"Our chief duty when we meet in Convention is to devise such measures...as will enable us to maintain a home government, under the control of the white people of the State.

Cook campaigned for a seat on the position that he would oppose attempts to limit Black voting rights.

[11][12][3][13] On July 23, 1890, Cook was assassinated as he approached a log schoolhouse in a rural area near Mount Zion Church.

[12] The Jackson Daily Clarion-Ledger wrote, "Cook was slain because of his inflammatory speeches and efforts to stir up strife and bad blood between the races.

[17] Terre Haute Daily News wrote that Cook "had the reputation of being a turbulent spirit in the community, and his chief desire seemed to be to antagonize and engender all the race prejudices possible.

"[14] The Grenada Sentinel wrote, "While we have the utmost detestation for such characters as Marsh Cook, we have a greater of assassination.

[19] The Davenport Morning Tribune reported, "The Memphis Avalanche agrees that Marsh Cook was murdered because he was brave enough to publicly proclaim his convictions.