Susannah Cook

Susannah Cook is the daughter of George Henry Cook and Maria Elizabeth Robbins, both from England. The Cook family immigrated to America on the ship “John Bright.” After arriving in America, they traveled to Nebraska and joined the Thomas E. Ricks Company. With other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Company left Nebraska on July 10, 1866 for the Great Salt Lake Valley.

Disease, injury, lack of food and medicine, prematurity, and weather were some of the greatest threats to pioneers. Along the banks of the Platte River in Nebraska, 2-year-old Susannah passed away of unknown causes and buried near the Platte River.

From the diary of Ann G. Marriott: “22nd Sunday. here we are on the Banks of the Platt[e] about 10 O clock in the forenoon[.] just had a snap [nap] now waiting for to cross the river. Some time in the past night Brother [George] Cooks youngest Child died[.] it was buried this morning.”

Transcript for "First Immigration Train," Deseret News, 30 August 1866: “There were six deaths in the company on the journey, but those who died have been much worn down by sickness before starting to cross the plains. The following are the names of those who died (in part): Susannah Cook, from Throckmorton, Worcestershire.”