Jay Cooke was an ambitious man, achieving many honorable successes throughout his life. His work as a banker was important to him, as was his relationship with his family. He embraced both work and family, with strong devotion, and with a light-hearted spirit that set him apart and made him unique among his circle of acquaintances. A native of Sandusky, Ohio, born on August 10, 1821, Cooke prided himself with being "probably the first, or nearly first boy baby born in Sandusky".

Philadelpia eventually became his home, and the banking house of Jay Cooke and Company was formed in that city in 1861. With political changes occurring in Washington due to the onset of the Civil War, Jay Cooke was fully aware of the potential business opportunities awaiting his newly formed banking company. Of his many achievements, his work during the Civil War as financier for the Union was probably his most noted. His work and efforts in the sale of bonds, provided the Union Army with a generous amount of funding.

The waters of Lake Erie surrounding Gibraltar were certainly familiar to Cooke, as his childhood home of Sandusky stands in close vicinity on the shores of the same great lake. Fishing was the pastime of choice for Cooke, especially Black Bass fishing, where his apparent natural talent, brought many meals to the dinner table.

Entertaining guests was enjoyable to Cooke, and Gibraltar Island was the perfect place to do just that. He sometimes had as many as 25 guests visiting his island at one time, and hired a full time staff to help with the accommodations. Cooke was generous and cordial to others, and did not outwardly boast of his successes, noteworthy for a man of his wealth.

Jay Cooke spent many good years working in the business world, and in the midst of it, found tranquility and peace upon the island of Gibraltar. He unselfishly shared his good fortunes with his family and dear friends, and had many good years upon this earth. On a Thursday evening, February 16th 1905, Jay Cooke passed away and left behind many sorrowful loved ones. He had written in his Gibraltar journal for the last time, in the autumn of 1904..."and now Good bye dear old Gibraltar we thank God for permitting us to enjoy such a glorious visit..."

Looking back through the journal entries written by Jay Cooke, we can reminisce over one particular entry written forty years before his death...

"Our days have passed too swiftly by! We have found this beautiful island home constantly reminding us that this world is not our abiding place -- for we have yearned to remain here forever -- it cannot be..."     - Jay Cooke, June 29, 1865