788 session. He was still serving in this role when he passed away.

The Cheney Clow Trial

While John Cook was President, a famous trial took place involving a man named Cheney Clow. Clow was accused of being loyal to the British during the Revolution. The trial was led by two strong supporters of the American cause, William Killen and David Finney. During the trial, Clow showed papers that proved he had been given a special role by the British. Because of this, the jury decided he was not guilty. However, even after being found not guilty, some people wanted him to stay in prison to pay for damages he had caused.

Death and Lasting Impact

John Cook died in 1789 in Duck Creek, which is now Smyrna. He was buried in an unmarked grave at St. Peter's Episcopal Church Cemetery.

His daughter, Sarah, married John Clark, who later became a Governor of Delaware.

There are no known pictures or portraits of John Cook that exist today.