Bio of Cornwell, F. J. (b.1836) Wabasha Co., MN
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This bio comes from "HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY" 1884.
Check out Barbara's site for more great information on this book:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mnwabbio/wab1.htm
There are also some pictures and information from descendents for some 
of the bios on her pages.

Cornwell, F. J., a leading drygoods and general merchant of Plainview, was
born in Savannah, Georgia, in 1836, where he remained until thirteen years
of age, during which time he had the misfortune to lose both his parents.
Nothing daunted, young Cornwell struck out for Burk county, in his native
state, and five years clerked for his brother-in-law, when he returned to
the scenes of his childhood, and continued to clerk in the place of his
birth until 1856. Then, at the age of twenty, he moved northwest into
Dodge county, Minnesota, and in a similar position in general merchandise
served Porter & Lock, and others, until at the end of two years and a half
he hired to L. E. Casey, at Cordova, Illinois. In 1861, still in Mr.
Casey's employ, he removed with him to Winona, and continued until 1863.
At this time he went to St. Charles, and engaged in business with J.
Himsted & Co., still clerking, and for two and a half years longer, at
which time he removed to Plainview, where he commenced operations as
partner of the St. Charles firm. At the end of the next year Himsted sold
his interest to one John Taylor, and the business continued as J. Taylor &
Co. In 1872 Mr. Cornwell sold out to J. Taylor, and for two years and a
half next succeeding acted in the capacity of bookkeeper for Ozias Wilcox,
until the summer of 1875, when he went south. In December of the same year
a telegram announcing the low condition of his late employer summoned him
to return and take charge of the business. Wilcox died January 1,
following, and January 12 Mr. Cornwell reopened the business, and ran it
in the interest of the family of deceased until June of the same year,
when he became sole proprietor. In 1876 he removed to and became the first
occupant of the spacious brick building, the finest business building in
the town, and built by A. Y. Felton, of creamery notoriety. In 1881- a
self-made man- Mr. Cornwell purchased the building, this becoming the sole
proprietor of both building and business. He is the owner of other real
estate in Fargo. The subject of this sketch is reputed to be the most
prosperous merchant in this vicinity, and generally liked for his business
tact, impartial dealing and careful self-respect.
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This bio comes from "HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY" 1920.
Check out Barbara's site for more great information on this book:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mnwabbio/wab3.htm
There are also some pictures and information from descendents for some 
of the bios on her pages.

Sorry this biography has not been transcribed yet.

If the biography you want is not yet done, please e-mail me at 
BarbaraTimm@aol.com