James Cook was a fervent Patriot, attached to his wife Ursula's uncle, Col. James Williams who was killed in action in the Battle of Kings Mountain.

Later, James Cook and his brother John were at Hayes Station, a waystation on or near James William's plantation and were overwhelmed by "Bloody Bill" Cunningham. Action in which John was killed along with 12 or so others that included two sons of Col. James Williams.516,517

James, after the war was paid for two horses, saddles and bridals lost in that action. Patricia and I searched the archives in Columbia and found that document along with many others.518

In 1786, James Cook purchased a tract of land from George Anderson in Laurens County, South Carolina.519

1790 Census, Laurens Co SC

Name: James Cook
Number of Free White Males Under 16: 5
Number of Free White Males 16 and Over: 1 (b bef 1774)
Number of Free White Females: 2
Number of Slaves: 4

1800 Census, Laurens Co SC

Name: James Cook
Free White Males Under 10: 4
Free White Males 10 to 15: 1
Free White Males 16 to 25: 2
Free White Males 45 and Over: 1 (b bef 1765)
Free White Females 10 to 15: 1
Free White Females 26 to 44: 1
Number of Slaves: 11

James Cook died in Laurens County, South Carolina and left a will dated February 28, 1815 with a codicil dated January, 1816, recorded 15 Aug 1816.520 The will mentions wife Ursula, sons John, Mitchall, Daniel, Tobias, William, and Clayton (deceased in 1816 but with a son named James Clayton), and a daughter deceased who had married a Teague and had daughters Emily, Matilda, Elizabeth, and Mary. The connection between this James Cook and the John Cook of Madison County Alabama is strengthened by the fact that all of the aforementioned sons of James Cook were living in Madison County in 1820.

Will and Codicil of James Cook:521

State of South Carolina Laurens District. In the name of God, Amen. I James Cook, of said state and district, being at this time in health and of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First and principally, I give my soul to God who gave it to me in hopes of a pardon of all my sins, and his gracious acceptance in and through the precious minits [?] [sic] of my dear redeemer, and my body I recommend to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executors named and the worldly goods it has pleased God to bless me with, I give and bequeath as follows.

First, it is my desire that all my just debts be paid and that my executors sell as much of my property as in their judgement can be most conveniently spared for the discharge of the same.

Secondly, I give and bequeath unto my grandson James Cook, son of Clayton Cook, on his arrising [sic] at the age of twenty one years the sum of five hundred dollars.

Thirdly, I give and bequeath unto my four grandchildren Emily Teague, Matilda Teague, Eliza Teague to each of them one hundred dollars on their becoming of age or marriage. To Mary Teague the sum of two hundred dollars when she becomes of age or marriage.

Forthly, [sic] I lend unto my beloved wife Ursula Cook all my real and personal estate during her natural life of widowhood. And at her death or marriage, it is my desire that the whole of my estate real and personal be set up and sold to the highest bidder on a credit of twelve months. One third share of the proceeds I lend unto my wife during her life and then to return and be disposed of as after directed and in case of her marriage and moving out of the district or state then she to give sufficient and satisfactory security for the return of the said of my estate lent her for life.

Fifthly, I give and bequeath unto my son John Cook at the final distribution of my estate the full sum of five hundred dollars.

Sixthly, I give and bequeath unto my four sons Mitchall Cook, Daniel Cook, Tobias Cook and William Cook all and every part of my real and personal estate after the payment of the witness legacies, except so much of the share of Mitchall which it is my pleasure shall be subject to the deduction of five hundred dollars or as much of the same as he shall receive in order to finish his education.

Seventhly, it is further my will and pleasure that Mitchall Cook, Tobias Cook, and William Cook before the general distribution at their becoming of age, receive a horse, saddle, and bridle to be worth at least twenty five dollars, also a good feather bed and furniture, equal those given the others already observing that Daniel is to have a bed, also, but no horse having already got one.

Lastly, I nominate and appoint my beloved wife Ursula Cook my co Executrix with my two sons Mitchall Cook and Daniel Cook my executors, to this my last will and testament. Hereby revoking all wills by me heretofore set my hand and affixed my seal this 28th. day of February, 1815. In presence of:

Abner Pyles
Wm. Black
Alen Pitts

James Cook (L.X.)

Codicil

Whereas by the foregoing testament I have bequeathed to my grand daughter Mary Teague the sum of two hundred dollars, in consequence of her death thereby revoke the said request and in addition to the sum of one hundred dollars bequeathed to each of her sisters Emily, Matilda, and Eliza Teague. I hereby bequeath the further sum of fifty dollars each at the same time the former request is to be paid, also in addition to the request made to my grandson James Cook so of Clayton. I hereby bequeath him the further sum of one hundred dollars on the same payment as the former request, as witness my hand and seal this 27th. day of January, 1816.

Attest Jno. Black
Attest Ezekiel North

The following records seem to be a younger James Cook, probably the son of John Cook:

1810 Census, Laurens Co SC

Name: James Cook
Free White Males Under 10: 2
Free White Males 16 to 25: 1 (b 1785-1794)
Free White Females 16 to 25: 1

1820 Census, Laurens Co SC (August 7, 1820)

Name: James Cook
Free White Males - Under 10: 1
Free White Males - 10-15: 2
Free White Males - 26-44: 1 (b 1776-1794)
Free White Females - Under 10: 2
Free White Females - 26-44: 1
Foreigners not naturalized: 2

1830 Census, Laurens Co SC

Name: James Cook
Free White Persons - Males - 5-9: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 10-14: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 15-19: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 20-29: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 40-49: 1 (b 1781-1790)
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 10-14: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 40-49: 1