Thomas "Butcher" COOKE, Jr.

Notes:

Thomas Cooke, his wife, and 3 children came to America in 1637, sailing from Weymouth, Dorset, England on the ship Speedwell. They first settled in Taunton, MA (at least by 1639), where in 1643 Thomas took the freeman's oath of fidelity.

Records seem to indicate that Thomas had two wives, both named Mary. The first Mary was the mother of his children, and signed deeds with a mark, not a signature. By contrast, the second Mary signed deeds with a neat signature, so was likely more educated. It is quite possible that she was Mary Shearman, daughter of Secretary of the Colony of Rhode Island, Philip Shearman (our ancestor). Also, the second Mary was probably much younger than Thomas, since she outlived him and remarried, having many more years in that marriage.

I have gone along with this assumption and entered her name as Mary Shearman (see "Thomas Cooke of RI" Vol. I, p. 13, by Jane Fletcher Fiske).

Another source says Thomas was born in 1603 at Karl's Colne, County of Essex, England, and that he came to America in 1635. This other source says his son George was b.1633, and that Thomas also had a daughter Sarah b. 1632.

Thomas married Mary Unknown Abt 1625, England. Mary was born Abt 1605; died Abt 1670. [Group Sheet]

1. Thomas Cooke, III was born Abt 1626, Dorset, England; died Between 1669 and 1670, Portsmouth, RI.
2. John "Butcher" COOKE was born 30 Mar 1630, Dorset, England; died 16 May 1691, Portsmouth, RI.
3. George Cooke was born Abt 1647, Portsmouth, RI.

Thomas married Mary (2) Shearman Aft 1670. Mary (daughter of Philip SHEARMAN and Sarah ODDING) was born May 1645, Portsmouth, RI; died Aft 9 Oct 1691. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Thomas is referred to as both Butcher and Cooke. He most likely married first, to a wife whose name is now unknown; a Mrs. Thomas Cooke died 8 Jan 1598.

Thomas married Joanna Unknown 1599, England. [Group Sheet]