Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/862

 750 HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY E. Olson, a well-known Swedish architect. Mrs. Chandler is much interested in both church and charitable work. George Cook is the man to whom belongs the real credit for starting the sewer pipe industry in Red Wing. While employed as superintendent in the stoneware works he at one period oc- cupied his spare time in an experiment which resulted in the making of a two-socket sewer pipe which was placed on exhibi- tion in the window of the Pierce, Simons & Company bank. This pipe was six inches in diameter and was cast from three sacks of waste clay, the moulds being made of plaster .paris by Mr. Cook, and the burning being done in the kilns at the pottery works. In three weeks a company was started which is now one of the leading industries of the Northwest. A complete history of the concern will be found in the story of industries of Red Wing, appearing in this volume. George Cook was born in Akron. Ohio, January 19, 1852, son of Lewis and Catherine Prior) Cook, both natives of Germany. The father, a cooper by trade, came to America in 1839 and located in Akron, Ohio, built a house and remained over sixty years until his death. August 25. 19U2. His wife died in 1888 at the age of 65 years. George received his education in the Ohio public schools, and took up work with Ins father, learning the cooper trade. He then started in the pottery business, an occupation which has since engaged his attention. His first employment in the business was with Hart & Ruckel, in his native town, and subsequently he worked eight yars in the turning department of the Whitmore & Robertson Company, of the same place. After working in Nebraska and several other states, he came to Red Wing, May 25, 1879, and at once entered the employ of the Red Wing Stone- ware Company, as superintendent, a position he has filled with marked ability for some thirty years. When the stoneware com- panies were incorporated, Mr. Cook became the superintendent of all the factories under the ownership of the concern. In 1891-92 he was honored with a seat in the city council. In poli- tics he is a Democrat. Mr. Cook has been closely identified with the life of the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen, and in the former order has occupied all the official chairs. He was married Sep- tember 26, 1881. to Thresa Hartman. of this city, daughter of Frank and Thresa ( Amnion) Hartman. the former of whom was a blacksmith by trade. To Mr. and Mrs. Cook there have been born three sons — George A., born June 15, 1882, is an assistant superintendent at the stoneware works under his father; Harry C, born June 18, 1885, is a student in the State University; Burt, born February 15, 3892, is taking a course in the Red Wing Business College. The family faith is that of the Episcopal Church. The residence is at 1304 Fourth street, Red Wing.