Ira Cook (October 6, 1821 - March 11, 1902) was an American surveyor, mayor, banker, tax collector, city council member, investor and entrepreneur from Des Moines, Iowa.

In 1849, he teamed with John Evans on a contract which began his four-plus year career as a government surveyor.

Fearful that they might lose the child due to provisions in her father's will, Cook consulted with John A. Kasson, then practicing law in Des Moines.

Mary gave birth to a daughter of their own on June 5, 1859, Rachel Faxton Cook[6] and their second child was Carrie L.

[7] In 1866, he moved back to Des Moines and was elected to two terms on the city council.

[8] Visitors to the State Historical Museum in Des Moines will find Ira Cook featured in the “You Gotta Know the Territory” exhibit.