George A. Cooke

George A. Cooke
George A. Cooke
	Cooke's official photograph, c. 1917
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois
	In office; 1913–1914
Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois
	In office; 1909–1918
Preceded by	Guy C. Scott
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives; from the 33rd district
	In office; 1902–1909
Personal details
Born	George Anderson Cooke; July 3, 1869; New Athens, Ohio, U.S.
Died	December 6, 1938 (aged 69)
Spouse	Sarah Blee
Children	4
Alma mater	Knox College
Profession	Politician, lawyer, judge

George Anderson Cooke (July 3, 1869 – December 6, 1938) was a member of the Illinois General Assembly 1902-1909 and a judge of the Illinois Supreme Court 1909-1918, serving as chief justice 1913-1914.

Biography

Born in New Athens, Ohio, both of Cooke's parents died when he was 11 years old, and he was sent to live in Mercer County, Illinois. He was educated at Knox College, graduating in 1892.

Cooke was admitted to the bar of Illinois in 1895 and established a law practice in Aledo, Illinois. In 1902, he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 33rd District. He served two terms.

Upon the death of Justice Guy C. Scott of the Illinois Supreme Court in 1909, Cooke ran for and won election to the Fourth District of the Illinois Supreme Court. Cooke served out the remainder of Justice Scott's term and then won re-election to a full term in 1912. He served as chief justice of the court for two consecutive terms in 1913 and 1914.

In 1918, Cooke left the bench to become chief counsel of the Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company, a position he held for the next twenty years until his death.

Cooke was married to Sarah Blee. Together, they had four children. He died in his home on December 6, 1938.

References

"George A. Cooke, Ex-Chief Justice of Illinois, Dies." Chicago Daily Tribune, December 6, 1938; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Chicago Tribune (1849–1986). Pg. 9
"George A. Cooke." Illinois Supreme Court Justice Archives. http://www.state.il.us/court/supremecourt/justicearchive/Bio_Cooke.asp