Rose Terry Cooke (1827-1892) was a poet and short story writer. Her work appeared in popular and well read magazines of the second half of the nineteenth century, among them Scribner’s Monthly, Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, and The Atlantic Monthly (including the premier issue in November 1857). “In her 50 years of writing, one may trace the development of the short story in America, from unlocalized, leisurely, sentimental tales to simple histories of commonplace people set in real locales,” according to the Oxford Companion to American Literature.

Ms. Cooke was the sister-in-law of Howard S. Collins, Samuel Collins’ son, and was a frequent visitor to Collinsville. While staying with the Collins’ at their home on Torrington Avenue (long ago demolished) she was inspired by the view of Collinsville and its hillside cemetery to compose a poem, “The Two Villages,”contrasting the bustling mill village with the silent village of the dead. A tablet now marks the spot. Rose Terry Cooke is buried in the Village Cemetery in Collinsville.

For more about Rose Terry Cooke go to https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rose-Terry-Cooke or http://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/cooke.htm

“Your Silent Neighbors” introduces readers to people out of Canton’s past. Readers are encouraged to visit these gravesites and pay their respects to the people who have helped make our community what it is today.