Benjamin Franklin Cook

Benjamin Franklin Cook (January 1, 1833 – September 3, 1915) was an American military officer who served with the Union Army during the American Civil War. He later served three terms as mayor of Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Early life Cook was born in Boston, on January 1, 1833, to Jeremiah R. and Harriet (Tarr) Cook. His mother was a descendant of colonial military officer Benjamin Church. His father worked in the glass business in Boston and was a captain in the Massachusetts state militia. In 1839, the family moved to Gloucester. Cook attended Gloucester public schools, then worked in the paint and oil business. In 1851, he became a member of the state militia. Cook also saw action at Cedar Mountain, Thoroughfare Gap, South Mountain, Fredericksburg, Chantilly, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Mine Run as well as 21 battles during the Overland Campaign.

Government service After the War, Cook spent most of his career working at the Gloucester Custom House. He was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives during the 1868 and 1869 Massachusetts legislatures and was a member of the Massachusetts Senate in 1887, 1888, and 1889.