Obituary of Thompson Rector Cornwell
 
1 February 1905, Clark Co (IL) Democrat
 
Thompson Rector Cornwell was born in Licking County, Ohio, May 7,
1842, and departed this life at his home near Melrose, on Jan.
27,1905, aged 63 years, 8 months and 20 days.  He moved with his
parents to Illinois in 1849 when only seven years old, settling in
Crawford County and in a few years removing to Clark County.
 
Here he grew to manhood, and when the Civil War opened, he offered
his services to his country, continuing thru to the end, and was
honorably discharged at the close in 1865, spending fourteen months
amid the horrors of Libby Prison.  During the hardships he endured in
military duty, he contracted diseases which impaired his health
through life.
 
He was held in high esteem by his fellow citizens having held many
responsible positions in the gift of the people, serving one term as
treasurer of this county, refusing reelection, he preferring the
quiet of home and family to public life.
 
Jan. 18, 1871, he united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Reed.  To
this union came seven children, Mrs. Otto Stanfield, Otto, Mrs.
Zachariah Medsker, Esra, Charles, Raymond and Roscoe, all of whom
survive him and will be a comfort to their mother.
 
Comrade Cornwell's health began to fail about two years ago when he
retired from active life to enjoy a well earned rest.  His health
continued to decline until his death which occurred last Friday at
2:00 o'clock p.m.
 
In 1866 he was converted and united with the Church of God,
continuing a faithful and exemplary member through life.  He
proclaimed his faith in jesus Christ, and said a short time before
his death that he had no fears for the future.  Among his dying words
were "Jesus, blessed Jesus."
 
He was upright and honest in all his dealings with his fellowman and
was beloved and respected by all his neighbors.
 
Besides his wife and children, he leaves two brothers and one sister
to mourn his death.
 
The funeral services were conducted Sunday, Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. in the
Melrose church by Rev. J. A. Beliz in the presence of a large
congregation of his old neighbors and friends.  A select choir
furnished appropriate music.  The remains were laid to rest in the
Melrose cemetery to await the resurrection morn.
 
A Friend.

Submitted by;
Cindy McCachern