Frederic W. Cook

Frederic White Cook (May 2, 1873 – November 16, 1951) was an American politician who served as the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth from 1921 to 1949. As of 2023 he is the last Republican to ever serve in that office.

Frederic White[1] Cook
20th Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth[2]
In office 1921–1949
Preceded by	Albert P. Langtry
Succeeded by	Edward J. Cronin
City Clerk
In office 1905–1920
Constituency	Somerville, Massachusetts
Personal details
Born	May 2, 1873[2] Somerville, Massachusetts[2]
Died	November 16, 1951 (1951-11-17) (aged 78)[3] Somerville, Massachusetts[4]
Political party	Republican[2]
Spouse	Kathleen Russell (d. April 30, 1947)[5][6]

Early life

Cook was born in Somerville, Massachusetts on May 2, 1873^[2] to Sanford Reuben Cook and his wife Harriet Frances (Dassance) Cook.^[1]

Cook attended the Somerville public schools.^[2]

Family life

On December 19, 1905, Cook married Kathleen Russell, of Brooklyn, New York.^[6] They stayed married until her death in Somerville, Massachusetts on April 30, 1947.^[5]

Early career

Cook started out as the assistant clerk of committees, for the city of Somerville. On January 25, 1901, Cook was appointed to the newly created position of Assistant City Clerk of Somerville at a Salary of $1400 a Year.^[2]

In 1905 Cook Became the City Clerk of Somerville.^[2]

Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth

In 1920 Cook was elected to be the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, a position he would hold for a record 28 years.^[3]

Death

Cook died November 16, 1951.^[3]