Michael Cook

[Gibby1968]

Hi

I have several 17th century Cook families that I am currently trying to sort out.

All of them have Michael Cook as the head of the family, and one of them who was born about 1700 in Reading, Berkshire is my 7x great grandfather.

The other families come from Basildon and I have a feeling that they connect to my branch but they are so disjointed I don't know where to start.

Any tips would be most welcome.

Thanks.

[lizdb]

My tip is to start with what you know, for definite, and work back one step at a time, confirming each step as you go from as many sources as possible.
With a name like Cook there are going to be hundreds all over the country, so don't get sidetracked by just anyone with the same name.

If you are 100% (or as good as you can get) sure about your tree back to the 1700 Michael in Reading, then start with what you have on that. If you want to flesh it out, then look for siblings and what happened to them. To think about going further back, you will need to check out PRs for Reading for around 1700. Basildon wont come into it!

[Gibby1968]

My direct Cook line starts with Jane Cook who married William Mellor, my 3x great grandfather.

Her father was Henry (1809-1885).

Henry's father was another Henry (b1783).

Henry's father was Charles (1765-1800).

Charles' father was Levi (b c1722)

Levi's father was Michael (b c1700).

That is what I know for definite.  I just have to figure out where the other families fit in 

[Gibby1968]

I'll now start looking into this, thanks.

[CarolA3]

Basildon wont come into it!

Hi Gibby and Liz

There's a big place called Basildon in Essex - but there's a parish of the same name in Berkshire too!  Confusing or what

I might have some PRs for the smaller Basildon (not indexed) if you want any specific look-ups.

All the best,
Carol

P.S. Please don't be offended if I don't reply quickly, as I only have part-time internet access.

[lizdb]

That makes a lot of sense then, Carol!
Seeing as I live within 10 miles of the Basildon in Essex, my mind immediately thought of that one!