Joel Cook

Joel Cook (March 20, 1842 – December 15, 1910) was an American politician from Pennsylvania who served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district from 1907 to 1910.

Biography

Joel Cook was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Central High School in 1859. He studied law with William B. Reed and at the University of Pennsylvania. He was admitted to the bar in 1863.

He practiced law for a few years but left the profession to become a journalist. During the American Civil War, Cook was a correspondent in Washington, D.C., and with the Army of the Potomac for the Philadelphia Press. He was on the editorial staff of the Philadelphia Public Ledger from 1865 to 1882, and the financial editor from 1883 to 1907. He also worked as the chief American correspondent for the London Times.

He was president of the board of wardens for the port of Philadelphia (1891–1907). He also served as president of the board of trade and of the Vessel Owners and Captains’ Association and as member of the Union League of Philadelphia.

In 1895, Cook was elected to the American Philosophical Society.

He was elected to Congress as a Republican to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John E. Reyburn. He was reelected to the 61st United States Congress and served from 1907 until his death in Philadelphia. He was interred at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Legacy

The Cook-Wissahickon School in Philadelphia is named in his honor.

Bibliography

England, Picturesque and Descriptive, Philadelphia, Porter and Coates, 1882