Cooke, John Anthony

Captain John Anthony Cooke

Cooke was born at 14 Leinster Avenue, Dublin on 27th August 1878 to James Treshan Cooke, Clergyman of Church of Ireland and Dora Jane Cooke nee Mannoy or Mannox. They had married on 23rd October 1875 at Drumcondra Church of Ireland, Dublin.

James Cooke died on 11th April 1891 aged 34.

 
Cooke would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1895 / 1896. His mother signed his Bankers Guarantee for him. He is recorded as working in Drogheda branch.

Bankers Guarantee Ledger Sheet

Belfast Bank, Drogheda branch

In 1901, Cooke's mother, Dora (44) was a visitor to house 101, Brighton Road, Rathmines, Dublin. 

In the same year, John Anthony Cooke is living alone in house 49.3, Pollbwee, Navan, Co. Meath. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Accountant. He may have been working in the Navan branch.

Belfast Bank, Navan branch

By 1911, Cooke was again living in house 6, The Allies, Fair Gate (Drogheda), Co. Louth with his mother and sister, Anna Dora Davey Cooke (27). A servant, Mary Bridget Levins (17) is also living in the property. John's occupation is recorded as a Bank Cashier.

Cooke married Frances Mary McGusty on 20th February 1917 at St Stephen's Church, Dublin. By that time he was already a 2nd Lt in the 10th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers based in the Newtownards Army Camp. Further information on this camp can be sourced here - History Hub Ulster.

Cooke & McGusty - Marriage Registration

Map showing the site of the Great War Army Camp in Newtownards

Cooke had probably volunteered around 1916 and enlisted into the 9th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers. His first theatre of war was France from 27th February 1917. His address on the Medal Index Card is recorded as 'Parkmount', Lisburn. 

J A Cooke - Medal Index Card

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records Cooke's last known address as 'being in hospital'.

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, Cooke returned to work eventually ending up in Head Office and then as Manager of the Lisburn branch.

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

The Belfast News-Letter of 17th March 1919 published this advert announcing the opening of their Lisburn branch under the managership of John Cooke.

Belfast Bank, Lisburn branch

Whilst in Lisburn, John Cooke is reported in the Belfast Telegraph of 24th May 1924 giving evidence in a trial.

Retirement for John came in 1929. He later moved to Dublin.

 
John Cooke died on 3rd October 1961. The PRONI Wills database records:

Cooke, John Anthony of 1a Wellington Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin, retired bank manager died 3 October 1961 at Saint Patrick's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin. Probate Belfast 28 February to Basil James O'Ferrall retired chief cashier. Effects £775 3s. 2d.