Lyman O. Cook, from Williams County, stands as a testament to hard work and self-made success in agriculture. Owning Meadow View Farm in Jefferson Township, Cook’s journey from humble beginnings to prominence showcases his dedication to farming and livestock breeding, particularly in Holstein cattle and Chester White hogs. Beyond his farming achievements, Cook’s community engagement is notable, serving as secretary of the Farmers Grain Elevator Company and actively participating in local church, political, and agricultural organizations. His life story, marked by perseverance, integrity, and community service, reflects the essence of American agricultural and civic duty, making him a respected figure in his community.
Lyman O. Cook. — The record of Mr. Cook is that of a man who by his own unaided efforts worked his way from a modest beginning to a position of affluence and influence in the agricultural and business world. His life has been characterized by unceasing industry and perseverance and the systematic and honorable methods which he has followed have won him the unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens of Williams County.
Lyman O. Cook, owner of Meadow View Farm, located in section 27, Jefferson Township, was born in this county on November 8, 1881, and is the son of William and Rosanna (Critchfield) Cook; the former a native of Richland County, Ohio, and the latter of Williams County. William Cook came to Williams County in young manhood and after his marriage here he settled on a farm in Jefferson Township, where he remained about a year. The following two years were spent in Indiana, after which he returned to Williams County and settled on a farm, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1901. He is survived by his widow, who lives in West Unity. They were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in West Unity, to which Mrs. Cook still belongs. Mr. Cook gave his political support to the democratic party and was active in local public affairs, having served one term as township trustee. During the Civil war, he served two years in defense of the Union, receiving an honorable discharge at the close of that conflict. To him and his wife were born five children namely: Vernon A., deceased; May, the wife of F. A. Bowers of Toledo, Ohio; William A., of West Unity, Ohio; Aquilla M., who lives in Arizona; Lyman O., the subject of this review.
Lyman O. Cook was reared in Williams County and secured his education in the district schools. He remained at home, assisting his father, until he had attained his majority, when he was married and engaged in farming on his own account. He has been successful in all his operations and his farm is today considered one of the best and most productive in the township. In addition to a general line of farming, Mr. Cook gives considerable attention to the breeding and raising of live stock, in which his success has been most marked. He specializes in pure-bred Holstein cattle and pure-blooded Chester White hogs, the latter herd being headed by “Bryan’s Pride” an unusually well bred and valuable animal. His farm comprises eighty acres of excellent land, well adapted to the purposes to which it is devoted. Mr. Cook is also a stockholder and secretary of the Farmers Grain Elevator Company at Pulaski.
On November 25, 1903, Mr. Cook was married to Carrie Baird who was born and reared in Pulaski Township, Williams County, and they are the parents of two sons, Wayne and Lawrence. Mr.’ and Mrs. Cook are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pulaski, of which society Mr. Cook is a member of the board of trustees. He is a democrat in his political views. He is a member of the Pulaski Grange, a member of the board of directors of the Williams County Farm Bureau and secretary of the Pulaski Farmers Institute. He is essentially public-spirited in his attitude towards all movements for the advancement of the general welfare. In all that constitutes true manhood and good citizenship is a good example, his career having been characterized by duty faithfully performed, and by industry, thrift and wisely directed effort. Because of these elements of character, he is deservedly popular throughout the community.
Source: Bowersox, Charles A. ed. A standard history of Williams County, Ohio: an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development , 2 vols. Publisher Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1920.