John F. Cook Sr. facts for kids

John Frances Cook Sr. (1810-1855) was an important African-American leader in Washington D.C. He was a pastor (a church leader) and an educator (a teacher). He became the first African-American Presbyterian minister in Washington D.C. He also led a school called the Smothers School. Later, a school in Washington, D.C. was named the John F. Cook School to honor him.

John F. Cook's Life Story

John F. Cook was born in Washington, D.C. For the first 16 years of his life, he was enslaved. This meant he was not free and had to work without pay. His aunt, Alethia Tanner, saved money and bought his freedom when he was 16 years old.

Early Career and Education

After gaining his freedom, Cook learned how to be a shoemaker. This is called an "apprentice." He also worked as an assistant messenger for the United States Land Commissioner.

John F. Cook went to the Smothers School in Washington D.C. In 1834, he took over from John Prout as the head of the school. He then changed its name to Union Seminary.

Leading the Way

In 1835, Cook helped organize an important meeting called the "Convention for the Improvement of the Free People of Colour in the United States." He worked as the secretary for this meeting.

He left the Union Seminary for one year to open a new school in Columbia, Pennsylvania. He came back to the Seminary in 1836. He stayed there for 20 years, helping many students learn and grow.

Becoming a Minister

In 1841, John F. Cook was given permission to preach by the Presbyterian church leaders in Washington, D.C. In the same year, he helped start the First Colored Presbyterian Church of Washington, D.C.

He officially became a pastor in 1843. He continued to lead his church until he passed away in 1855.

His Lasting Impact

John F. Cook Sr. left an important legacy. His son, John F. Cook, Jr., also became an educator. He founded a school in Washington D.C. and named it after his father to remember his great work.