Martha, known as Mattie, was born in Bellefonte, Boone County, Arkansas, on June 5, 1872, the first of Edward and Priscilla "Hollan" (Bell) Sharp's nine children. She was named in honor of her mother's sister, Martha Ellen.
Mattie met William W. Cook (son of John Wesley and Martha Jane (Leigh) Cook), born in Cannon Co, TN, in September 1861. His parents had moved to Valley Springs in Boone Co. some time before 1874.
Mattie & Will were married around 1890. Their first child, James Berry, was born near Harrison, Arkansas, on February 6, 1892. Their second and last child, Beatrice, was born in Texas in November 1895. They lived in Pueblo, Colorado, for a while before moving to Newtonia, Newton Co, MO, around 1900. One of their first homes was on a farm adjoining the one owned by Mattie's uncle, James Jefferson Bell (Hollan's brother).
Mattie was pleasant and outgoing, made friends easily and fit well into the community. She was well known by the Mize sisters, the publishers of the Newtonia newspaper, who sometimes wrote about her in their local news column. News about her trip to see her parents was published on October 18, 1900: "Mrs. William Cook has returned home from a seven weeks visit with her parents of Harrison, AR, where she spent a most delightful visit, and enjoyed the delicious fruit, especially peaches."
Mattie, a devout Methodist, like her parents, joined the Newtonia Methodist Church South and was an active participant. She taught a Sunday school class and was very dedicated to her pupils. She participated in a Sunday School Township Convention and wrote an essay. News about her part in the convention was published on November 22, 1900, which is too lengthy to add here.
In February 1902, Mattie went to St. Louis in preparation for starting up a millinery business in the Newtonia D.P. Weems' merchandise store. She checked out all the latest styles and returned about two weeks later with a supply of the "latest styles in handsome varieties." With enough supplies to start her new business, she had a "Spring Millinery Opening," on Saturday, March 22. In April, her sister, Hattie, came from AR to help in the new business. During April and May, Mattie advertised to take produce in exchange for her merchandise.
Even though she was busy, Mattie found time to take part in a Temperance program held at the Methodist church that June. In July, she was on a committee for an even larger Temperance program to be held on August 6 in the Newtonia school house.
That she was generous with her time is shown in a newspaper article published July 24, 1902: "Mrs. Mattie Cook chaperoned a party of ten young ladies on a picnic last Thursday. They drove to the Wright ford on Shoal Creek. A picnic from Peirce City met at the same place, and all had a fine time boat riding, etc. They suppered at the spring at Oscar Landreth's, and had an excellent time the whole day through without an accident."
By October, business was doing so well that she hired Miss Katie Chapman to help her. News about her large supply of goods was published on October 2, 1902: "Mrs. Mattie Cook has received the largest stock of millinery that she has ever carried, and everything is stylish and up to date. Trimmed hats from 50 cts. to $12.00. Fine Beaver hats, and all kinds of trimming birds, feathers, real ostrich plumes, velvets, plush, etc. You should see them at Weems' store, Newtonia."
Christmas was in the air as the first snow of the season fell in Newtonia the first part of December. The following week, Mattie entertained her Sunday school class of "little folks" at her home and decorated a Christmas tree that she filled with presents for them. At this time, she was selling her millinery merchandise (trimmed hats, feathers, birds, and trimmings) at cost up through January.
In April 1904, Mattie and Will moved to a farm that was located two miles north of Newtonia in what was called the "Wasson farm." Much to Mattie's delight, her mother came to visit and stayed for Newtonia's big Fourth of July Celebration. There were patriotic speeches, music by the Newtonia Band boys, all types of races and games, a parade, and an ice cream supper that night. Everyone had an enjoyable time at the large Bell family reunion.
That September, Will went to Texas to hunt for work while visiting relatives and friends. Berry broke his arm wrestling, and Mattie took him to Dr. G.W. Harrison who put a splint on his arm. Will found a good job and returned home to visit the first week in October. A month later they moved to the D.P. Weems residence. Will returned to his job in Texas, and Mattie and the children went to Arkansas to spend Christmas with her parents and stayed there a few weeks.
Mattie and Will gave a party for the benefit for the Aid Society of the Methodist Church. News about the event was published on March 16: "The Age Social given last Friday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Cook, under the auspices of the Aid Society of the Methodist church of Newtonia, proved to be quite a success, both socially and financially. Written invitations were sent out several days before, each of which was accompanied by a small silk sack, in which the person receiving the invitation was required to put into the sack as many cents as he or she was years old, and bring or send to the social. Quite a large crowd was present and the receipts only lacked a cent of being $17.00. Dainty refreshments of tea and cake were served. Mr. and Mrs. Cook were untiring in their efforts to make all have a pleasant time."
In January 1906, Mattie and Will attended a party, and Will won a "special" prize. News about the event and the weather that followed, was published on January 26: "The Head-Social given for the Methodist church at Mrs. Hannah Wainright's last Saturday evening netted the church about eleven dollars. The head of each person was measured and the man whose head measured the largest received a prize of a hat; the man with the smallest head a cap. The lady with the largest head received a prize of a sunbonnet made with splits, and the lady with smallest head a toboggan hood. Mr. W.W. Cook won the hat and Mr. John Pipkin the cap, Miss Bertha Tatum the bonnet and Mrs. Mark Snyder the hood. The heads measured from 21 to 24 inches. A nice supper was served, and there were good recitations and music."
On Valentine's Day, Mattie and Will were shocked when they were told their house was on fire. They were living in the Commons' residence they had been renting since the middle of September 1905. News about the fire was published on February 15: "Yesterday morning between eight and nine o'clock the kitchen part of the residence where Wm. Cook and family live, caught fire, presumably from matches carried by mice into the pantry in the building. The roof was partly burned off and Mrs. Cook's dishes and fruit ruined, and some clothing burned by the fire before it was discovered. The fire was first discovered by Mrs. Marshall and Mr. Commons, who saw the blaze on the roof from Common's residence, and gave the alarm and ran down there. Mr. and Mrs. Cook did not know anything of the fire until the alarm was given. Several soon came to the rescue and the fire was extinguished before it reached the other part of the building. Had it occurred in the night, the whole building would doubtless have been burned to the ground." By the following week all the shingles that had been burned were replaced.
Mattie and Will's son, Berry, made the local news. He was on the honor roll at school in March and was also one of six students who hadn't missed a day during the school term. On Friday evening before Easter, Mattie held a party for him and his friends. On Easter Sunday, she took her Sunday School class on a Easter egg hunt. It was a perfect day; the sun was shining, and there wasn't a hint of rain.
In August, Mattie and her daughter, Beatrice, went to Bellefonte to spend three weeks with her parents.
On November 6, Mattie and Will moved to her Uncle James Bell's farm. James needed help, and Will needed a job, so this was a good arrangement for both. James's wife, Mona, was due to deliver her third baby the following month, so Mattie's presence was a big comfort. No doubt, the two families had a big celebration dinner on Thanksgiving.
Mattie was continually busy and served as the president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in Newtonia.
On Wednesday, December 19, Mona gave birth to a son they named Russell Warren Bell. Mattie was there to lend support and help with the new baby and chores. Six days later, on Christmas night, Mattie and some of the other ladies in the Methodist church helped with the entertainment and with a supper that was held at the school. It had been a good year, and all was well with Mattie and Will. The millinery business was doing fairly well and was still open in 1910.
Mattie, age 44, died on March 5, 1917. Where she died and the cause of her death is unknown. Neither the state of Missouri nor Arkansas has her death record on file. It's possible she died while in Newtonia or Texas, and there are indications she may have had tuberculosis, which was prevalent around that time. She is buried near her parents in the Sharp family plot in Bellefonte Cemetery.
The date that Will died is unknown. However, in Jan. 1920 he was living with his son, James Berry, who was a veterinarian and operated a clinic in Miami, OK.
Mattie met William W. Cook (son of John Wesley and Martha Jane (Leigh) Cook), born in Cannon Co, TN, in September 1861. His parents had moved to Valley Springs in Boone Co. some time before 1874.
Mattie & Will were married around 1890. Their first child, James Berry, was born near Harrison, Arkansas, on February 6, 1892. Their second and last child, Beatrice, was born in Texas in November 1895. They lived in Pueblo, Colorado, for a while before moving to Newtonia, Newton Co, MO, around 1900. One of their first homes was on a farm adjoining the one owned by Mattie's uncle, James Jefferson Bell (Hollan's brother).
Mattie was pleasant and outgoing, made friends easily and fit well into the community. She was well known by the Mize sisters, the publishers of the Newtonia newspaper, who sometimes wrote about her in their local news column. News about her trip to see her parents was published on October 18, 1900: "Mrs. William Cook has returned home from a seven weeks visit with her parents of Harrison, AR, where she spent a most delightful visit, and enjoyed the delicious fruit, especially peaches."
Mattie, a devout Methodist, like her parents, joined the Newtonia Methodist Church South and was an active participant. She taught a Sunday school class and was very dedicated to her pupils. She participated in a Sunday School Township Convention and wrote an essay. News about her part in the convention was published on November 22, 1900, which is too lengthy to add here.
In February 1902, Mattie went to St. Louis in preparation for starting up a millinery business in the Newtonia D.P. Weems' merchandise store. She checked out all the latest styles and returned about two weeks later with a supply of the "latest styles in handsome varieties." With enough supplies to start her new business, she had a "Spring Millinery Opening," on Saturday, March 22. In April, her sister, Hattie, came from AR to help in the new business. During April and May, Mattie advertised to take produce in exchange for her merchandise.
Even though she was busy, Mattie found time to take part in a Temperance program held at the Methodist church that June. In July, she was on a committee for an even larger Temperance program to be held on August 6 in the Newtonia school house.
That she was generous with her time is shown in a newspaper article published July 24, 1902: "Mrs. Mattie Cook chaperoned a party of ten young ladies on a picnic last Thursday. They drove to the Wright ford on Shoal Creek. A picnic from Peirce City met at the same place, and all had a fine time boat riding, etc. They suppered at the spring at Oscar Landreth's, and had an excellent time the whole day through without an accident."
By October, business was doing so well that she hired Miss Katie Chapman to help her. News about her large supply of goods was published on October 2, 1902: "Mrs. Mattie Cook has received the largest stock of millinery that she has ever carried, and everything is stylish and up to date. Trimmed hats from 50 cts. to $12.00. Fine Beaver hats, and all kinds of trimming birds, feathers, real ostrich plumes, velvets, plush, etc. You should see them at Weems' store, Newtonia."
Christmas was in the air as the first snow of the season fell in Newtonia the first part of December. The following week, Mattie entertained her Sunday school class of "little folks" at her home and decorated a Christmas tree that she filled with presents for them. At this time, she was selling her millinery merchandise (trimmed hats, feathers, birds, and trimmings) at cost up through January.
In April 1904, Mattie and Will moved to a farm that was located two miles north of Newtonia in what was called the "Wasson farm." Much to Mattie's delight, her mother came to visit and stayed for Newtonia's big Fourth of July Celebration. There were patriotic speeches, music by the Newtonia Band boys, all types of races and games, a parade, and an ice cream supper that night. Everyone had an enjoyable time at the large Bell family reunion.
That September, Will went to Texas to hunt for work while visiting relatives and friends. Berry broke his arm wrestling, and Mattie took him to Dr. G.W. Harrison who put a splint on his arm. Will found a good job and returned home to visit the first week in October. A month later they moved to the D.P. Weems residence. Will returned to his job in Texas, and Mattie and the children went to Arkansas to spend Christmas with her parents and stayed there a few weeks.
Mattie and Will gave a party for the benefit for the Aid Society of the Methodist Church. News about the event was published on March 16: "The Age Social given last Friday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Cook, under the auspices of the Aid Society of the Methodist church of Newtonia, proved to be quite a success, both socially and financially. Written invitations were sent out several days before, each of which was accompanied by a small silk sack, in which the person receiving the invitation was required to put into the sack as many cents as he or she was years old, and bring or send to the social. Quite a large crowd was present and the receipts only lacked a cent of being $17.00. Dainty refreshments of tea and cake were served. Mr. and Mrs. Cook were untiring in their efforts to make all have a pleasant time."
In January 1906, Mattie and Will attended a party, and Will won a "special" prize. News about the event and the weather that followed, was published on January 26: "The Head-Social given for the Methodist church at Mrs. Hannah Wainright's last Saturday evening netted the church about eleven dollars. The head of each person was measured and the man whose head measured the largest received a prize of a hat; the man with the smallest head a cap. The lady with the largest head received a prize of a sunbonnet made with splits, and the lady with smallest head a toboggan hood. Mr. W.W. Cook won the hat and Mr. John Pipkin the cap, Miss Bertha Tatum the bonnet and Mrs. Mark Snyder the hood. The heads measured from 21 to 24 inches. A nice supper was served, and there were good recitations and music."
On Valentine's Day, Mattie and Will were shocked when they were told their house was on fire. They were living in the Commons' residence they had been renting since the middle of September 1905. News about the fire was published on February 15: "Yesterday morning between eight and nine o'clock the kitchen part of the residence where Wm. Cook and family live, caught fire, presumably from matches carried by mice into the pantry in the building. The roof was partly burned off and Mrs. Cook's dishes and fruit ruined, and some clothing burned by the fire before it was discovered. The fire was first discovered by Mrs. Marshall and Mr. Commons, who saw the blaze on the roof from Common's residence, and gave the alarm and ran down there. Mr. and Mrs. Cook did not know anything of the fire until the alarm was given. Several soon came to the rescue and the fire was extinguished before it reached the other part of the building. Had it occurred in the night, the whole building would doubtless have been burned to the ground." By the following week all the shingles that had been burned were replaced.
Mattie and Will's son, Berry, made the local news. He was on the honor roll at school in March and was also one of six students who hadn't missed a day during the school term. On Friday evening before Easter, Mattie held a party for him and his friends. On Easter Sunday, she took her Sunday School class on a Easter egg hunt. It was a perfect day; the sun was shining, and there wasn't a hint of rain.
In August, Mattie and her daughter, Beatrice, went to Bellefonte to spend three weeks with her parents.
On November 6, Mattie and Will moved to her Uncle James Bell's farm. James needed help, and Will needed a job, so this was a good arrangement for both. James's wife, Mona, was due to deliver her third baby the following month, so Mattie's presence was a big comfort. No doubt, the two families had a big celebration dinner on Thanksgiving.
Mattie was continually busy and served as the president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in Newtonia.
On Wednesday, December 19, Mona gave birth to a son they named Russell Warren Bell. Mattie was there to lend support and help with the new baby and chores. Six days later, on Christmas night, Mattie and some of the other ladies in the Methodist church helped with the entertainment and with a supper that was held at the school. It had been a good year, and all was well with Mattie and Will. The millinery business was doing fairly well and was still open in 1910.
Mattie, age 44, died on March 5, 1917. Where she died and the cause of her death is unknown. Neither the state of Missouri nor Arkansas has her death record on file. It's possible she died while in Newtonia or Texas, and there are indications she may have had tuberculosis, which was prevalent around that time. She is buried near her parents in the Sharp family plot in Bellefonte Cemetery.
The date that Will died is unknown. However, in Jan. 1920 he was living with his son, James Berry, who was a veterinarian and operated a clinic in Miami, OK.
Martha, known as Mattie, was born in Bellefonte, Boone County, Arkansas, on June 5, 1872, the first of Edward and Priscilla "Hollan" (Bell) Sharp's nine children. She was named in honor of her mother's sister, Martha Ellen.
Mattie met William W. Cook (son of John Wesley and Martha Jane (Leigh) Cook), born in Cannon Co, TN, in September 1861. His parents had moved to Valley Springs in Boone Co. some time before 1874.
Mattie & Will were married around 1890. Their first child, James Berry, was born near Harrison, Arkansas, on February 6, 1892. Their second and last child, Beatrice, was born in Texas in November 1895. They lived in Pueblo, Colorado, for a while before moving to Newtonia, Newton Co, MO, around 1900. One of their first homes was on a farm adjoining the one owned by Mattie's uncle, James Jefferson Bell (Hollan's brother).
Mattie was pleasant and outgoing, made friends easily and fit well into the community. She was well known by the Mize sisters, the publishers of the Newtonia newspaper, who sometimes wrote about her in their local news column. News about her trip to see her parents was published on October 18, 1900: "Mrs. William Cook has returned home from a seven weeks visit with her parents of Harrison, AR, where she spent a most delightful visit, and enjoyed the delicious fruit, especially peaches."
Mattie, a devout Methodist, like her parents, joined the Newtonia Methodist Church South and was an active participant. She taught a Sunday school class and was very dedicated to her pupils. She participated in a Sunday School Township Convention and wrote an essay. News about her part in the convention was published on November 22, 1900, which is too lengthy to add here.
In February 1902, Mattie went to St. Louis in preparation for starting up a millinery business in the Newtonia D.P. Weems' merchandise store. She checked out all the latest styles and returned about two weeks later with a supply of the "latest styles in handsome varieties." With enough supplies to start her new business, she had a "Spring Millinery Opening," on Saturday, March 22. In April, her sister, Hattie, came from AR to help in the new business. During April and May, Mattie advertised to take produce in exchange for her merchandise.
Even though she was busy, Mattie found time to take part in a Temperance program held at the Methodist church that June. In July, she was on a committee for an even larger Temperance program to be held on August 6 in the Newtonia school house.
That she was generous with her time is shown in a newspaper article published July 24, 1902: "Mrs. Mattie Cook chaperoned a party of ten young ladies on a picnic last Thursday. They drove to the Wright ford on Shoal Creek. A picnic from Peirce City met at the same place, and all had a fine time boat riding, etc. They suppered at the spring at Oscar Landreth's, and had an excellent time the whole day through without an accident."
By October, business was doing so well that she hired Miss Katie Chapman to help her. News about her large supply of goods was published on October 2, 1902: "Mrs. Mattie Cook has received the largest stock of millinery that she has ever carried, and everything is stylish and up to date. Trimmed hats from 50 cts. to $12.00. Fine Beaver hats, and all kinds of trimming birds, feathers, real ostrich plumes, velvets, plush, etc. You should see them at Weems' store, Newtonia."
Christmas was in the air as the first snow of the season fell in Newtonia the first part of December. The following week, Mattie entertained her Sunday school class of "little folks" at her home and decorated a Christmas tree that she filled with presents for them. At this time, she was selling her millinery merchandise (trimmed hats, feathers, birds, and trimmings) at cost up through January.
In April 1904, Mattie and Will moved to a farm that was located two miles north of Newtonia in what was called the "Wasson farm." Much to Mattie's delight, her mother came to visit and stayed for Newtonia's big Fourth of July Celebration. There were patriotic speeches, music by the Newtonia Band boys, all types of races and games, a parade, and an ice cream supper that night. Everyone had an enjoyable time at the large Bell family reunion.
That September, Will went to Texas to hunt for work while visiting relatives and friends. Berry broke his arm wrestling, and Mattie took him to Dr. G.W. Harrison who put a splint on his arm. Will found a good job and returned home to visit the first week in October. A month later they moved to the D.P. Weems residence. Will returned to his job in Texas, and Mattie and the children went to Arkansas to spend Christmas with her parents and stayed there a few weeks.
Mattie and Will gave a party for the benefit for the Aid Society of the Methodist Church. News about the event was published on March 16: "The Age Social given last Friday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Cook, under the auspices of the Aid Society of the Methodist church of Newtonia, proved to be quite a success, both socially and financially. Written invitations were sent out several days before, each of which was accompanied by a small silk sack, in which the person receiving the invitation was required to put into the sack as many cents as he or she was years old, and bring or send to the social. Quite a large crowd was present and the receipts only lacked a cent of being $17.00. Dainty refreshments of tea and cake were served. Mr. and Mrs. Cook were untiring in their efforts to make all have a pleasant time."
In January 1906, Mattie and Will attended a party, and Will won a "special" prize. News about the event and the weather that followed, was published on January 26: "The Head-Social given for the Methodist church at Mrs. Hannah Wainright's last Saturday evening netted the church about eleven dollars. The head of each person was measured and the man whose head measured the largest received a prize of a hat; the man with the smallest head a cap. The lady with the largest head received a prize of a sunbonnet made with splits, and the lady with smallest head a toboggan hood. Mr. W.W. Cook won the hat and Mr. John Pipkin the cap, Miss Bertha Tatum the bonnet and Mrs. Mark Snyder the hood. The heads measured from 21 to 24 inches. A nice supper was served, and there were good recitations and music."
On Valentine's Day, Mattie and Will were shocked when they were told their house was on fire. They were living in the Commons' residence they had been renting since the middle of September 1905. News about the fire was published on February 15: "Yesterday morning between eight and nine o'clock the kitchen part of the residence where Wm. Cook and family live, caught fire, presumably from matches carried by mice into the pantry in the building. The roof was partly burned off and Mrs. Cook's dishes and fruit ruined, and some clothing burned by the fire before it was discovered. The fire was first discovered by Mrs. Marshall and Mr. Commons, who saw the blaze on the roof from Common's residence, and gave the alarm and ran down there. Mr. and Mrs. Cook did not know anything of the fire until the alarm was given. Several soon came to the rescue and the fire was extinguished before it reached the other part of the building. Had it occurred in the night, the whole building would doubtless have been burned to the ground." By the following week all the shingles that had been burned were replaced.
Mattie and Will's son, Berry, made the local news. He was on the honor roll at school in March and was also one of six students who hadn't missed a day during the school term. On Friday evening before Easter, Mattie held a party for him and his friends. On Easter Sunday, she took her Sunday School class on a Easter egg hunt. It was a perfect day; the sun was shining, and there wasn't a hint of rain.
In August, Mattie and her daughter, Beatrice, went to Bellefonte to spend three weeks with her parents.
On November 6, Mattie and Will moved to her Uncle James Bell's farm. James needed help, and Will needed a job, so this was a good arrangement for both. James's wife, Mona, was due to deliver her third baby the following month, so Mattie's presence was a big comfort. No doubt, the two families had a big celebration dinner on Thanksgiving.
Mattie was continually busy and served as the president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in Newtonia.
On Wednesday, December 19, Mona gave birth to a son they named Russell Warren Bell. Mattie was there to lend support and help with the new baby and chores. Six days later, on Christmas night, Mattie and some of the other ladies in the Methodist church helped with the entertainment and with a supper that was held at the school. It had been a good year, and all was well with Mattie and Will. The millinery business was doing fairly well and was still open in 1910.
Mattie, age 44, died on March 5, 1917. Where she died and the cause of her death is unknown. Neither the state of Missouri nor Arkansas has her death record on file. It's possible she died while in Newtonia or Texas, and there are indications she may have had tuberculosis, which was prevalent around that time. She is buried near her parents in the Sharp family plot in Bellefonte Cemetery.
The date that Will died is unknown. However, in Jan. 1920 he was living with his son, James Berry, who was a veterinarian and operated a clinic in Miami, OK.
Mattie met William W. Cook (son of John Wesley and Martha Jane (Leigh) Cook), born in Cannon Co, TN, in September 1861. His parents had moved to Valley Springs in Boone Co. some time before 1874.
Mattie & Will were married around 1890. Their first child, James Berry, was born near Harrison, Arkansas, on February 6, 1892. Their second and last child, Beatrice, was born in Texas in November 1895. They lived in Pueblo, Colorado, for a while before moving to Newtonia, Newton Co, MO, around 1900. One of their first homes was on a farm adjoining the one owned by Mattie's uncle, James Jefferson Bell (Hollan's brother).
Mattie was pleasant and outgoing, made friends easily and fit well into the community. She was well known by the Mize sisters, the publishers of the Newtonia newspaper, who sometimes wrote about her in their local news column. News about her trip to see her parents was published on October 18, 1900: "Mrs. William Cook has returned home from a seven weeks visit with her parents of Harrison, AR, where she spent a most delightful visit, and enjoyed the delicious fruit, especially peaches."
Mattie, a devout Methodist, like her parents, joined the Newtonia Methodist Church South and was an active participant. She taught a Sunday school class and was very dedicated to her pupils. She participated in a Sunday School Township Convention and wrote an essay. News about her part in the convention was published on November 22, 1900, which is too lengthy to add here.
In February 1902, Mattie went to St. Louis in preparation for starting up a millinery business in the Newtonia D.P. Weems' merchandise store. She checked out all the latest styles and returned about two weeks later with a supply of the "latest styles in handsome varieties." With enough supplies to start her new business, she had a "Spring Millinery Opening," on Saturday, March 22. In April, her sister, Hattie, came from AR to help in the new business. During April and May, Mattie advertised to take produce in exchange for her merchandise.
Even though she was busy, Mattie found time to take part in a Temperance program held at the Methodist church that June. In July, she was on a committee for an even larger Temperance program to be held on August 6 in the Newtonia school house.
That she was generous with her time is shown in a newspaper article published July 24, 1902: "Mrs. Mattie Cook chaperoned a party of ten young ladies on a picnic last Thursday. They drove to the Wright ford on Shoal Creek. A picnic from Peirce City met at the same place, and all had a fine time boat riding, etc. They suppered at the spring at Oscar Landreth's, and had an excellent time the whole day through without an accident."
By October, business was doing so well that she hired Miss Katie Chapman to help her. News about her large supply of goods was published on October 2, 1902: "Mrs. Mattie Cook has received the largest stock of millinery that she has ever carried, and everything is stylish and up to date. Trimmed hats from 50 cts. to $12.00. Fine Beaver hats, and all kinds of trimming birds, feathers, real ostrich plumes, velvets, plush, etc. You should see them at Weems' store, Newtonia."
Christmas was in the air as the first snow of the season fell in Newtonia the first part of December. The following week, Mattie entertained her Sunday school class of "little folks" at her home and decorated a Christmas tree that she filled with presents for them. At this time, she was selling her millinery merchandise (trimmed hats, feathers, birds, and trimmings) at cost up through January.
In April 1904, Mattie and Will moved to a farm that was located two miles north of Newtonia in what was called the "Wasson farm." Much to Mattie's delight, her mother came to visit and stayed for Newtonia's big Fourth of July Celebration. There were patriotic speeches, music by the Newtonia Band boys, all types of races and games, a parade, and an ice cream supper that night. Everyone had an enjoyable time at the large Bell family reunion.
That September, Will went to Texas to hunt for work while visiting relatives and friends. Berry broke his arm wrestling, and Mattie took him to Dr. G.W. Harrison who put a splint on his arm. Will found a good job and returned home to visit the first week in October. A month later they moved to the D.P. Weems residence. Will returned to his job in Texas, and Mattie and the children went to Arkansas to spend Christmas with her parents and stayed there a few weeks.
Mattie and Will gave a party for the benefit for the Aid Society of the Methodist Church. News about the event was published on March 16: "The Age Social given last Friday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Cook, under the auspices of the Aid Society of the Methodist church of Newtonia, proved to be quite a success, both socially and financially. Written invitations were sent out several days before, each of which was accompanied by a small silk sack, in which the person receiving the invitation was required to put into the sack as many cents as he or she was years old, and bring or send to the social. Quite a large crowd was present and the receipts only lacked a cent of being $17.00. Dainty refreshments of tea and cake were served. Mr. and Mrs. Cook were untiring in their efforts to make all have a pleasant time."
In January 1906, Mattie and Will attended a party, and Will won a "special" prize. News about the event and the weather that followed, was published on January 26: "The Head-Social given for the Methodist church at Mrs. Hannah Wainright's last Saturday evening netted the church about eleven dollars. The head of each person was measured and the man whose head measured the largest received a prize of a hat; the man with the smallest head a cap. The lady with the largest head received a prize of a sunbonnet made with splits, and the lady with smallest head a toboggan hood. Mr. W.W. Cook won the hat and Mr. John Pipkin the cap, Miss Bertha Tatum the bonnet and Mrs. Mark Snyder the hood. The heads measured from 21 to 24 inches. A nice supper was served, and there were good recitations and music."
On Valentine's Day, Mattie and Will were shocked when they were told their house was on fire. They were living in the Commons' residence they had been renting since the middle of September 1905. News about the fire was published on February 15: "Yesterday morning between eight and nine o'clock the kitchen part of the residence where Wm. Cook and family live, caught fire, presumably from matches carried by mice into the pantry in the building. The roof was partly burned off and Mrs. Cook's dishes and fruit ruined, and some clothing burned by the fire before it was discovered. The fire was first discovered by Mrs. Marshall and Mr. Commons, who saw the blaze on the roof from Common's residence, and gave the alarm and ran down there. Mr. and Mrs. Cook did not know anything of the fire until the alarm was given. Several soon came to the rescue and the fire was extinguished before it reached the other part of the building. Had it occurred in the night, the whole building would doubtless have been burned to the ground." By the following week all the shingles that had been burned were replaced.
Mattie and Will's son, Berry, made the local news. He was on the honor roll at school in March and was also one of six students who hadn't missed a day during the school term. On Friday evening before Easter, Mattie held a party for him and his friends. On Easter Sunday, she took her Sunday School class on a Easter egg hunt. It was a perfect day; the sun was shining, and there wasn't a hint of rain.
In August, Mattie and her daughter, Beatrice, went to Bellefonte to spend three weeks with her parents.
On November 6, Mattie and Will moved to her Uncle James Bell's farm. James needed help, and Will needed a job, so this was a good arrangement for both. James's wife, Mona, was due to deliver her third baby the following month, so Mattie's presence was a big comfort. No doubt, the two families had a big celebration dinner on Thanksgiving.
Mattie was continually busy and served as the president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in Newtonia.
On Wednesday, December 19, Mona gave birth to a son they named Russell Warren Bell. Mattie was there to lend support and help with the new baby and chores. Six days later, on Christmas night, Mattie and some of the other ladies in the Methodist church helped with the entertainment and with a supper that was held at the school. It had been a good year, and all was well with Mattie and Will. The millinery business was doing fairly well and was still open in 1910.
Mattie, age 44, died on March 5, 1917. Where she died and the cause of her death is unknown. Neither the state of Missouri nor Arkansas has her death record on file. It's possible she died while in Newtonia or Texas, and there are indications she may have had tuberculosis, which was prevalent around that time. She is buried near her parents in the Sharp family plot in Bellefonte Cemetery.
The date that Will died is unknown. However, in Jan. 1920 he was living with his son, James Berry, who was a veterinarian and operated a clinic in Miami, OK.
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