John Francis Cook
John Cook was born in Washington D.C. in September of 1833 to a very affluent, respected family. His father was a slave, but thanks to a family member purchasing his freedom, he was able to become a very successful clergyman. Cook’s father also became the first superintendent of Washington’s colored public schools. He was a very respected community member in D.C. John’s father sent him to the Central College in New York to study from the years 1849-1853. After completing school at Central College, John went to Oberlin College. Unfortunately, John left college in 1855 after the passing of his father, and returned to Washington D.C. where he continued to run the Union Seminary, a private school that his father owned.
After the Civil War, John became a clerk in the office of the District Tax Collector, and by 1874, he had become the head of the office. John was a very accomplished citizen, he was an alderman, a city registrar, justice of the peace, and commissioner of jurors. He was also the District Delegate to three national Republican Party Conventions. He dedicated his life to the advancement of the black community through education, a politician and an activist. He fought against racism and discrimination and was an inspiration to many by proving that a black man could be an important influence in America’s political, social and economic circles.
John died on January 20, 1910. His work for the black community (and America) should be recognized still, in our opinion.
Samuel Datcher
Samuel was originally from Washington D.C. He attended Central College in 1852-1853. Samuel is on record for working for the Contingent Expenses of the War Department: he was paid eight dollars for assisting in making fires, cleaning rooms for January 1857.
On the 1860 Census, Samuel Datcher, age 25, was working as a hotel waiter in Niagara, Niagara County, NY. In 1863, Samuel signed up for the Civil War Draft, in Washington D.C. He was given a position by the War Department, as a laborer in Washington D.C. There are records showing he was paid $10 for his service in the office of the Secretary of the War.
Listed in the Washington D.C. City Directory for 1865, Samuel was a messenger for the War Department.
On April 19, 1866, Samuel was married to Mary V. Cook, a teacher working in Washington D.C. At this time, Samuel was working as a messenger in D.C.
On the 1870 Census, Mary V Datcher and her 3 year old daughter, Elinor J. Datcher, were living with Mary’s family in Washington D.C. Mary was listed as a teacher, and her brother George Cook, was listed as the superintendent of public schools. Samuel is no longer with them, and no record of his death can be found. Mary went on to become the principal of the Stevens School in the 1870’s, and later, vice-president of the National Association for the Relief of Destitute Colored Women and Children, a cause for which she worked tirelessly up until her death in 1914.
Here is a link where you can find our digital map of these two lives.