William Ernest Cook was born in Rockcastle county, Kentucky, April 2 1876. In 1885 he came to Kansas with his parents and lived in the Whitewater area his entire life. He married Mary R. Eilert, January 1, 1900 and she passed away December 17, 1918. One son was born to them, who died in infancy. He then married Mary P. Thoren, September 18, 1921
