Matthew Cooke (entomologist)

Born in Bushmills, County Antrim, on February 16, 1829, Matthew Cookie immigrated to the United States in 1850.

He studied entomology to solve the problem and by 1879 was able to address the State Fruit Growers on the Codling moth and other serious pests, including those of the important wine crop.

In 1881 he was appointed Chief Executive Horticultural and Health Officer of California and drew up quarantine regulations relating to insects.

The Matthew Cooke Entomological Chart shows similarities with those produced by Robert Patterson in Belfast.

He wrote numerous pamphlets and articles (mostly published in the Pacific Rural Press and the Sacramento Daily Record-Union).