Beckham County, OK - Obits: George W. Cornelison, 1914
Sunday, 16 Dec 2007
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell)

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CORNELISON, GEORGE W.
(19 Mar 1914, Thursday, Erick Altruist, Erick, Beckham Co, OK):
On Sunday, March 8th, the community was startled by the announcement of
the sudden death of G. W. Cornelison, a pioneer farmer of Beckham County. 
Death came most unexpectedly at about five a.m., and with a few moment's
warning.  His health had been failing for the past year or more, but he
had only returned three weeks ago from a visit with relatives at his old
home in the milder climate of Texas.  He had not been bed-fast since his
return home, and it was hoped by his devoted wife and family that the
ravages of disease had been checked.  He was apparently in his usual state
of health and in a happy frame of mind during the day Saturday.  He rested
well that night, and not an hour before his death Sunday morning did it
become apparent that all was not well.  His wife hastily summoned the
family, who telephoned the physician and neighbors.  All efforts were of
no avail and he passed peacefully away without uttering a word.
The funeral was to have been held Tuesday at 2 p.m. when all business was
to have been suspended and school dismissed out of respect to the memory
of one who had been identified with the earliest development work of
Beckham County, and especially Erick.  Because, however, of the delayed
arrival of son, Jessie Cornelison, of Wyoming, the funeral was not held
until Wednesday at 10 a.m., when services were conducted at the Cornelison
residence by Rev. Campbell, pastor of the Baptist church, and the body
taken to the Erick Cemetery for burial.
Deceased was a native of Coffee County, Tennessee, being 70 years and 21
days of age.  When he was quite young the family moved to Texas and
located in Cherokee County, where they resided for 21 years, when they
removed to Grayson County.  On Feb. 5th 1862 G. W. Cornelison enlisted in
Camp C., 11th Texas Infantry, Confederate Army, and for twelve months
served in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and the Indian Territory.  He fought
at Pleasant Hill and at Galveston, and was honorably discharged in the
Fall of 1863, when he returned to his farm in Grayson County.
He was married to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Riggin, who died about 35 years
ago.  To them were born six children, three of whom survive and are: 
Jesse M. Cornelison of New Castle, Wyoming; Wm. A. Cornelison of Erick,
and Mrs. Sarah D. Dawkins, of Groom, Texas.  Deceased were Mary J. and
Eugenia W., who died infancy and Mrs. Laura E. Floyd, who passed into the
Beyond about two years ago, leaving the sons, De, O.Q and a daughter Celia
Ethel, beloved grand-children of Mr. Cornelison.
On March 11th, 1880, in Grayson County, Texas, Mr. Cornelison and Miss
Mary Campbell, of Georgia were married.  To them were born twelve
children, all are living.  They are Georgia, who resides on a farm
adjoining the place; Mrs. Spicey Capps of Tyrone, Oklahoma; Peter
Cornelison, also engaged in farming a few miles from home; Mrs. Berthie
Lederer of Wellington, Texas; Mrs. Anna Matherly of Oklahoma City; Mrs.
Effie Keen of Elk City; Ira, who will manage the home place; Carrie; Zada;
Ila; Claud and LeRoy.
He was a man who followed unostentatiously but firmly what he conceived to
be the path of duty.  He was greatly attached to his family, friends and
acquaintances.
Those who have known him long and intimately testify cheerfully to the
loyalty of his friendship and his genial presence and cordial greeting
will be missed by many.

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