Born: Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio, April 30, 1829.Died:
Born: Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio, April 30, 1829.
Died:
THIS preacher, so well known in Iowa, was born at Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio, April 30, 1829; son of Samuel B. Cornell, an only son in a family of eight children. Had only the advantages of a country school education, but with unusual, native proficiency, made such progress, that he began teaching school when but sixteen years old.
Removed to Macon County, Illinois, in 1854, where he continued teaching in winter and working at mechanics in summer, having learned the trade of masonry. Here also he made his first efforts at preaching, his first appointment being with the Texas congregation in De Witt County; but his principal efforts were with the churches at Newburg, Macon, and Creek Nation, De Witt County.
In 1860 he came to Iowa and again engaged in teaching and preaching, as opportunity offered. Was three years principal of the public schools at Farmington, but resigned in the autumn of '63 to evangelize under the auspices of Van Buren County Co-operation. After two years successful evangelizing in that county, he spent a year at Fairfield and Brighton, and again returned and labored another year in Van Buren. He next removed to Brighton, Washington County, where he remained for three years. At that place his ministry was well received, and in debate with one M. F. Cornell, a Sabbatarian, he carried off the spoils of victory, by the verdict of the people. He also debated with D. M. Canwright at Richland and also at Leon, each time fully meeting the expectation of his friends.
Since his pastorate at Brighton, he has labored at Fairfield, West Liberty, Winterset, Chariton, New Sharon, Montezuma, Albia, et al. Was made President of the Iowa Convention in 1872, which position he held for three years in succession. Was made State Evangelist in 1877 and served one year. Was again made President of the convention in 1879, and served one year and a half and resigned.
Was Trustee of Oskaloosa College for ten years, during which time he attended every Commencement and meeting of the Trustees. He has also attended every State meeting since 1863 except one. He is now one of the State Evangelists, having been selected last year--1883.
Bro. Cornell stands six feet in his boots, has excellent health and tips the beam at 195 pounds. Of fair complexion, turning somewhat gray, though not much for one of his age. Is energetic and careful in his work, companionable and fraternal, and withal one of our best preachers. His place of residence is Kent, Union County, Iowa. He is the father of Professor A. B. Cornell, Trenton, Missouri, the eldest of five living children, three sons and two daughters.