John Cook, born June 14, 1824 in Plymouth England. Cook, was a sailor and carpenter. He arrived in Honolulu in September 16, 1844 and, with the exception of several months residing in California, he spent the rest of his life on the islands. He went to California, originally to mine for gold, but then worked under John C. Fremont to subdue the San Francisco vigilante group, the “Hounds.” He was shot in the neck. While nursing his own injuries as well as those of his friend, he came into possession of the American flag which allegedly General Fremont raised over Monterey prior to Commodore Sloat’s landing on July 7th, 1846, to take the capital of California. Cook returned to Honolulu where he spent the rest of his life as a carpenter. He died on the island of Maui, February 3, 1916.

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