Father of Admiral Francis Augustus Cook [1843-1916] who is located at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery, Annapolis, MD, along with his wife Carrie and their son Harold.
Benjamin Ely Cook was born December 31, 1803 at Hyde Park, NY, the son of Dr. George Whitfield and Margaret Teller Cook. About 1816 he became apprentice to silversmith Isaiah Griffen at Hudson, NY learning all there was to know concerning the gold, silver and watchmaking trade and by 1826 was working as a silversmith at Troy where he was also known to have created eyeglasses as well. It was in Troy where he also worked for Abram Fellows & Co.
An advertisement in the Hampshire County Massachusetts newspaper, The Hampshire Gazette, dated at Northampton, January 22, 1827 gave notice that Nathan Storrs was forming a partnership with Cook explicitly stating how well versed they were in their chosen field offering "perfect satisfaction" in all aspects of the business, including clock making, at the "sign of the Watch" No. 12 Shop Row. This was the shop previously occupied by the goldsmith Samuel Stiles established by him in 1785 and succeeded by Storrs in 1792.
On May 21, 1827 at Claverack, NY, Cook married Elizabeth Christine Griffen daughter of his mentor Isaiah Griffen (c1777-1863) and his wife Waitstill Butler (1779-1867)[one source states she was born in 1782 at Edgartown, MA] they had married August 8, 1801 at Hudson, NY. It was about the year of his marriage that his portrait was painted, within it he is wearing a white cravat, shirt and black coat, it sets in a broad wooden frame and descended to the estate of his son Admiral Frank A. Cook. I imagine there was a matching portrait of his wife Elizabeth Christine as tradition might dictate. Along with his portrait was his small, leather-covered rectangular trunk with brass lock, leather carrying handle with brass nails at front, rear, and top corners, along edge of cover, attaching carrying handle and decorating the sides and front, the interior lined with cream-colored wallpaper decorated with red floral sprays. Within the box were his watch, spoons and other material belonging to him.
At this time Cook was in the prime of his years, a strong resolute energetic man, fine military figure, an up and coming power in the general affairs of the Northampton community. Their store, the old Butler bookstore, established in 1796, and Dr. Ebenezer Hunt's drug store were the only stores on Shop Row that had never changed their business from the beginnings. Handsome fortunes
had been made there by the owners, with means of industry, frugality and skillful management. Also with Cook at the time was Nathan Storrs, Jr. and Wells Storrs, another son of Nathan, Sr., who was often seen about the place, B. E. Cook being the trustee of his estate under the will of their father.
As Storrs & Cook he partnered with Nathan Storrs at Northampton from 1827 until Storrs retired on May 13, 1833 buying out his interest in the firm at the time. A year into their partnership, at Cook's request, Storrs built a new building; 3 stories high, 18 1/2 feet wide & 50 feet in depth, at the expense of Storrs and Simeon Butler, a bookseller and bookbinder established in the adjoining shop. The cost of $2200 was Storr's part and $2500 for Simeon Butler. The front of the building was constructed of granite quarried in Williamsburg and it became known as the granite stores, one of the first commercial blocks on Shop Row. Storrs and Cook also had a shop in Amherst as an 1829 advertisement attests; "Storrs & Cook will continue to furnish their shop in Amherst, with a good stock of Goods."
In 1844 Cook was listed among those who were members of the Society of the Detection of Thieves and Robbers, first instituted in 1782, which with the growing efficiency of the Police force was dissolved about 1850 or 1860. Politically Cook was noted to be a Whig.
In 1846 he was Captain of Co. B, 3rd Regt, 6th Brigade, 3rd Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia under Col. Justin Thayer of Northampton as noted on p196 of Loring's Massachusetts Register for 1847. On Friday July 27, 1849 at Greenfield, Major Benjamin Ely Cook of the 6th Brigade Massachusetts Volunteer Militia was chosen Brigadier General, replacing Gen. Charles Devens, Jr. who had resigned.
An Encampment was held at Springdale on August 28th & 29th, 1851 by the 6th Brigade, 3rd Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, General B. E. Cook, Commanding, so stated on non transferable tickets with orders from Head Quarters at Northampton bearing date of August 11, 1851.
From 1834 to 1858 Cook worked as a silversmith, jeweler, and watchmaker at Northampton, he appears on the 1850 US Federal Census taken there noting him as a watchmaker. He partnered with his son Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. as B. E. COOK & SON from 1858 until his death February 25, 1900.
When the Old Church was burned General Cook obtained one of the large step-stones and had it set on the curb in front of his store on Shop Row where it remained a number of years, later being removed to his house on Bridge street.
General Cook drew a plan of Shop Row as it was in 1828, and Henry P. Billings, register of deeds, placed it on the county records, where it hopefully may still be seen.
An old watch paper exists printed by M. King at Troy, NY, bearing a charming little engraving of two winged cherubs aside a fancy banjo clock topped by a tea pot, or possibly a chocolate pot, below a pocket watch hung with a ribbon, as the angelic cherubs, one holding a spoon, the other the holloware handled pot, each, with their other hands, hold a draped banner which reads "BENJn. E. COOK. Watch-Maker & Jeweller. NORTHAMPTON." all surrounded by a circular acanthus leaf design.
Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. (February 14, 1841-December 14, 1930) began to learn the jewelry business with his father as a young lad. Later in 1863 at age 22 he enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War serving in Co. C, 52nd Reg't, Mass. Vols. completing his service in 1864.
Northampton was incorporated as a city in 1883 and Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. was elected it's first Mayor, winning re-election in 1884 and 85.
An apprentice, Benjamin A. Phelps (c1849-1921) learned the jewelers trade at B. E. Cook & Son. In his obituary it stated he had been associated with the firm for over 50 years. His father Ebenezer Phelps was also employed at the store for many years prior.
Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. wrote a letter to the editor of the Daily Hampshire Gazette in tribute to Phelps which read "He was associated with me in the jewelry business for fifty years, learning the trade thoroughly and becoming a first class watch maker and engraver. His father was an expert repairer and engraver for my father forty years previous to that..."
Edward J. Gare, Sr. entered the employ of B. E. Cook & Son Jewelers on January 19, 1884. His son, Edward J. Gare, Jr. began working at the shop in 1912.
*Reminiscences of Old Northampton, Sketches of the Town as it appeared from 1840 to 1850, by Henry Sherwood Gere (1828-1914), Northampton, MA, 1902.
Benjamin Ely Cook was born December 31, 1803 at Hyde Park, NY, the son of Dr. George Whitfield and Margaret Teller Cook. About 1816 he became apprentice to silversmith Isaiah Griffen at Hudson, NY learning all there was to know concerning the gold, silver and watchmaking trade and by 1826 was working as a silversmith at Troy where he was also known to have created eyeglasses as well. It was in Troy where he also worked for Abram Fellows & Co.
An advertisement in the Hampshire County Massachusetts newspaper, The Hampshire Gazette, dated at Northampton, January 22, 1827 gave notice that Nathan Storrs was forming a partnership with Cook explicitly stating how well versed they were in their chosen field offering "perfect satisfaction" in all aspects of the business, including clock making, at the "sign of the Watch" No. 12 Shop Row. This was the shop previously occupied by the goldsmith Samuel Stiles established by him in 1785 and succeeded by Storrs in 1792.
On May 21, 1827 at Claverack, NY, Cook married Elizabeth Christine Griffen daughter of his mentor Isaiah Griffen (c1777-1863) and his wife Waitstill Butler (1779-1867)[one source states she was born in 1782 at Edgartown, MA] they had married August 8, 1801 at Hudson, NY. It was about the year of his marriage that his portrait was painted, within it he is wearing a white cravat, shirt and black coat, it sets in a broad wooden frame and descended to the estate of his son Admiral Frank A. Cook. I imagine there was a matching portrait of his wife Elizabeth Christine as tradition might dictate. Along with his portrait was his small, leather-covered rectangular trunk with brass lock, leather carrying handle with brass nails at front, rear, and top corners, along edge of cover, attaching carrying handle and decorating the sides and front, the interior lined with cream-colored wallpaper decorated with red floral sprays. Within the box were his watch, spoons and other material belonging to him.
At this time Cook was in the prime of his years, a strong resolute energetic man, fine military figure, an up and coming power in the general affairs of the Northampton community. Their store, the old Butler bookstore, established in 1796, and Dr. Ebenezer Hunt's drug store were the only stores on Shop Row that had never changed their business from the beginnings. Handsome fortunes
had been made there by the owners, with means of industry, frugality and skillful management. Also with Cook at the time was Nathan Storrs, Jr. and Wells Storrs, another son of Nathan, Sr., who was often seen about the place, B. E. Cook being the trustee of his estate under the will of their father.
As Storrs & Cook he partnered with Nathan Storrs at Northampton from 1827 until Storrs retired on May 13, 1833 buying out his interest in the firm at the time. A year into their partnership, at Cook's request, Storrs built a new building; 3 stories high, 18 1/2 feet wide & 50 feet in depth, at the expense of Storrs and Simeon Butler, a bookseller and bookbinder established in the adjoining shop. The cost of $2200 was Storr's part and $2500 for Simeon Butler. The front of the building was constructed of granite quarried in Williamsburg and it became known as the granite stores, one of the first commercial blocks on Shop Row. Storrs and Cook also had a shop in Amherst as an 1829 advertisement attests; "Storrs & Cook will continue to furnish their shop in Amherst, with a good stock of Goods."
In 1844 Cook was listed among those who were members of the Society of the Detection of Thieves and Robbers, first instituted in 1782, which with the growing efficiency of the Police force was dissolved about 1850 or 1860. Politically Cook was noted to be a Whig.
In 1846 he was Captain of Co. B, 3rd Regt, 6th Brigade, 3rd Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia under Col. Justin Thayer of Northampton as noted on p196 of Loring's Massachusetts Register for 1847. On Friday July 27, 1849 at Greenfield, Major Benjamin Ely Cook of the 6th Brigade Massachusetts Volunteer Militia was chosen Brigadier General, replacing Gen. Charles Devens, Jr. who had resigned.
An Encampment was held at Springdale on August 28th & 29th, 1851 by the 6th Brigade, 3rd Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, General B. E. Cook, Commanding, so stated on non transferable tickets with orders from Head Quarters at Northampton bearing date of August 11, 1851.
From 1834 to 1858 Cook worked as a silversmith, jeweler, and watchmaker at Northampton, he appears on the 1850 US Federal Census taken there noting him as a watchmaker. He partnered with his son Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. as B. E. COOK & SON from 1858 until his death February 25, 1900.
When the Old Church was burned General Cook obtained one of the large step-stones and had it set on the curb in front of his store on Shop Row where it remained a number of years, later being removed to his house on Bridge street.
General Cook drew a plan of Shop Row as it was in 1828, and Henry P. Billings, register of deeds, placed it on the county records, where it hopefully may still be seen.
An old watch paper exists printed by M. King at Troy, NY, bearing a charming little engraving of two winged cherubs aside a fancy banjo clock topped by a tea pot, or possibly a chocolate pot, below a pocket watch hung with a ribbon, as the angelic cherubs, one holding a spoon, the other the holloware handled pot, each, with their other hands, hold a draped banner which reads "BENJn. E. COOK. Watch-Maker & Jeweller. NORTHAMPTON." all surrounded by a circular acanthus leaf design.
Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. (February 14, 1841-December 14, 1930) began to learn the jewelry business with his father as a young lad. Later in 1863 at age 22 he enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War serving in Co. C, 52nd Reg't, Mass. Vols. completing his service in 1864.
Northampton was incorporated as a city in 1883 and Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. was elected it's first Mayor, winning re-election in 1884 and 85.
An apprentice, Benjamin A. Phelps (c1849-1921) learned the jewelers trade at B. E. Cook & Son. In his obituary it stated he had been associated with the firm for over 50 years. His father Ebenezer Phelps was also employed at the store for many years prior.
Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. wrote a letter to the editor of the Daily Hampshire Gazette in tribute to Phelps which read "He was associated with me in the jewelry business for fifty years, learning the trade thoroughly and becoming a first class watch maker and engraver. His father was an expert repairer and engraver for my father forty years previous to that..."
Edward J. Gare, Sr. entered the employ of B. E. Cook & Son Jewelers on January 19, 1884. His son, Edward J. Gare, Jr. began working at the shop in 1912.
*Reminiscences of Old Northampton, Sketches of the Town as it appeared from 1840 to 1850, by Henry Sherwood Gere (1828-1914), Northampton, MA, 1902.
Father of Admiral Francis Augustus Cook [1843-1916] who is located at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery, Annapolis, MD, along with his wife Carrie and their son Harold.
Benjamin Ely Cook was born December 31, 1803 at Hyde Park, NY, the son of Dr. George Whitfield and Margaret Teller Cook. About 1816 he became apprentice to silversmith Isaiah Griffen at Hudson, NY learning all there was to know concerning the gold, silver and watchmaking trade and by 1826 was working as a silversmith at Troy where he was also known to have created eyeglasses as well. It was in Troy where he also worked for Abram Fellows & Co.
An advertisement in the Hampshire County Massachusetts newspaper, The Hampshire Gazette, dated at Northampton, January 22, 1827 gave notice that Nathan Storrs was forming a partnership with Cook explicitly stating how well versed they were in their chosen field offering "perfect satisfaction" in all aspects of the business, including clock making, at the "sign of the Watch" No. 12 Shop Row. This was the shop previously occupied by the goldsmith Samuel Stiles established by him in 1785 and succeeded by Storrs in 1792.
On May 21, 1827 at Claverack, NY, Cook married Elizabeth Christine Griffen daughter of his mentor Isaiah Griffen (c1777-1863) and his wife Waitstill Butler (1779-1867)[one source states she was born in 1782 at Edgartown, MA] they had married August 8, 1801 at Hudson, NY. It was about the year of his marriage that his portrait was painted, within it he is wearing a white cravat, shirt and black coat, it sets in a broad wooden frame and descended to the estate of his son Admiral Frank A. Cook. I imagine there was a matching portrait of his wife Elizabeth Christine as tradition might dictate. Along with his portrait was his small, leather-covered rectangular trunk with brass lock, leather carrying handle with brass nails at front, rear, and top corners, along edge of cover, attaching carrying handle and decorating the sides and front, the interior lined with cream-colored wallpaper decorated with red floral sprays. Within the box were his watch, spoons and other material belonging to him.
At this time Cook was in the prime of his years, a strong resolute energetic man, fine military figure, an up and coming power in the general affairs of the Northampton community. Their store, the old Butler bookstore, established in 1796, and Dr. Ebenezer Hunt's drug store were the only stores on Shop Row that had never changed their business from the beginnings. Handsome fortunes
had been made there by the owners, with means of industry, frugality and skillful management. Also with Cook at the time was Nathan Storrs, Jr. and Wells Storrs, another son of Nathan, Sr., who was often seen about the place, B. E. Cook being the trustee of his estate under the will of their father.
As Storrs & Cook he partnered with Nathan Storrs at Northampton from 1827 until Storrs retired on May 13, 1833 buying out his interest in the firm at the time. A year into their partnership, at Cook's request, Storrs built a new building; 3 stories high, 18 1/2 feet wide & 50 feet in depth, at the expense of Storrs and Simeon Butler, a bookseller and bookbinder established in the adjoining shop. The cost of $2200 was Storr's part and $2500 for Simeon Butler. The front of the building was constructed of granite quarried in Williamsburg and it became known as the granite stores, one of the first commercial blocks on Shop Row. Storrs and Cook also had a shop in Amherst as an 1829 advertisement attests; "Storrs & Cook will continue to furnish their shop in Amherst, with a good stock of Goods."
In 1844 Cook was listed among those who were members of the Society of the Detection of Thieves and Robbers, first instituted in 1782, which with the growing efficiency of the Police force was dissolved about 1850 or 1860. Politically Cook was noted to be a Whig.
In 1846 he was Captain of Co. B, 3rd Regt, 6th Brigade, 3rd Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia under Col. Justin Thayer of Northampton as noted on p196 of Loring's Massachusetts Register for 1847. On Friday July 27, 1849 at Greenfield, Major Benjamin Ely Cook of the 6th Brigade Massachusetts Volunteer Militia was chosen Brigadier General, replacing Gen. Charles Devens, Jr. who had resigned.
An Encampment was held at Springdale on August 28th & 29th, 1851 by the 6th Brigade, 3rd Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, General B. E. Cook, Commanding, so stated on non transferable tickets with orders from Head Quarters at Northampton bearing date of August 11, 1851.
From 1834 to 1858 Cook worked as a silversmith, jeweler, and watchmaker at Northampton, he appears on the 1850 US Federal Census taken there noting him as a watchmaker. He partnered with his son Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. as B. E. COOK & SON from 1858 until his death February 25, 1900.
When the Old Church was burned General Cook obtained one of the large step-stones and had it set on the curb in front of his store on Shop Row where it remained a number of years, later being removed to his house on Bridge street.
General Cook drew a plan of Shop Row as it was in 1828, and Henry P. Billings, register of deeds, placed it on the county records, where it hopefully may still be seen.
An old watch paper exists printed by M. King at Troy, NY, bearing a charming little engraving of two winged cherubs aside a fancy banjo clock topped by a tea pot, or possibly a chocolate pot, below a pocket watch hung with a ribbon, as the angelic cherubs, one holding a spoon, the other the holloware handled pot, each, with their other hands, hold a draped banner which reads "BENJn. E. COOK. Watch-Maker & Jeweller. NORTHAMPTON." all surrounded by a circular acanthus leaf design.
Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. (February 14, 1841-December 14, 1930) began to learn the jewelry business with his father as a young lad. Later in 1863 at age 22 he enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War serving in Co. C, 52nd Reg't, Mass. Vols. completing his service in 1864.
Northampton was incorporated as a city in 1883 and Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. was elected it's first Mayor, winning re-election in 1884 and 85.
An apprentice, Benjamin A. Phelps (c1849-1921) learned the jewelers trade at B. E. Cook & Son. In his obituary it stated he had been associated with the firm for over 50 years. His father Ebenezer Phelps was also employed at the store for many years prior.
Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. wrote a letter to the editor of the Daily Hampshire Gazette in tribute to Phelps which read "He was associated with me in the jewelry business for fifty years, learning the trade thoroughly and becoming a first class watch maker and engraver. His father was an expert repairer and engraver for my father forty years previous to that..."
Edward J. Gare, Sr. entered the employ of B. E. Cook & Son Jewelers on January 19, 1884. His son, Edward J. Gare, Jr. began working at the shop in 1912.
*Reminiscences of Old Northampton, Sketches of the Town as it appeared from 1840 to 1850, by Henry Sherwood Gere (1828-1914), Northampton, MA, 1902.
Benjamin Ely Cook was born December 31, 1803 at Hyde Park, NY, the son of Dr. George Whitfield and Margaret Teller Cook. About 1816 he became apprentice to silversmith Isaiah Griffen at Hudson, NY learning all there was to know concerning the gold, silver and watchmaking trade and by 1826 was working as a silversmith at Troy where he was also known to have created eyeglasses as well. It was in Troy where he also worked for Abram Fellows & Co.
An advertisement in the Hampshire County Massachusetts newspaper, The Hampshire Gazette, dated at Northampton, January 22, 1827 gave notice that Nathan Storrs was forming a partnership with Cook explicitly stating how well versed they were in their chosen field offering "perfect satisfaction" in all aspects of the business, including clock making, at the "sign of the Watch" No. 12 Shop Row. This was the shop previously occupied by the goldsmith Samuel Stiles established by him in 1785 and succeeded by Storrs in 1792.
On May 21, 1827 at Claverack, NY, Cook married Elizabeth Christine Griffen daughter of his mentor Isaiah Griffen (c1777-1863) and his wife Waitstill Butler (1779-1867)[one source states she was born in 1782 at Edgartown, MA] they had married August 8, 1801 at Hudson, NY. It was about the year of his marriage that his portrait was painted, within it he is wearing a white cravat, shirt and black coat, it sets in a broad wooden frame and descended to the estate of his son Admiral Frank A. Cook. I imagine there was a matching portrait of his wife Elizabeth Christine as tradition might dictate. Along with his portrait was his small, leather-covered rectangular trunk with brass lock, leather carrying handle with brass nails at front, rear, and top corners, along edge of cover, attaching carrying handle and decorating the sides and front, the interior lined with cream-colored wallpaper decorated with red floral sprays. Within the box were his watch, spoons and other material belonging to him.
At this time Cook was in the prime of his years, a strong resolute energetic man, fine military figure, an up and coming power in the general affairs of the Northampton community. Their store, the old Butler bookstore, established in 1796, and Dr. Ebenezer Hunt's drug store were the only stores on Shop Row that had never changed their business from the beginnings. Handsome fortunes
had been made there by the owners, with means of industry, frugality and skillful management. Also with Cook at the time was Nathan Storrs, Jr. and Wells Storrs, another son of Nathan, Sr., who was often seen about the place, B. E. Cook being the trustee of his estate under the will of their father.
As Storrs & Cook he partnered with Nathan Storrs at Northampton from 1827 until Storrs retired on May 13, 1833 buying out his interest in the firm at the time. A year into their partnership, at Cook's request, Storrs built a new building; 3 stories high, 18 1/2 feet wide & 50 feet in depth, at the expense of Storrs and Simeon Butler, a bookseller and bookbinder established in the adjoining shop. The cost of $2200 was Storr's part and $2500 for Simeon Butler. The front of the building was constructed of granite quarried in Williamsburg and it became known as the granite stores, one of the first commercial blocks on Shop Row. Storrs and Cook also had a shop in Amherst as an 1829 advertisement attests; "Storrs & Cook will continue to furnish their shop in Amherst, with a good stock of Goods."
In 1844 Cook was listed among those who were members of the Society of the Detection of Thieves and Robbers, first instituted in 1782, which with the growing efficiency of the Police force was dissolved about 1850 or 1860. Politically Cook was noted to be a Whig.
In 1846 he was Captain of Co. B, 3rd Regt, 6th Brigade, 3rd Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia under Col. Justin Thayer of Northampton as noted on p196 of Loring's Massachusetts Register for 1847. On Friday July 27, 1849 at Greenfield, Major Benjamin Ely Cook of the 6th Brigade Massachusetts Volunteer Militia was chosen Brigadier General, replacing Gen. Charles Devens, Jr. who had resigned.
An Encampment was held at Springdale on August 28th & 29th, 1851 by the 6th Brigade, 3rd Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, General B. E. Cook, Commanding, so stated on non transferable tickets with orders from Head Quarters at Northampton bearing date of August 11, 1851.
From 1834 to 1858 Cook worked as a silversmith, jeweler, and watchmaker at Northampton, he appears on the 1850 US Federal Census taken there noting him as a watchmaker. He partnered with his son Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. as B. E. COOK & SON from 1858 until his death February 25, 1900.
When the Old Church was burned General Cook obtained one of the large step-stones and had it set on the curb in front of his store on Shop Row where it remained a number of years, later being removed to his house on Bridge street.
General Cook drew a plan of Shop Row as it was in 1828, and Henry P. Billings, register of deeds, placed it on the county records, where it hopefully may still be seen.
An old watch paper exists printed by M. King at Troy, NY, bearing a charming little engraving of two winged cherubs aside a fancy banjo clock topped by a tea pot, or possibly a chocolate pot, below a pocket watch hung with a ribbon, as the angelic cherubs, one holding a spoon, the other the holloware handled pot, each, with their other hands, hold a draped banner which reads "BENJn. E. COOK. Watch-Maker & Jeweller. NORTHAMPTON." all surrounded by a circular acanthus leaf design.
Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. (February 14, 1841-December 14, 1930) began to learn the jewelry business with his father as a young lad. Later in 1863 at age 22 he enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War serving in Co. C, 52nd Reg't, Mass. Vols. completing his service in 1864.
Northampton was incorporated as a city in 1883 and Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. was elected it's first Mayor, winning re-election in 1884 and 85.
An apprentice, Benjamin A. Phelps (c1849-1921) learned the jewelers trade at B. E. Cook & Son. In his obituary it stated he had been associated with the firm for over 50 years. His father Ebenezer Phelps was also employed at the store for many years prior.
Benjamin Ely Cook, Jr. wrote a letter to the editor of the Daily Hampshire Gazette in tribute to Phelps which read "He was associated with me in the jewelry business for fifty years, learning the trade thoroughly and becoming a first class watch maker and engraver. His father was an expert repairer and engraver for my father forty years previous to that..."
Edward J. Gare, Sr. entered the employ of B. E. Cook & Son Jewelers on January 19, 1884. His son, Edward J. Gare, Jr. began working at the shop in 1912.
*Reminiscences of Old Northampton, Sketches of the Town as it appeared from 1840 to 1850, by Henry Sherwood Gere (1828-1914), Northampton, MA, 1902.
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