Cooke, Nicholas (d. 1782)

Governor of Rhode Island.

Served on Providence Stamp Act committee (1765). Elected deputy governor of Rhode Island (1768, May 1775). Served as acting governor when the Rhode Island Assembly refused to permit Loyalist governor Joseph Wanton to take the oath of office. Corresponded with Franklin about establishing a new postal route through Rhode Island. Succeeded Wanton as governor of Rhode Island (November 1775- May 1778).