Francis Augustine Cook
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

Francis Augustine Cook was born on 10 May 1843 in Northampton, MA.

Cook graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1863. Shortly after graduation, he was promoted to Ensign and assigned duty on board the USS Seminole in the Western Gulf Blockading Squadron.

He participated in the bombardment of Mobile, AL, during the Civil War under the command of Admiral Farragut. From 1865-67, he was attached to the steamer USS Vanderbilt of the North Pacific Squadron. From 1867-68, he served with the North Atlantic Squadron and in 1869 he was assigned to duty at the Naval Academy. His next assignment was on board the flagship USS Independence from 1872-74 on the South Pacific station.

On 1 December 1896, he was assigned command of the Cruiser USS Brooklyn and retained command until April 1899 when he became a member of the Examining and Retiring Boards of the U.S. Navy at Washington, DC. Cook was in command of the Brooklyn during the Spanish-American War. His vessel was selected as flagship of the Northern Division of the North Atlantic Squadron, known as the Flying Squadron, under command of Commodore Schley.

Then-Captain Cook took a conspicuous part in the destruction of Admiral Cervera's fleet at Santiago, receiving the surrender of Captain Moreu of the Cristobal Colon. For distinguished service in this engagement, he was advanced five numbers in the scale of promotion.

Cook was promoted to Rear Admiral in August of 1903 and retired the following month with forty years of naval service.

Death and Burial

Rear Admiral Francis Augustine Cook died on 8 October 1916 in Northampton, MA. He is buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, MD.