Name: W J Cookson Age in 1910: 28 Estimated Birth Year: 1882 Birthplace:New Zealand
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: England Mother's Birth Place: Ireland
Home in 1910: Thornapple, Rusk, Wisconsin Marital Status: Single Race: White Gender: Male Year of immigration: 1907( Clergyman)
~ ~
Name: W J Cookson
Home in 1930: Monument, Grant, Oregon
Age: 48 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1882
Birthplace: New Zealand
Relation to Head of House:
Head Spouse's Name: May H Cookson Race: White
Name: May Hill Cookson Home in 1930: Monument, Grant, Oregon
Age: 50 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1880 Relation to Head of House: Wife Spouse's Name: W J Cookson Race: White
~ ~
Name: Wm John Cookson
Arrival Date: 4 Mar 1913
Port of Arrival: St Albans, Vermont, United States
Ship Name: Zealandia
Port of Departure: Sydney, Australia
Age: 29 Years 11 Months
Birth Date: abt 1883
Birth Country: New Zealand
Gender: Male/Race/Nationality: English
Record Type: Manifests
~ ~
Name: William J Cookson Arrival
Date: 3 Oct 1924
Age: 41 Birth Date: abt 1883
Birthplace: Ashburton, New Zealand
Gender: Male Ethnicity: English
Ship Name: Maunganui
Port of Arrival: San Francisco, California
Port of Departure: Wellington, New Zealand
Destination: New Mexico, New Mexico, United States Last Residence:
Canada Archive information (series:roll number): M1410:188
~ ~
Name:
W J Cookson
Arrival Date:19 Jul 1925
Port of Departure:Rosario, Argentina
Ship Name:Lalande
Port of Arrival:Boston
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
July 12, 1926
Eureka Folk Camp At Tahoe
Eureka, July 12.- (special )
Rev.W.J. Cookson, pastor of the Presbyterian church here, who is in charge of the summer camp at lake Tahoe arrived here for the purpose of taking some studants to the lake for an outing. Fred Crofut will also help transort the young folk. Those who will make the trip are Agnes Evans, Melba harris, Lillian Evans, Orill Fletcher, Viola and Angelo Flollo.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
November 25, 1926
Eureka Pastor Loses Father
Eureka, Nov 25.-(Special )
Rev. W.J. Cookson has received word of the death of his father, a pioneer of colonizing days in New Zealand. Hale and active until a few weeks ago, the venerable immigrant had already prepared his garden for spring planting which is now at hand in the Southern hemisphere,when the flue took him off. He was the last surviver of the 1859 colonization unit from England. Rev.Mr.Cookson last saw his father two years ago.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
December 6, 1926
Mrs W.J. Cookson is confined to her bed with illness.
~ ~
Excerpt only from
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
Feb 12, 1927
Rev. W.J. Cookson officiated and a choir including Mrs. George Stott, Mrs. J.C. Jepson, Mrs L.F. Simonsen, and W.J. Cookson rendered several hymns at the church and grave .
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada) Feb 24 1927
Mrs. W.J. Cookson received a telegram Friday announcing the death of her brother-in-law, Eugene Hayden , at Ladysmith,Rusk, Wisconsin.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada) May 29, 1927
Eureka Church Re-dedicated
Eureka, may 19.- (Special )
Special services were held on Sunday to mark the dedication of the the rebuilt Presbyterian church here and the final week of the pastorate of Rev. W. J. Cookson who leaves soon because of his wife's ill health.
Work of rebuilding the church was started by Rev. Cookson in 1925 and since that time , he has labored, practically alone in the work of carpentry, masonry and painting.
There were two services on Sunday, both largely attended.
A large choir furnished the music and Dr. W.O. Forbes of the Pacific Coast headquarters of the Presbyterian church preached at both morning and evening services. In the morning he conducted communion and received a class of new members into the church.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
June 20, 1927
Warned that the condition of his heart made further residence in so high a altitude dangerous, Rev.W.J. Cookson accompanied by Mrs. Cookson left on Monday for Oregon.Mr. Cookson has been pastor of the Presbyterian church here for nearly three years. A farewell party was given to the family and a substantial financial gift was presented, to which many contributed. The Cooksons' returned to Eureka early this month from a church meeting in California intending to remain through June. A doctors advice changed their plans.
A temporary pastor for the summer months will arrive July 1 to conduct church services and the annual daily vacation bible school.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada) February 25, 1928
Red Tape Is Cut To Help Sick Minister
Eureka, Feb 25. – (Special )
The Southern Pacific cut all red tape, $300. was raised overnight in a mining camp and arrangements for a quick and easy journey to Portland, Ore were perfected all in one day, when Rev. W.J. Cookson was pronounced too ill with heart trouble to live another week in this high altitude.
Rev. Mr. Cookson became seriously ill two weeks ago while going about visiting the sick during a spell of rough weather, and when Dr. Leighton Ray decided that it would be dangerous for the patient to remain here a week, a committee undertook to raise funds in three days to send the minister and his wife to Portland, knowing that a ministers rewards were exceedingly scant on earth.Individuals of no church connections contributed much to the fund.
Recent mining depression creating hard times in this camp of not over 600 population , made the raising of the funds in a single day the more extraordinary .
The community has had two previous calls as well, in the past six months.
The Eureka –Nevada Railway through its local agent , J.P. Whitmore, and Supt. C.B. sexton and the Southern Pacific through J.H. McClure of Reno, did all that was possible to secure an easy and quick journey for the Mr. and Mrs. Cookson. Free tickets were presented the couple from Eureka to Palisade, and a birth on No.19 was made ready. At Reno, tickets for the journey through to Portland were presented to them. Rev. William moll Case of Reno was likewise appraised of the patient's arrival with his semi-invalid wife.
A wire has been received from Sacramento saying that Mr. Cookson's critical condition has been relieved by lower altitude.
Cookson is a native of Australia and learned the carpenter's trade there. He worked his passage on a ship to America, to study for the ministry. Before he finished his study his funds ran out and his wife's health failed. Together they went to Canada, where Cookson built a church and organized a parish in a remote section. He came to Eureka in 1924, when he undertook the rebuilding of the Presbyterian church and manse. In 1927 he left Eureka for his health, only to return upon hearing that no minister could be found to come here for the salary that could be paid. This was his second attack of heart trouble.
Last month Mr. Cookson was to receive full ordination at Eureka but the ceremony had to be postponed .
This he hopes to receive later in Oregon as a reward culminating years of hard work during which he labored in the ministry in remote parishes without being able to complete the course of study required for full ordination.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
Saturday May 25, 1928
Eureka Minister is Ordained in Church
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette, Saturday , July 24, 1937
News was recently received in Eureka of the marriage of Mrs. Edythe McDermott to the Rev. Mr. Cookson. the couple are residing in Monument, Oregon. They both are former Eureka residents. Mr. Cookson was pastor of the Presbyterian church here about nine years ago. Mrs. Cookson was formerly Edythe J Swick of Eureka, and is a sister to W.J. Swick of Eureka.(Note by this writer, marriage records show her full name as Edythe Juliet McDermott) "JMB"
~ ~
BRUCE, APOLLONIA and AMACOY LAKE—Rev. W. J. Cookson, pastor. Work is opening up encouragingly under the new pastorate, although there Is no lack of problems with which the various churches have to contend and solve. Efforts are being put forth to arouse a deeper sense of responsibility regarding the temperance work of the places, with the hope that the saloons may be voted out. A union meeting of the Endeavorers of Bruce and Apollonla has been held, and one young lady- has been led into the Christian life as a partial result. Plans are to be carried into effect which will provide for the missionary apportionments to the different churches.
Our church life, Volume 14, Issue 12; Volumes 26-28 By Wisconsin Congregational Conference, Wisconsin Home Missionary Society, Congregational Churches of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Congregational Association
~ ~
Mrs. McDermott is back in the news by 1940 with the McDermott name so one is to assume the pastor and Edythe divorced.
~ ~
Nevada State Journal (Reno, Nevada)
January 31, 1940
Mrs. Edythe McDermott, educational supervisor of the Eureka recreational school, left recently for a visit to Salt lake City, Utah.( This is where her ex-husband John Claude Jepson lives.)
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
November 19, 1957
The Rev. W J Cookson of Pennsylvania,former pastor of the Eureka Presbyterian church who was responsible for repairing and preserving the church 30 years ago, visited briefly in Eureka enroute to reside permenantly with members of his family in his native New Zealand. He was invited by the church to conduct Sunday evening services during which time he renewed old aquaintances. The pastor is 75 years of age.
New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1963 ( age 81 )
#16, Cookson, William John , 176 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Retired
District: Lyttelton
Region or Province: Canterbury.
Bio and Research by JMB
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: England Mother's Birth Place: Ireland
Home in 1910: Thornapple, Rusk, Wisconsin Marital Status: Single Race: White Gender: Male Year of immigration: 1907( Clergyman)
~ ~
Name: W J Cookson
Home in 1930: Monument, Grant, Oregon
Age: 48 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1882
Birthplace: New Zealand
Relation to Head of House:
Head Spouse's Name: May H Cookson Race: White
Name: May Hill Cookson Home in 1930: Monument, Grant, Oregon
Age: 50 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1880 Relation to Head of House: Wife Spouse's Name: W J Cookson Race: White
~ ~
Name: Wm John Cookson
Arrival Date: 4 Mar 1913
Port of Arrival: St Albans, Vermont, United States
Ship Name: Zealandia
Port of Departure: Sydney, Australia
Age: 29 Years 11 Months
Birth Date: abt 1883
Birth Country: New Zealand
Gender: Male/Race/Nationality: English
Record Type: Manifests
~ ~
Name: William J Cookson Arrival
Date: 3 Oct 1924
Age: 41 Birth Date: abt 1883
Birthplace: Ashburton, New Zealand
Gender: Male Ethnicity: English
Ship Name: Maunganui
Port of Arrival: San Francisco, California
Port of Departure: Wellington, New Zealand
Destination: New Mexico, New Mexico, United States Last Residence:
Canada Archive information (series:roll number): M1410:188
~ ~
Name:
W J Cookson
Arrival Date:19 Jul 1925
Port of Departure:Rosario, Argentina
Ship Name:Lalande
Port of Arrival:Boston
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
July 12, 1926
Eureka Folk Camp At Tahoe
Eureka, July 12.- (special )
Rev.W.J. Cookson, pastor of the Presbyterian church here, who is in charge of the summer camp at lake Tahoe arrived here for the purpose of taking some studants to the lake for an outing. Fred Crofut will also help transort the young folk. Those who will make the trip are Agnes Evans, Melba harris, Lillian Evans, Orill Fletcher, Viola and Angelo Flollo.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
November 25, 1926
Eureka Pastor Loses Father
Eureka, Nov 25.-(Special )
Rev. W.J. Cookson has received word of the death of his father, a pioneer of colonizing days in New Zealand. Hale and active until a few weeks ago, the venerable immigrant had already prepared his garden for spring planting which is now at hand in the Southern hemisphere,when the flue took him off. He was the last surviver of the 1859 colonization unit from England. Rev.Mr.Cookson last saw his father two years ago.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
December 6, 1926
Mrs W.J. Cookson is confined to her bed with illness.
~ ~
Excerpt only from
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
Feb 12, 1927
Rev. W.J. Cookson officiated and a choir including Mrs. George Stott, Mrs. J.C. Jepson, Mrs L.F. Simonsen, and W.J. Cookson rendered several hymns at the church and grave .
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada) Feb 24 1927
Mrs. W.J. Cookson received a telegram Friday announcing the death of her brother-in-law, Eugene Hayden , at Ladysmith,Rusk, Wisconsin.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada) May 29, 1927
Eureka Church Re-dedicated
Eureka, may 19.- (Special )
Special services were held on Sunday to mark the dedication of the the rebuilt Presbyterian church here and the final week of the pastorate of Rev. W. J. Cookson who leaves soon because of his wife's ill health.
Work of rebuilding the church was started by Rev. Cookson in 1925 and since that time , he has labored, practically alone in the work of carpentry, masonry and painting.
There were two services on Sunday, both largely attended.
A large choir furnished the music and Dr. W.O. Forbes of the Pacific Coast headquarters of the Presbyterian church preached at both morning and evening services. In the morning he conducted communion and received a class of new members into the church.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
June 20, 1927
Warned that the condition of his heart made further residence in so high a altitude dangerous, Rev.W.J. Cookson accompanied by Mrs. Cookson left on Monday for Oregon.Mr. Cookson has been pastor of the Presbyterian church here for nearly three years. A farewell party was given to the family and a substantial financial gift was presented, to which many contributed. The Cooksons' returned to Eureka early this month from a church meeting in California intending to remain through June. A doctors advice changed their plans.
A temporary pastor for the summer months will arrive July 1 to conduct church services and the annual daily vacation bible school.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada) February 25, 1928
Red Tape Is Cut To Help Sick Minister
Eureka, Feb 25. – (Special )
The Southern Pacific cut all red tape, $300. was raised overnight in a mining camp and arrangements for a quick and easy journey to Portland, Ore were perfected all in one day, when Rev. W.J. Cookson was pronounced too ill with heart trouble to live another week in this high altitude.
Rev. Mr. Cookson became seriously ill two weeks ago while going about visiting the sick during a spell of rough weather, and when Dr. Leighton Ray decided that it would be dangerous for the patient to remain here a week, a committee undertook to raise funds in three days to send the minister and his wife to Portland, knowing that a ministers rewards were exceedingly scant on earth.Individuals of no church connections contributed much to the fund.
Recent mining depression creating hard times in this camp of not over 600 population , made the raising of the funds in a single day the more extraordinary .
The community has had two previous calls as well, in the past six months.
The Eureka –Nevada Railway through its local agent , J.P. Whitmore, and Supt. C.B. sexton and the Southern Pacific through J.H. McClure of Reno, did all that was possible to secure an easy and quick journey for the Mr. and Mrs. Cookson. Free tickets were presented the couple from Eureka to Palisade, and a birth on No.19 was made ready. At Reno, tickets for the journey through to Portland were presented to them. Rev. William moll Case of Reno was likewise appraised of the patient's arrival with his semi-invalid wife.
A wire has been received from Sacramento saying that Mr. Cookson's critical condition has been relieved by lower altitude.
Cookson is a native of Australia and learned the carpenter's trade there. He worked his passage on a ship to America, to study for the ministry. Before he finished his study his funds ran out and his wife's health failed. Together they went to Canada, where Cookson built a church and organized a parish in a remote section. He came to Eureka in 1924, when he undertook the rebuilding of the Presbyterian church and manse. In 1927 he left Eureka for his health, only to return upon hearing that no minister could be found to come here for the salary that could be paid. This was his second attack of heart trouble.
Last month Mr. Cookson was to receive full ordination at Eureka but the ceremony had to be postponed .
This he hopes to receive later in Oregon as a reward culminating years of hard work during which he labored in the ministry in remote parishes without being able to complete the course of study required for full ordination.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
Saturday May 25, 1928
Eureka Minister is Ordained in Church
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette, Saturday , July 24, 1937
News was recently received in Eureka of the marriage of Mrs. Edythe McDermott to the Rev. Mr. Cookson. the couple are residing in Monument, Oregon. They both are former Eureka residents. Mr. Cookson was pastor of the Presbyterian church here about nine years ago. Mrs. Cookson was formerly Edythe J Swick of Eureka, and is a sister to W.J. Swick of Eureka.(Note by this writer, marriage records show her full name as Edythe Juliet McDermott) "JMB"
~ ~
BRUCE, APOLLONIA and AMACOY LAKE—Rev. W. J. Cookson, pastor. Work is opening up encouragingly under the new pastorate, although there Is no lack of problems with which the various churches have to contend and solve. Efforts are being put forth to arouse a deeper sense of responsibility regarding the temperance work of the places, with the hope that the saloons may be voted out. A union meeting of the Endeavorers of Bruce and Apollonla has been held, and one young lady- has been led into the Christian life as a partial result. Plans are to be carried into effect which will provide for the missionary apportionments to the different churches.
Our church life, Volume 14, Issue 12; Volumes 26-28 By Wisconsin Congregational Conference, Wisconsin Home Missionary Society, Congregational Churches of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Congregational Association
~ ~
Mrs. McDermott is back in the news by 1940 with the McDermott name so one is to assume the pastor and Edythe divorced.
~ ~
Nevada State Journal (Reno, Nevada)
January 31, 1940
Mrs. Edythe McDermott, educational supervisor of the Eureka recreational school, left recently for a visit to Salt lake City, Utah.( This is where her ex-husband John Claude Jepson lives.)
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
November 19, 1957
The Rev. W J Cookson of Pennsylvania,former pastor of the Eureka Presbyterian church who was responsible for repairing and preserving the church 30 years ago, visited briefly in Eureka enroute to reside permenantly with members of his family in his native New Zealand. He was invited by the church to conduct Sunday evening services during which time he renewed old aquaintances. The pastor is 75 years of age.
New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1963 ( age 81 )
#16, Cookson, William John , 176 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Retired
District: Lyttelton
Region or Province: Canterbury.
Bio and Research by JMB
Name: W J Cookson Age in 1910: 28 Estimated Birth Year: 1882 Birthplace:New Zealand
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: England Mother's Birth Place: Ireland
Home in 1910: Thornapple, Rusk, Wisconsin Marital Status: Single Race: White Gender: Male Year of immigration: 1907( Clergyman)
~ ~
Name: W J Cookson
Home in 1930: Monument, Grant, Oregon
Age: 48 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1882
Birthplace: New Zealand
Relation to Head of House:
Head Spouse's Name: May H Cookson Race: White
Name: May Hill Cookson Home in 1930: Monument, Grant, Oregon
Age: 50 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1880 Relation to Head of House: Wife Spouse's Name: W J Cookson Race: White
~ ~
Name: Wm John Cookson
Arrival Date: 4 Mar 1913
Port of Arrival: St Albans, Vermont, United States
Ship Name: Zealandia
Port of Departure: Sydney, Australia
Age: 29 Years 11 Months
Birth Date: abt 1883
Birth Country: New Zealand
Gender: Male/Race/Nationality: English
Record Type: Manifests
~ ~
Name: William J Cookson Arrival
Date: 3 Oct 1924
Age: 41 Birth Date: abt 1883
Birthplace: Ashburton, New Zealand
Gender: Male Ethnicity: English
Ship Name: Maunganui
Port of Arrival: San Francisco, California
Port of Departure: Wellington, New Zealand
Destination: New Mexico, New Mexico, United States Last Residence:
Canada Archive information (series:roll number): M1410:188
~ ~
Name:
W J Cookson
Arrival Date:19 Jul 1925
Port of Departure:Rosario, Argentina
Ship Name:Lalande
Port of Arrival:Boston
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
July 12, 1926
Eureka Folk Camp At Tahoe
Eureka, July 12.- (special )
Rev.W.J. Cookson, pastor of the Presbyterian church here, who is in charge of the summer camp at lake Tahoe arrived here for the purpose of taking some studants to the lake for an outing. Fred Crofut will also help transort the young folk. Those who will make the trip are Agnes Evans, Melba harris, Lillian Evans, Orill Fletcher, Viola and Angelo Flollo.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
November 25, 1926
Eureka Pastor Loses Father
Eureka, Nov 25.-(Special )
Rev. W.J. Cookson has received word of the death of his father, a pioneer of colonizing days in New Zealand. Hale and active until a few weeks ago, the venerable immigrant had already prepared his garden for spring planting which is now at hand in the Southern hemisphere,when the flue took him off. He was the last surviver of the 1859 colonization unit from England. Rev.Mr.Cookson last saw his father two years ago.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
December 6, 1926
Mrs W.J. Cookson is confined to her bed with illness.
~ ~
Excerpt only from
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
Feb 12, 1927
Rev. W.J. Cookson officiated and a choir including Mrs. George Stott, Mrs. J.C. Jepson, Mrs L.F. Simonsen, and W.J. Cookson rendered several hymns at the church and grave .
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada) Feb 24 1927
Mrs. W.J. Cookson received a telegram Friday announcing the death of her brother-in-law, Eugene Hayden , at Ladysmith,Rusk, Wisconsin.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada) May 29, 1927
Eureka Church Re-dedicated
Eureka, may 19.- (Special )
Special services were held on Sunday to mark the dedication of the the rebuilt Presbyterian church here and the final week of the pastorate of Rev. W. J. Cookson who leaves soon because of his wife's ill health.
Work of rebuilding the church was started by Rev. Cookson in 1925 and since that time , he has labored, practically alone in the work of carpentry, masonry and painting.
There were two services on Sunday, both largely attended.
A large choir furnished the music and Dr. W.O. Forbes of the Pacific Coast headquarters of the Presbyterian church preached at both morning and evening services. In the morning he conducted communion and received a class of new members into the church.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
June 20, 1927
Warned that the condition of his heart made further residence in so high a altitude dangerous, Rev.W.J. Cookson accompanied by Mrs. Cookson left on Monday for Oregon.Mr. Cookson has been pastor of the Presbyterian church here for nearly three years. A farewell party was given to the family and a substantial financial gift was presented, to which many contributed. The Cooksons' returned to Eureka early this month from a church meeting in California intending to remain through June. A doctors advice changed their plans.
A temporary pastor for the summer months will arrive July 1 to conduct church services and the annual daily vacation bible school.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada) February 25, 1928
Red Tape Is Cut To Help Sick Minister
Eureka, Feb 25. – (Special )
The Southern Pacific cut all red tape, $300. was raised overnight in a mining camp and arrangements for a quick and easy journey to Portland, Ore were perfected all in one day, when Rev. W.J. Cookson was pronounced too ill with heart trouble to live another week in this high altitude.
Rev. Mr. Cookson became seriously ill two weeks ago while going about visiting the sick during a spell of rough weather, and when Dr. Leighton Ray decided that it would be dangerous for the patient to remain here a week, a committee undertook to raise funds in three days to send the minister and his wife to Portland, knowing that a ministers rewards were exceedingly scant on earth.Individuals of no church connections contributed much to the fund.
Recent mining depression creating hard times in this camp of not over 600 population , made the raising of the funds in a single day the more extraordinary .
The community has had two previous calls as well, in the past six months.
The Eureka –Nevada Railway through its local agent , J.P. Whitmore, and Supt. C.B. sexton and the Southern Pacific through J.H. McClure of Reno, did all that was possible to secure an easy and quick journey for the Mr. and Mrs. Cookson. Free tickets were presented the couple from Eureka to Palisade, and a birth on No.19 was made ready. At Reno, tickets for the journey through to Portland were presented to them. Rev. William moll Case of Reno was likewise appraised of the patient's arrival with his semi-invalid wife.
A wire has been received from Sacramento saying that Mr. Cookson's critical condition has been relieved by lower altitude.
Cookson is a native of Australia and learned the carpenter's trade there. He worked his passage on a ship to America, to study for the ministry. Before he finished his study his funds ran out and his wife's health failed. Together they went to Canada, where Cookson built a church and organized a parish in a remote section. He came to Eureka in 1924, when he undertook the rebuilding of the Presbyterian church and manse. In 1927 he left Eureka for his health, only to return upon hearing that no minister could be found to come here for the salary that could be paid. This was his second attack of heart trouble.
Last month Mr. Cookson was to receive full ordination at Eureka but the ceremony had to be postponed .
This he hopes to receive later in Oregon as a reward culminating years of hard work during which he labored in the ministry in remote parishes without being able to complete the course of study required for full ordination.
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
Saturday May 25, 1928
Eureka Minister is Ordained in Church
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette, Saturday , July 24, 1937
News was recently received in Eureka of the marriage of Mrs. Edythe McDermott to the Rev. Mr. Cookson. the couple are residing in Monument, Oregon. They both are former Eureka residents. Mr. Cookson was pastor of the Presbyterian church here about nine years ago. Mrs. Cookson was formerly Edythe J Swick of Eureka, and is a sister to W.J. Swick of Eureka.(Note by this writer, marriage records show her full name as Edythe Juliet McDermott) "JMB"
~ ~
BRUCE, APOLLONIA and AMACOY LAKE—Rev. W. J. Cookson, pastor. Work is opening up encouragingly under the new pastorate, although there Is no lack of problems with which the various churches have to contend and solve. Efforts are being put forth to arouse a deeper sense of responsibility regarding the temperance work of the places, with the hope that the saloons may be voted out. A union meeting of the Endeavorers of Bruce and Apollonla has been held, and one young lady- has been led into the Christian life as a partial result. Plans are to be carried into effect which will provide for the missionary apportionments to the different churches.
Our church life, Volume 14, Issue 12; Volumes 26-28 By Wisconsin Congregational Conference, Wisconsin Home Missionary Society, Congregational Churches of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Congregational Association
~ ~
Mrs. McDermott is back in the news by 1940 with the McDermott name so one is to assume the pastor and Edythe divorced.
~ ~
Nevada State Journal (Reno, Nevada)
January 31, 1940
Mrs. Edythe McDermott, educational supervisor of the Eureka recreational school, left recently for a visit to Salt lake City, Utah.( This is where her ex-husband John Claude Jepson lives.)
~ ~
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
November 19, 1957
The Rev. W J Cookson of Pennsylvania,former pastor of the Eureka Presbyterian church who was responsible for repairing and preserving the church 30 years ago, visited briefly in Eureka enroute to reside permenantly with members of his family in his native New Zealand. He was invited by the church to conduct Sunday evening services during which time he renewed old aquaintances. The pastor is 75 years of age.
New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1963 ( age 81 )
#16, Cookson, William John , 176 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Retired
District: Lyttelton
Region or Province: Canterbury.
Bio and Research by JMB
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: England Mother's Birth Place: Ireland
Home in 1910: Thornapple, Rusk, Wisconsin Marital Status: Single Race: White Gender: Male Year of immigration: 1907( Clergyman)
~ ~
Name: W J Cookson
Home in 1930: Monument, Grant, Oregon
Age: 48 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1882
Birthplace: New Zealand
Relation to Head of House:
Head Spouse's Name: May H Cookson Race: White
Name: May Hill Cookson Home in 1930: Monument, Grant, Oregon
Age: 50 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1880 Relation to Head of House: Wife Spouse's Name: W J Cookson Race: White
~ ~
Name: Wm John Cookson
Arrival Date: 4 Mar 1913
Port of Arrival: St Albans, Vermont, United States
Ship Name: Zealandia
Port of Departure: Sydney, Australia
Age: 29 Years 11 Months
Birth Date: abt 1883
Birth Country: New Zealand
Gender: Male/Race/Nationality: English
Record Type: Manifests
~ ~
Name: William J Cookson Arrival
Date: 3 Oct 1924
Age: 41 Birth Date: abt 1883
Birthplace: Ashburton, New Zealand
Gender: Male Ethnicity: English
Ship Name: Maunganui
Port of Arrival: San Francisco, California
Port of Departure: Wellington, New Zealand
Destination: New Mexico, New Mexico, United States Last Residence:
Canada Archive information (series:roll number): M1410:188
~ ~
Name:
W J Cookson
Arrival Date:19 Jul 1925
Port of Departure:Rosario, Argentina
Ship Name:Lalande
Port of Arrival:Boston
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Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
July 12, 1926
Eureka Folk Camp At Tahoe
Eureka, July 12.- (special )
Rev.W.J. Cookson, pastor of the Presbyterian church here, who is in charge of the summer camp at lake Tahoe arrived here for the purpose of taking some studants to the lake for an outing. Fred Crofut will also help transort the young folk. Those who will make the trip are Agnes Evans, Melba harris, Lillian Evans, Orill Fletcher, Viola and Angelo Flollo.
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Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
November 25, 1926
Eureka Pastor Loses Father
Eureka, Nov 25.-(Special )
Rev. W.J. Cookson has received word of the death of his father, a pioneer of colonizing days in New Zealand. Hale and active until a few weeks ago, the venerable immigrant had already prepared his garden for spring planting which is now at hand in the Southern hemisphere,when the flue took him off. He was the last surviver of the 1859 colonization unit from England. Rev.Mr.Cookson last saw his father two years ago.
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Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
December 6, 1926
Mrs W.J. Cookson is confined to her bed with illness.
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Excerpt only from
Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
Feb 12, 1927
Rev. W.J. Cookson officiated and a choir including Mrs. George Stott, Mrs. J.C. Jepson, Mrs L.F. Simonsen, and W.J. Cookson rendered several hymns at the church and grave .
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Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada) Feb 24 1927
Mrs. W.J. Cookson received a telegram Friday announcing the death of her brother-in-law, Eugene Hayden , at Ladysmith,Rusk, Wisconsin.
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Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada) May 29, 1927
Eureka Church Re-dedicated
Eureka, may 19.- (Special )
Special services were held on Sunday to mark the dedication of the the rebuilt Presbyterian church here and the final week of the pastorate of Rev. W. J. Cookson who leaves soon because of his wife's ill health.
Work of rebuilding the church was started by Rev. Cookson in 1925 and since that time , he has labored, practically alone in the work of carpentry, masonry and painting.
There were two services on Sunday, both largely attended.
A large choir furnished the music and Dr. W.O. Forbes of the Pacific Coast headquarters of the Presbyterian church preached at both morning and evening services. In the morning he conducted communion and received a class of new members into the church.
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Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
June 20, 1927
Warned that the condition of his heart made further residence in so high a altitude dangerous, Rev.W.J. Cookson accompanied by Mrs. Cookson left on Monday for Oregon.Mr. Cookson has been pastor of the Presbyterian church here for nearly three years. A farewell party was given to the family and a substantial financial gift was presented, to which many contributed. The Cooksons' returned to Eureka early this month from a church meeting in California intending to remain through June. A doctors advice changed their plans.
A temporary pastor for the summer months will arrive July 1 to conduct church services and the annual daily vacation bible school.
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Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada) February 25, 1928
Red Tape Is Cut To Help Sick Minister
Eureka, Feb 25. – (Special )
The Southern Pacific cut all red tape, $300. was raised overnight in a mining camp and arrangements for a quick and easy journey to Portland, Ore were perfected all in one day, when Rev. W.J. Cookson was pronounced too ill with heart trouble to live another week in this high altitude.
Rev. Mr. Cookson became seriously ill two weeks ago while going about visiting the sick during a spell of rough weather, and when Dr. Leighton Ray decided that it would be dangerous for the patient to remain here a week, a committee undertook to raise funds in three days to send the minister and his wife to Portland, knowing that a ministers rewards were exceedingly scant on earth.Individuals of no church connections contributed much to the fund.
Recent mining depression creating hard times in this camp of not over 600 population , made the raising of the funds in a single day the more extraordinary .
The community has had two previous calls as well, in the past six months.
The Eureka –Nevada Railway through its local agent , J.P. Whitmore, and Supt. C.B. sexton and the Southern Pacific through J.H. McClure of Reno, did all that was possible to secure an easy and quick journey for the Mr. and Mrs. Cookson. Free tickets were presented the couple from Eureka to Palisade, and a birth on No.19 was made ready. At Reno, tickets for the journey through to Portland were presented to them. Rev. William moll Case of Reno was likewise appraised of the patient's arrival with his semi-invalid wife.
A wire has been received from Sacramento saying that Mr. Cookson's critical condition has been relieved by lower altitude.
Cookson is a native of Australia and learned the carpenter's trade there. He worked his passage on a ship to America, to study for the ministry. Before he finished his study his funds ran out and his wife's health failed. Together they went to Canada, where Cookson built a church and organized a parish in a remote section. He came to Eureka in 1924, when he undertook the rebuilding of the Presbyterian church and manse. In 1927 he left Eureka for his health, only to return upon hearing that no minister could be found to come here for the salary that could be paid. This was his second attack of heart trouble.
Last month Mr. Cookson was to receive full ordination at Eureka but the ceremony had to be postponed .
This he hopes to receive later in Oregon as a reward culminating years of hard work during which he labored in the ministry in remote parishes without being able to complete the course of study required for full ordination.
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Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
Saturday May 25, 1928
Eureka Minister is Ordained in Church
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Reno Evening Gazette, Saturday , July 24, 1937
News was recently received in Eureka of the marriage of Mrs. Edythe McDermott to the Rev. Mr. Cookson. the couple are residing in Monument, Oregon. They both are former Eureka residents. Mr. Cookson was pastor of the Presbyterian church here about nine years ago. Mrs. Cookson was formerly Edythe J Swick of Eureka, and is a sister to W.J. Swick of Eureka.(Note by this writer, marriage records show her full name as Edythe Juliet McDermott) "JMB"
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BRUCE, APOLLONIA and AMACOY LAKE—Rev. W. J. Cookson, pastor. Work is opening up encouragingly under the new pastorate, although there Is no lack of problems with which the various churches have to contend and solve. Efforts are being put forth to arouse a deeper sense of responsibility regarding the temperance work of the places, with the hope that the saloons may be voted out. A union meeting of the Endeavorers of Bruce and Apollonla has been held, and one young lady- has been led into the Christian life as a partial result. Plans are to be carried into effect which will provide for the missionary apportionments to the different churches.
Our church life, Volume 14, Issue 12; Volumes 26-28 By Wisconsin Congregational Conference, Wisconsin Home Missionary Society, Congregational Churches of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Congregational Association
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Mrs. McDermott is back in the news by 1940 with the McDermott name so one is to assume the pastor and Edythe divorced.
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Nevada State Journal (Reno, Nevada)
January 31, 1940
Mrs. Edythe McDermott, educational supervisor of the Eureka recreational school, left recently for a visit to Salt lake City, Utah.( This is where her ex-husband John Claude Jepson lives.)
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Reno Evening Gazette (Reno, Nevada)
November 19, 1957
The Rev. W J Cookson of Pennsylvania,former pastor of the Eureka Presbyterian church who was responsible for repairing and preserving the church 30 years ago, visited briefly in Eureka enroute to reside permenantly with members of his family in his native New Zealand. He was invited by the church to conduct Sunday evening services during which time he renewed old aquaintances. The pastor is 75 years of age.
New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1963 ( age 81 )
#16, Cookson, William John , 176 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Retired
District: Lyttelton
Region or Province: Canterbury.
Bio and Research by JMB
Family Members
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