Alfred Henry COOK + Ada Fannie RUTTER - Otaki :: FamilyTreeCircles.com Genealogy
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Alfred Henry COOK + Ada Fannie RUTTER - Otaki

Journal by ngairedith

Alfred Henry COOK (1862-1946) was born in Wellington on 21 May 1862, the second of 10 known children.
His father was John Herman Cook (1836-1924) who had arrived into Wellington as a 5 year old on the 'Clifford', 5 May 1842 with his parents Johannes Koch (1807-1892) born Deissel, Hesse-Kassel, Germany & Elizabeth Cording (1814-1882) from London. He later changed their name to Cook.

photo Johannes & son John Herman Cook, Tailors



His mother was Charlotte Elizabeth Davis (1839-1921) who was born in Camden Town, Middlesex, a daughter of William Henry Whitmore Davis (1812-1901), an early Wellington photographer & of Elizabeth Moses (1815-1848). Elizabeth died in England and William emigrated to Wellington on the 'Coleroon' 5 Sep 1866.
of NOTE Alfred's mother's sister, his aunty Annie Davis (1841-1914), married his uncle, Robert Clifford Cook (1842-1911), a son of Johannes & Elizabeth Cook

photo his maternal grandfather William Henry Whitmore Davis


His siblings
1860 - 1934 Adolph William John Cook (+Edwards)
1862 - 1946 Alfred Henry Cook (+Rutter)
1864 - 1945 Wilemina Mary Cook (+Bray)
1866 - 1926 Robert Percival Cook (+Moore)
1868 - 1943 Kate Elizabeth Cook (+Staples)
1870 - 1941 Herbert Edmund Cook (+Miller)
1873 - 1922 John Deissel Cook (+Melville)
1877 - 1892 Arthur Edward Cook
. accidentally shot dead when he and brother Robert were rabbit shooting
1880 - 1951 Emma Eliza Cook (+Lees)
1885 - 1960 Ernest Cook

Like his grandfather & father before him, Alfred was a Tailor.
Alfred married on 22 May 1885 to
Ada Fannie RUTTER (1864-1956)
Ada was born in Islington, London
* They lived in various towns including Wellington, Masterton, Pahiatua & Otaki.
* In 1892 He was a Tailor at 227 Lambton Quay when brother Arthur was killed (see link above).
Wairarapa Daily Times, 16 May 1892 We draw attention to an announcement from Mr A. H. Cook of 227 Lambton Quay, Wellington, who is so well and favourably known in the Wellington district as a first-class cutter and tailor. The firm has now been in existence for the last fifty years, the business having been successfully carried on by grandfather, son and grandson. Mr Cook's shop is situated near the Railway Station, just opposite the Government Buildings, a great convenience to country visitors. Mr Cook employs none but first-class cutters and the work turned out from his establishment cannot be approached in Wellington for excellence of workmanship and finish. Country orders are specially attended to and goods are forwarded to any address by parcel post.
* In 1902 He was a Tailor in Queen St., Masterton.
* In 1903 He was a Tailor in Pahiatua when daughter Dorothy died.
* In 1922 he was living in Otaki when, after the death of oarsman, William Hearn, champion professional sculler for NZ, Alfred was the only surviving crew member (he was the coxswain), of the famous Dolly Varden.

photo The Dolly Varden in 1876
The Dolly Varden Rowing Skiff passing the Clyde Quay Hotel. Unfortunately doesn't include Alfred in this pic (or maybe that's him watching from the bank). This is a coxless four from the Wellington Rowing Club, but shows his crew mates, W. Moore (bow), William Hearn (No.2), W. Walker (No.3) and H. Woods (stroke). The Dolly Varden was built in London, the first outrigger in NZ to have sliding seats. This crew won the inter-provincial championship in 1876. She was later sold and by 1880 the Wellington Rowing Club (professional), went out of existence. The Wellington Rowing Club was later re-established as an amateur club in July 1885 by James Stewart. 2010 marked the 125th anniversary of the amateur club.
* In 1927 they were living in Otaki when son Eric married.
* In 1931 they were in Otaki when daughter Stella had an appendicitis operation.
* In 1939 he wrote a letter re Te Rauparaha and the Rangiatea questioning the accuracy of some statements made by Annie Marshall (daughter of Bishop Octavius Hadfield), that Te Rauparaha did not become a Christian and that he did not build the Otaki Church ..
photo Te Rauparaha's Rangiatea Church in Otaki
completed in 1851, the building was burnt down by an arsonist in 1995 and by 2003 had been completely rebuilt.
* In April 1943 Military Police at Otaki a letter sent to the Otaki Borough Council re American Military Quarters - I feel it incumbent upon me to report the necessity of finding more suitable quarters than what is provided in my premises, owing to numerous complaints of the residents in this neighbourhood and also from the owner of this building on account of risk of fire, noise, etc., through the late hours of the night until the small hours of the morning, thus disturbing the peace and quietness that is necessary to ensure adequate rest and sleep. I suggest that you, Mr Calwell, representing the public, Rev Paul Temuera and myself meet at the earliest opportunity to decide on the most suitable quarters for occupation. - Yours faithfully, Alfred Cook.

ALFRED & ADA had 8 children
. . 1 . .
1885 - 1966 Wilfred Cook

born 30 Oct 1885
* In 1911 Wilfred was a Grocer in Otaki. He served in the First Reserves, his address then was Rangiuru Rd, Otaki
Otaki Mail, 23 May 1919 Mr Wilfred Cook, who has been connected with the firm of Messrs Bills and Moore, of Otaki for some years, during which time he has proved a courteous, obliging and popular servant, has accepted the position of assistant at the Te Horo Supply Stores, rendered vacant by the retirement of Mr S. B. McDonald.
WILFRED died 30 July 1966
* He is buried at Kaitaia Cemetery

. . 2 . .
1887 - 1971 Ella Maud Cook

born 22 July 1887
Ella married John Joseph NEWELL (1878-1915) in 1912
30 August 1912
At the Roman Catholic Church, Otaki, on Wednesday (28th), Miss Ella Maud Cook, eldest daughter of Mr A, H, Cook, was married to Mr J. J. Connell (sic), a well-known resident of Lansdowne, Masterton. Miss Stella Cook was bridesmaid and Mr Carl Cook best man, while the Rev Father Melu was the officiating minister. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked very pretty in a neat blue serge costume, with hat to match. The bridesmaid was dressed in white silk. After the ceremony, the young couple left for the North for their honeymoon, after which they will take up their residence in Masterton
JOHN died 4 March 1915 aged 36 & buried Archer st cemetery, Masterton
* Ella next married Henry John Frederick HARDING (1881-1934) in 1922
Henry was the 3rd of 14 children of Frederick Thomas HARDING (1846-1913) & Rosina Warner WRIGHT (1858-1939) of Masterton. Henry served in WWI as Private 28470 with the NZEF, 24th Reinforcements Auckland Infantry Regiment, A Company, embarking from Wellington 5 April 1917. His next of kin was his cousin Mrs M. Hunn of 21 Warwick street, Feilding
ELLA died 3 June 1971 aged 84
* She is buried Plot 98, Public Lawn Area at Otaki cemetery

. . 3 . .
1889 - 1903 1985 Dorothy Cook

born 20 Sep 1889
DOROTHY died 13 Oct 1903 aged 14
* She is buried at Mangatainoka

. . 4 . .
1891 - 1969 Carl Leon Cook

born 27 Nov 1891
1 July 1911
OTAKI
, Owing to a suspended lamp falling in a local storekeeper's shop on Thursday evening, there was an outbreak of fire that threatened to assume a serious aspect. The oil flamed freely, showing a glare that attracted Mr Carl Cook, who happened to be passing. Had it not been for his prompt action in smothering the flames, the building, and probably several others, would have been destroyed
28 Aug 1912
OTAKI
, Carl is best man at his sister's wedding (see Ella above)
12 June 1913
OTAKI
, The members of the Boys' Club in connection with the Otaki Church of England met last night for the purpose of making a presentation to the Rev Cecil Smith, who is leaving the district. Mr Carl Cook, secretary of the organisation, made the presentation
CARL died 3 Sep 1969 aged 77 (2 weeks after brother Sudlow)
* He is buried Marsden Valley cemetery, Nelson

. . 5 . .
1893 - 1969 Sudlow Edmond Cook

born 23 Aug 1893
Sudlow married Christina Elizabeth Ann BUSH (1899-1955) in 1928
SUDLOW died 17 August 1969 aged 77
* They are buried Taita Old Cemetery

. . 6 . .
1897 - 1990 Stella Marjorie Cook

born 4 Feb 1897
Stella didn't married
STELLA died 10 Sep 1990 aged 93 (2 months after sister-in-law Annie)
* She is buried Plot 100, Public Lawn at Otaki cemetery

. . 7 . .
1898 - 1974 Eric Joseph Cook

born 16 May 1898
Eric married Annie Olive 'Bonny' McLEOD (1907-1990) in 1927
30 April 1927 COOK-McLEOD A wedding of local interest was solemnised at St Mary's Church, Otaki this week, when Miss Annie Olive (Bonny) McLeod, daughter of Mr and Mrs W. McLeod of Otaki, was married to Mr Eric Cook, son of Mr and Mrs A. H. Cook, who have been residents of Otaki for some years. The Rev Father Vibaud officiated, while Mr Pat O'Rourke was best man and Miss Mona McLeod (sister) was bridesmaid. A large gathering witnessed the ceremony, which was very impressive. The Church had been beautifully decorated by the Sisters, while Mrs Fisher presided at the organ. Solos were also sung by Miss Olive Kilsby. After the ceremony the young couple left by the 10.30 train for the north.
ERIC died 19 May 1974 aged 76
ANNIE died 3 July 1990 aged 82 (2 months before Eric's sister Stella)
* They are buried Plot 167 & 168, Lawn Block at Otaki cemetery

. . 8 . .
1901 - 1977 Nancy Cook

born 28 Feb 1901
Nancy didn't married
NANCY died 12 August 1977 aged 76
* She is buried Plot 99, Lawn Block at Otaki cemetery

DEATH of Alfred's GRANDMOTHER
Evening Post, 4 Dec 1882, COOK
- On the 1st December, at Lambton Quay, Wellington, Elizabeth, beloved wife of John Cook sen., aged 68 years.

DEATH of Alfred's GRANDFATHER
Evening Post, 30 May 1892, KOCH
- On the 29th May at Wellington, Johannas Koch, in his 85th year. The deceased was better known to old settlers as John Cook, of Lambton-Quay and for the last 25 years of Makara.
The Friends of the late Mr John Cook, sen., are invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave his late residence, May-street, on Tuesday, the 31st inst., at 2.30 p.m.

photo June 1892 Alfred has taken over the business


DEATH of Alfred's MOTHER
Evening Post, 15 March 1921
On the 14 March 1921, at 169 Main Road, Wadestown, Charlotte Elizabeth, beloved wife of John H. Cook (late of Makara) in her 82nd year. Private interment at Makara.

DEATH of Alfred's FATHER
Evening Post, 15 March 1924
The death has occurred in Wadestown of Mr John Herman Cook, aged 88, one of the old identities of Wellington, where he arrived in 1842 on the ship Clifton. Two years later he erected a brick building on the site known as Quinton's Corner and set up business as a tailor. The building was one of those destroyed in the 1848 earthquake. The business was later carried on as J. Cook and Son. In the eighties, Mr Cook retired and lived afterwards at Makara. Some three years ago, after the death of his wife, he came to Wadestown to live with his daughter and son-in-law (Mr and Mrs W. Lee). The late Mr Cook was buried at Makara. Of a family of nine(sic 10), he is survived by seven, viz., Mrs W. Lee(Emma) and Mrs E. Staples(Kate) (Wellington), Mrs C. Bray(Wilemina) (Auckland), Messrs A. H. Cook(Alfred Henry), R. P. Cook(Robert Percival) (Johnsonville), H. E. Cook(Herbert Edmund) (Wanganui) and E. Cook(Ernest) (Makara)
NOTE not mentioned was Adolph (1860-1934)
photo Headstone of John & Charlotte at St Matthias, Makara



Alfred Henry Cook died 25 Jan 1946 aged 83
* He is buried Plot 215, Anglican Block at Otaki cemetery
Ada Fannie Cook died 27 Feb 1956 aged 91
* She is buried Plot 206, Anglican Block at Otaki cemetery

updated 5 Dec 2021 for Rose Mansell

by ngairedith Profile | Research | Contact | Subscribe | Block this user
on 2012-11-03 19:47:01

ngairedith has been a Family Tree Circles member since Feb 2008.

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