William Austin Cornelius

Submitted by: Alan E. Whitehead

From THE TALCO RECORD

22 Feb 1935

W. A. CORNELIUS, PIONEER RED RIVER and TITUS COUNTY MAN DIES: W. A Cornelius, age 82 years, 3 months and 11 days died Thursday night at 9:40 PM, at his home in the south west part of town, after a short illness caused by pneumonia. Despite his heavy years the deceased stood as erect as an Indian, read the papers, in which he manifested a keen interest in the affairs of the nation without glasses. He was taken ill Sunday at noon, developing pneumonia Tuesday. He was perfectly rational until the summons came and life ceased. He was a character of the old school type. His code of religion was honor., honesty and allowing everyone the same privilege that he took, in personal rights, and in his crossing over into the great beyond he showed no more concern than if he was going to take an afternoon nap. He told his friends at the beginning of his illness that he was going and he was only waiting for his children to arrive. His passing was peaceful and serene as the life he had ! lived.

Same paper same date as above.
CORNELIUS FUNERAL: Surviving his are eight children;
Eugene, Avery; Webb, Shreveport, Dr. George J.,Dallas; Raymond, Chicago: Edward Cornelius, who with his family made his home, Mrs Pearl Webb of Brownfield; Mrs Katryan Von Beschwitz of Pittsburgh, PA and Miss Alma Cornelius of Chicago IL and twelve grandchildren all of whom answered the summons and had arrived at their father;s bedside save Dr. George J Cornelius, Miss Alma Cornelius and Mrs Von Beschwitz. They arrived too late to be at his bedside at his passing. ---He was buried in the Talco Cem. by the side of his wife who preceded his death five years to the day. Other relatives not mentioned that attended the funeral were Mrs Eugene Cornelius and daughters, Eugenia and Margie Minica and sons, J. W and Jimmie of Avery and Mrs. Eugenia Carter of Mt Pleasant.

CARD OF THANKS " We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the friends and neighbors for the kindness to us during the illness and death of our father, W. A. Cornelius and especially do we feel grateful to Jim Morris and Jack Moore for their faithful service to our loved one who prepared the meals for us, the beautiful flowers and the words of sympathy. We have never been associated with a better people than we found at Talco and we pray God's richest blessings to rest upon each of you" His children.

Also on the same page:
In MEMORY OF W. A. CORNELIUS: We stood beside his casket and looked into his face, we realized how we loved him and that no one could take his place. He has gone to live with Jesus--His work on earth is done;, Though his body sweetly slumbers; a life crown he has won. Oh! he left us broken hearted when from us he had to go, but some day we will be united, and no sadness ever know. A Friend.