Profile
Catalog Number
2020.9.487Title
Cook, Hendrik D.Description
Image of Holland MI resident Hendrik D. Cook's record of service in the "Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers in the Civil War, Vol. 35" and obituary in April 21st, 1921 edition of Holland City News, page four.History
Hendrik "Henry" D. Cook was born in 1841 in the Netherlands. On August 21st, 1862, he enlisted with the 5th Michigan Cavalry Regiment, Co. I. It is unknown how long he served, but he did survive the war. He was taken prisoner at Trevilian Station, Virginia on June 11th, 1864, which is presumably when the records lost track of him. He spent most of his life in the Holland area, living in Overisel and Holland. He passed on April 19th, 1921 at the age of 80. He is interred in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.The 5th cavalry was organized on Aug. 30, 1862. It was assigned to the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, comprised ofthe 1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th MI Cavalries, which served together until the end of the war. The 5th notably fought confederate general J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry on June 30, 1863, losing badly but still driving him back. The met Stuart's army again July 3, and successfully kept Stuart from threatening the Union rear at Gettysburg. On the 5th the 5th intercepted Lee's retreating army and captured 1500 prisoners and destroyed a wagon train. Overall, the regiment fought in far too many engagements to record here.After the war, the 5th was sent west on various expeditions against Native Americans, which many in the east felt was a great injustice after the regiment's gallant service.