George Cook
George Cook's great-great grandfather Ellis was one of the first English settlers on the eastern end of Long Island in 1644. (Along with Samuel Raynor's ancestors) Ellis Cook was a carpenter from Leicestershire, England.
The Cook's Property on Long Island in 1651
One hundred years later, George's grandfather would move to the western end of Essex County, New Jersey, near Livingston. This move would bring the Cooks into contact with the Elys.
Livingston, New Jersey 1770's Map
Woodworking must have run in the family because George would become a cabinetmaker. By age 19 he had moved to New York City to work. Apparently not being successful in his profession he ended up changing careers and went to work for Caleb Bartlett by 1839 at 71 Fulton.
How did George and Caleb get together? I think maybe it was through his dad's sister. His aunt Rebecca was married to Moses Ely the father of Smith Ely. Smith owned the building at 71 Fulton, had a chair business there and was in Richard Bartlett's legal practice. Plus, he was also married to Caleb's sister Abigail. Also, Moses's grandson was Eugene Ely who was now taking over printing Caleb's playing cards with John D. Abbot. Then in 1842 the card printing would be known as Ely, Smith & Cook.
(Refer to the page called Family connections to see these relationships)
How did George and Caleb get together? I think maybe it was through his dad's sister. His aunt Rebecca was married to Moses Ely the father of Smith Ely. Smith owned the building at 71 Fulton, had a chair business there and was in Richard Bartlett's legal practice. Plus, he was also married to Caleb's sister Abigail. Also, Moses's grandson was Eugene Ely who was now taking over printing Caleb's playing cards with John D. Abbot. Then in 1842 the card printing would be known as Ely, Smith & Cook.
(Refer to the page called Family connections to see these relationships)
In 1844 the business began falling apart financially. Caleb Bartlett has not been involved for five years and Lemuel Smith was going bankrupt. George tried to keep the business going.
In 1845 George hired a nineteen year old Irish lad who had been a recent employee of playing card maker David Felt. His name was Andrew Dougherty. (Shown in 1900 on the left) He was such a good worker that he soon advanced to foreman in the shop. But, he wasn't happy with the rules. Andrew thought that 10 hours were long enough and that a man should be paid weekly. Cook's rules were 11 hour days and pay every two or three weeks. Feeling he could do better, Andrew left and soon started his own playing card business which turned out to be very successful.
George would leave his mark on Caleb's playing cards. He had copied Caleb's habit of hiding his initials on the court cards.
Caleb's on the left and George's on the right
While the business was thriving George married on September 3o, 1847. Her name was Mary Jane Bloomer. Her father was Elias Bloomer a very successful hatter and real estate man in New York City. In 1838 he had built two large side by side homes on Broadway, one of which was purchased by Smith Ely.
By 1848 George has moved his stationery and playing card business down the street to 65 Fulton. Smith Ely had to sell 71 Fulton during his bankruptcy. In 1850 George also opened a factory and warehouse at 48 Ludlow. Then in late 1851 he moves everything to 176 Greenwich street which was owned by his father-in-law. It was a fortunate move because 48 Ludlow burned down shortly after he left.
Within three years Smith Ely and George were involved in a lawsuit. Ely was suing him over something to do with his bankruptcy. (Sorry, I was not able to find all the facts) The damage to George was significant because he had to go out of business and sell everything.
(Bartlett's cards would now be made by W. T. Fiske. See the Boston Manufactory page)
George then made a career change. He now became an auctioneer selling other people's furniture and business equipment. Over the next thirteen years he changed locations six times with each stay being shorter and shorter. By 1869 he was also selling plants and flowers on the side. By Friday, November 12th the situation finally overcame George......