CORNISH, Edward Joel

CORNISH, CARTER, METCALF

Posted By: volunteer
Date: 3/25/2007 at 14:28:12

THE SIDNEY ARGUS - HERALD
Sidney, Fremont co., Iowa
May 5, 1938.

"Former Slidney Youth Who Made Good In Big Business Dies".-- Another former Sidney man, Edward Joel Cornish, chairman of the board of directors of the National Lead Co., died at his desk in New York City Tuesday, apparently of heart disease.

He is survived by his widow, the former Mrs. Levi Carter of Omaha, and his sister, Mrs.Anna Cornish Metcalf of Omaha.

Mr. Cornish was born Dec. 15, 1861 in Sidney, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joel N. Cornish. At the age of 13 years Edward entered Tabor college and at 16 years of age he entered the University of Iowa, where he received his law
degree in 1882. Shortly after graduation from the University, he began practicing law in Omaha and later served as assistant city attorney. He was elected to the board of park commissioners in 1896 and served until 1912. From then on his rise was rapid and his gifts in land for parks were multiple. He was known as the father of the Omaha park system.

In 1937 he announed a gift to the University of Nebraska of $20,000 in National Lead Co. stock and cattle valued at $2,500.

Burial services for Mr. Cornish will be held Saturday at Fotear Lawn cemetery in Omaha.