Iowa Old Press

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.

Former Superintendent Of County Schools Buried Monday.
Wilbur H. Simons - Had Spent Most Of Life In School Work.
Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Reade, Mrs. E. S. Murphy, Charles Hatten, Mrs. Alice Benson and son Gilbert and Mrs. Hallie Harrison were among those in attendance Monday afternoon at the funeral of Wilbur H. Simons, former superintendent of Fremont county schools and long time resident of Sidney, who passed away at his home in Hamburg Friday morning after an illness of several weeks. Funeral services here held at the the Hamburg Baptist church. Mr. Simons belonged to one of Fremont county's pioneer families who settled at Hamburg in an early day. He was a graduate of the University of Nebraska and spent practically all of his adult life in educational activities. He held superintendencies in Nebraska and Golden, Colo.; was Fremont county superintendent of schools a number of years during which time he and his family resided in Sidney; was high school inspector for six years. The last few years he has represent a book company in Iowa, Nebraska and Colorado. Mr. Simons had been quite ill for several weeks but was much improved when a blood clot caused his sudden death. He is survived by his widow, the former Charlotte Hoyt of Percival and two daughters, Mrs. Muriel Oden of Chicago and Mrs. Beulahrea Floyd of Huntsville, Texas.

Riverside School To Be Host to Many On May 15th
Plans are being completed for the first homecoming of pupils and teachers of Riverside school in Prairie township scheduled for May 15. For weeks patrons of the school have been looking up present addresses of each of the former pupils and teachers as they have been able to locate, and writing invitations to attend the homecoming. It is hoped by the committee that any whom they have not been able to reach may in some way hear or read of the event and be present or send a greeting to be read at the meeting. A basket dinner will be served and an appropriate program presented. Rev. Peter Jacobs of Shenandoah has been invited to speak and Mrs. Floyd Greedy will read a history of the school. Invitations have also been extended to all county superintendents who have served since the school was started. Special guests of honor will be early teachers of the school, among whom are Mrs. Belle Tate, Wiet and Mike Spittler. If you have ever attended Riverside school, if you have ever taught there, the homecoming committee is especially desirous that you attend whether you have been reached with an invitation or not. May 15 is the date--Riverside school the place.

[transcribed by C.D., March 2007]


Iowa Old Press
Fremont County