Francis  COOKE

Mayflower passenger

From www.mayflowerhistory.com/ Passengers/ FrancisCooke.php

'Francis Cooke was born about 1583. His origins have not been discovered, but it is probable he was born in England, perhaps from the Canterbury or Norwich areas. He married Hester le Mahieu on 20 July 1603 in Leiden, Holland she was a French Walloon whose parents had initially fled to Canterbury, England she left for Leiden sometime before 1603. Francis Cooke and Hester le Mahieu's marriage occurred in Leiden, Holland six years before the Pilgrim church made its move there, so he was living there long before their arrival and must have met up with and joined them afterwards. His wife Hester was a French Walloon. What brought Francis to Holland in the first place is unknown: religious persecution of Protestants in England did not really begin until after King James took power in 1604. In 1606, the Cookes left Leiden and went to Norwich, Norfolk for a time (for what reason is not known),

From www.mayflowerhistory.com

"The last Will and Testament of ffrancis Cooke of Plymouth late Deceased: exhibited before the Court held att Plymouth aforsaid the fift day of June 1663 on the oathes of mr John Aldin and mr John howland"

"The Last Will and Testament of ffrancis Cooke made this seaventh of the tenth month 1659"

"I being att prsent weake and Infeirme in body yett in prfect memory throw mercy Doe comitt my soule unto god that gave it and my body to the earthe which my will is should bee Intered in a Decent and comly manner"

"As for such goods and lands as I stand posessed of I Doe will and bequeath as followeth"

"1 My will is that hester my Dear and loveing wife shall have all my moveable goods and all my Cattle of all kinds viz: neat Cattle horsekind sheep and swine to be att her Dispose"

"2 my will is that hester my wife shall have and Injoy my lands both upland and meddow lands which att prsent I