James William Cook

Who was James William Cook?

James William Cook was a lumber merchant and political figure in Canada West.

He was born in Williamsburgh Township in Upper Canada in 1820. His family operated a timber business along the South Nation and Castor Rivers in the eastern part of the province. The firm's main office was situated in Morrisburg. The business expanded to include operations near Quebec City, Toronto and Barrie. In 1857, he was elected to the 6th Parliament of the Province of Canada representing Dundas.

His uncle John Cook had earlier represented Dundas in the Legislative Assembly. His brother Hermon Henry served in the federal and provincial legislatures and his brother Simon served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

He died at Morrisburg in 1875.

His daughter Ella later married Joseph Philippe Baby Casgrain, a land surveyor and politician from Quebec.