His father was killed during the War of 1812, and a few years later he left home to find work.
In 1829, in company with his brothers Hiram and Elbert, he engaged in the construction of the Chemung Canal, and settled at Havana, NY,[1] which was incorporated as a village in 1836.
In 1847, he was one of the first three Canal Commissioners elected under the New York State Constitution of 1846, and drew the one-year term.
After only seven years the county seat was moved to Watkins against Cook's fierce opposition.
He founded Cook Academy at Havana, NY, a boarding high school which closed after World War II.