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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 161 - 162 |
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ELON CORNELL
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The gentleman whose name appears above is one of the brave, indomitable spirits to whom the present generation is so largely indebted for the transformation of the wilderness of Wexford county into a dominion of civilization and enlightenment. Endowed by nature with strong bodily power and marked characteristics that have made him efficient in the mission he was born to fulfill, he has labored hard and done much to confer the blessing of progress upon this part of the state, being now one of the oldest as well as one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of the township in which he resides and with the development of which he has so long been identified. Elon Cornell is a native of Steuben county, New York, where
he was born on the 6th day of July, 1836, the son of Elisha and Myrtle Cornell,
the latter before her marriage having been a Chrissler. These parents reared a
family of eleven children and died a number of years ago in their native state,
honored and respected by all who knew them. Of the large family that once
gathered around their hearthstone the subject of this sketch is next to the
youngest. His father being a tiller of the soil, Elon was reared on the farm,
early became familiar with its varied duties and when old enough to begin life
for himself wisely decided to devote his time to husbandry. Mr. Cornell's claim was in what is now Wexford township and, the country being wild and no neighbor nearer than several miles, a more uninviting prospect than the new home in the wilderness presented would be difficult to imagine. Dense forests covered the land, amid the sombre recesses of which but few white people had penetrated, wild animals, numerous and some of them fierce, were everywhere in evidence, and the future outlook was anything but bright and encouraging. After hastily constructing a rude log shanty for his family, Mr. Cornell, with the lively hope which has always characterized him, began the work of clearing his place and it was not long until he succeeded in removing the timber from two acres and getting the soil under cultivation. He continued to prosecute his labors with diligence until his area of tillable land amounted to one hundred and twenty acres, the meanwhile making other improvements in the way of buildings, etc., one of which was the erection of a residence of enlarged proportions to take the place of the little cabin, within the humble walls of which the family experienced many vicissitudes and hardships of pioneer life. Mr. Cornell took an active interest in the growth and development of the country, assisted the new comers by every means within his power, and as years went by became one of the leading men and influential citizens of his community. By industry and well regulated thrift he succeeded in placing himself in comfortable circumstances, besides laying by a competency for old age, after which he divided his land among his sons, reserving for his own and his wife's use the homestead and about fifty acres surrounding. He is now practically retired, finding it no longer necessary to labor, as his livelihood is assured, and in a pleasant home, surrounded by many conveniences, with devoted sons and daughters to minister to his comfort, he is spending his declining years in the enjoyment of the fruits of his toil. While at all times devoting attention to his own interests
and laboring hard to provide for those dependent upon him, Mr. Cornell has never
failed in his duties as a citizen or neglected his obligation to the public. For
many years he was an active factor in township and county affairs, served as
township trustee and highway commissioner and worked zealously for the success
of the political party with which he affiliated; but with advancing age he
gradually withdrew from participation in such matters, though he still keeps in
touch with the world of thought and the trend of current events. In his
religious belief he is a Methodist, as is also his good wife, both being zealous
members of the church, dignifying their profession by word and deed and duly
appreciating their high privileges as disciples of the meek and lowly Nazarene.
Mrs. Cornell was born May 13, 1843, in Steuben county, New York, her ancestors
having been early settlers of that section of the Empire state. |