Excerpt from Memoir of the Late Hon. Daniel P. Cook: Read Before the Chicago Historical Society, June 9, 1857

Mr. Cook was born Of very respectable parentage, in the County Of Scott, in the State of Kentucky, about the year 17 94. In his early youth, he enjoyed only such means Of education as were afforded by the common schools Of his native State. If he studied the classics at all, it must have been in the later years Of his life, and after he had entered upon its arduous duties. It is, however, certain he pursued no collegiate course.

When quite young he was placed by his parents in a mercantile establishment, but continued therein but a short time. This sphere was too limited for his high aspirations; and leaving trade and commerce to minds less ardent than his own, he commenced the study Of the law with the late Hon. John pope, Of Kentucky, then in the zenith of his fame, and engaged in a large and lucrative practice.

Mr. Cook came to the Territory Of Illinois in the latter part Of the year 1815, and established himself in business at Kaskaskia, the seat Of the Territorial Government, and the only considerable town in the country, embracing a population Of from seven hundred to one thousand inbah itants, two-thirds of whom were native French. He entered successfully into the practice Of the law, attending the courts in all the then organized counties) (except those upon the Wabash) and in the lower counties in the Territory of Missouri. The business of the-courts at this period was comparatively small, owing to the few inhabitants in the Territory, and the limited business transacted by them. It is probable that few, if any, of the profession, at that day, supported themselves exclusively by their practice. Many were engaged in agricultural pursuits; and others occupied a portion Of their time in land speculations.

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