G. W. Cook Correspondence, 1857-1860

Correspondence between a Grinnell citizen, George Washington Cook, and family and acquaintances between 1857 and 1860.

grinnell:12391
Electa writes about how she misses the family, asks for news of family members, and gives updates on those in Iowa. George writes that the College railroad business are completed.
grinnell:12329
George writes because he forgot to send money to Collins and Henry and has found out some further information concerning the deeds they want to purchase.
grinnell:12396
In the first part of the letter, George writes of people in town, the weather and crops and livestock. In the second part he writes about some wells being dry, crops, the railroad, and land prices. The names Ezra Grinnell, Fred Taylor, and someone by the last name Monroe.
grinnell:12384
George writes of the move of Iowa College from Davenport to Grinnell, and reports that one of the buildings is nearly finished. He also discusses the location of the planned railroad depot and the building of a bridge across the Iowa River. Land and building in the town of Grinnell is also discussed.
grinnell:12352
George writes to Sarah to discuss the purchase of a deed. Other topics include land, lumber, the Baptist Church, the railroad, and prices of goods.
grinnell:12345
George writes to his sister, Sarah, concerning the receiving of a check and a mortgage deed.
grinnell:12340
The letter seems to be a fragment. The first paragraph discusses the where the writer lives, and details of the surrounding area. The second paragraph discusses information concerning state government and jurisdiction districts. Also mentioned is the State University [later University of Iowa].
grinnell:12402
George writes that at the first good opportunity, they are going to leave Grinnell and move back East. He asks her to be on the lookout for property. He also details local crop prices. The Congregational Church is mentioned.
grinnell:12423
Two envelopes, unclear which letters with which they belong. One addressed to Collins Cook, one addressed to Sarah E. Cook.
grinnell:12427
grinnell:12425
grinnell:12418
George sends Collins a lock of the dog's hair and sends greetings to the animals.
grinnell:12412
Part of some other letter, clearly dates from somewhere between April 1857 and December 2, 1859. George writes that John Brown, eleven slaves, and a group of men came through town. The fact that there is an Underground Railroad stop is mentioned. Mentions various churches and settlers.
grinnell:12407
This letter is probably part of another letter. George gives a description of his property, and seems to be explaining portions of a map. Mortgages are also discussed.