CORNELL, Joseph M. (1852-1917)

CORNELL

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/25/2016 at 19:05:49

Joseph M. Cornell
(May 25, 1852 - March 14, 1917

The Lacona Ledger, March 1917
Obituary
Joseph M. Cornell
Joseph M. Cornell was born at LaHarp, Illinois, May 25, 1852. He came to Marion County, Iowa in the middle seventies. He was married to Margaret Shilling at Knoxville, Iowa, September 7, 1877, removed to Lacona, Iowa, in the Autumn of 1899. Since that time he has been almost continuously in the United States Mail Service. Death claimed him suddenly on March 14, 1917. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Nancy A. Bunting of Indianola, Iowa. His loss is keenly felt by his grief stricken companion and by their six living children: Mrs. Lulu Brendgord, Mr. James Cornell, of Havre, Montana; Mrs. Inez Anderson, Moline, North Dakota; Mrs. Cora Bever, Carlisle, Iowa; Mr. D. M. Cornell and Miss Ethel Cornell, Lacona, Iowa. Few men in this community were better known or known by more people. His form and features were striking and easily remembered. The most casual observer was impressed with his hearty good nature. He seemed to know everybody and to have for everyone a cheery good morning and a pleasant smile. No matter how blustery the morning, or how cloudy the sky, you went from his presence with the feeling that in some way you had run across a ray of sunlight. One could almost believe that the song writer had our friend for his inspiration when he wrote: “Let a little sunshine in.” He “ceased at once to work and live.”
When with no fiery throbbing pain, no mortal symptom of decay, death broke at once the vital chain, and freed his soul the nearest way.
Funeral services were held at the home, Friday, March 16, at 1 p. m., conducted by Rev. W. E. Hamilton, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Cochran cemetery.
Card of Thanks – We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the kind neighbors and friends who assisted in our sad bereavement of the death of our husband and father, and the many beautiful floral offerings. Also to those who assisted in the singing. Mrs. J. M. Cornell and children.