From The History of Wyoming County New York 1841-1880:
Irvin Allen Cornwell, son of John Cornwell, was born March 18th, 1852, at Arcade. He is editor and proprietor of the Arcade Leader, and has served two years as chief of police, three years as constable and two years as town clerk. His father was a sergeant in the English navy in the war of 1812. His mother was Viletta Seaman, of Dutchess county.
**************************
I. ALLEN CORNWELL.
I. Allen Cornwell, who is engaged in the abstract business at Faulkton, was born at Arcade, New York, March 18, 1853, a son of John and Violetta (Seaman) Cornwell. The father was born in Yorkshire, England, and became a marine in the English navy, but when a young man
crossed the Atlantic to America to become a citizen of the United States. His wife was born in Herkimer county, New York, and they always retained their residence in the Empire state.
I. Allen Cornwell completed his education in the Arcade (N. Y.) Academy and when eighteen years of age began learning the painter's trade in his native town, where he followed the business for about three years. He then turned his attention to newspaper interests as publisher of the Arcade Leader for about three years, on the expiration
of which period he devoted three years to the study of law. Although he was admitted to the bar in 1888 he has never practiced but he has found his knowledge of law of value in conducting his own business. In February, 1883, he arrived in Dakota territory, settling three miles from La Foon. A party of five made the trip from Arcade and took up
their abode in the same locality. After living upon his farm for three years Mr. Cornwell has elected to the office of register of deeds and removed to Faulkton, filling the position in an acceptable manner for two years, at the end of which time he joined P. H. Wilson in
organizing the Faulk County Abstract Company. The business was incorporated in 1889 and he has since devoted his entire time thereto, having now a very complete set of abstracts, while in the conduct of his business he is accurate and reliable. He is still the owner of
valuable farm lands in Faulk county and his realty holdings include residence and business property in Faulkton.
In 1885 Mr. Cornwell married Miss Katie M. Derr, who was born at Olin, Iowa, a daughter of Charley H. and Jane (Kemp) Derr, who were
natives of Ohio and in 1883 came to South Dakota, settling at La Foon, Faulk county. In the fall of 1883 the father was elected county judge and served upon the bench for twelve years, making a most excellent
record in office by reason of the fair and impartial manner in which he discharged his duties. He passed away in April, 1915, having for a number of years survived his wife. He was an honored veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted as a private in Company I, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, while his valor and loyalty later won him
promotion. Mrs. Cornwell was the eldest of three children and by her marriage has become the mother of six children: Gertrude E., the wife of Frank A. Oulton, who is engaged in the elevator and grain business at Chouteau, Montana; Frances G., living at home; Mary V., who is official stenographer and secretary of the Faulk County Abstract
Company; John C., who is filling a clerical position in the office of the register of deeds of Hennepin county, Minnesota; Essie J., a teacher, living at home; and Inez A., who is attending school.
Mr. Cornwell has always voted with the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise but save for the office of register of deeds, which he filled in 1887 and 1888, he has never held
public position nor sought office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and chapter at Faulkton, the commandery at Redfield and to the Mystic Shrine at Sioux Falls. He is a past master
of the lodge and was at one time a member of the Grand Lodge of the state. He is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Woodmen and is always true and loyal to the teachings of these organizations, which are based upon a recognition of the obligations of
man to his fellows. In his business life close application, earnest purpose and honorable dealing have won him success, and in every relation in which he has been found he has proven himself a man of creditable purposes and high principles.
SOURCE- "History of Dakota Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915)
***************************
I. ALLEN CORNWELL was born in Arcade, New York, March 18th, 1853, and is a son of John Cornwell, who was born and reared in England and served for sometime
as a marine in the British navy. About 1830 the father came to this country and devoted his time and attention to farming. In 1834 he married Miss Viletta
Seaman, a daughter of Peter Seaman, a full blooded Yankee and a farmer by occupation, spending his last days in Canada. Mr. Cornwell is the youngest of a
family of six children. Two brothers died in the service of their country during
the Civil War.
In his native place I. Allen Cornwell grew to manhood and completed his literary education in the Arcade Academy. From, 1876 to 1879 he devoted his
attention to the study of law and then conducted the Arcade Leader of Arcade until the spring of 1883 when he came to Faulk county, Dakota Territory, with
three companions. He located on land three miles from the town of LaFoon in a shanty 10 by 12 feet which he erected upon his place. He lived alone for two
years, hauling his supplies from Redfield, a distance of thirty-five miles. On September 27th, 1885, Mr. Cornwell was united in marriage with Miss Katie M. Derr, a daughter of Hon. C. H. Derr, a pioneer of Faulk county and who served
for twelve years as county judge of this county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell have been born six children, viz: Gertrude,Frances, Mary, John, Essie and Inez.
Mr. Cornwell continued to reside upon his farm until the fall of 1886, when he was elected register of deeds for Faulk county on the people's ticket, and
removed to Faulkton to assume the duties of the office.
While filling that position he became interested in the real estate business
in partnership with P. H. Wilson, and in 1888 also started the Faulk County Abstract Company, a business that has been exceedingly profitable and is now owned and controlled by himself and wife, and successfully managed from their
commodious office, in their fine new building, within a stone's throw of the county court house. Socially Mr. Cornwell is affable and congenial and is
surrounded by many warm and devoted friends.
Politically he is a democrat and has held an almost commanding influence in the party in this county, but his friendship and sociability is not confined to
party lines, he is ever ready to aid any worthy enterprise. Mr. Cornwell became a Royal Arch Mason and has served as master of the blue lodge four terms and as high priest of the chapter.
HISTORY OF
FAULK COUNTY
SOUTH DAKOTA
CAPTAIN C. H. ELLIS
19O9
*****************************
Also from the 1909 book:
In April of 1882, D. S. Smith, Alexander LaFoon and T. H. McMullin from Hillsboro, Missouri, arrived at Redfield in Spink county and started out on a tour of observation, the object in view being a permanent location. Although Mr. McMullin was the first to move his family into the new settlement, the town was named after Mr. LaFoon. The long years, and influential and commanding positions filled, placed D. S. Smith of Faulkton, in line to claim the honor of being the first pioneer settler in the county. The LaFoon settlement received important additions from Wisconsin, while a party from Charles City selected the present county seat on the bank of the Nixon and put forth desperate effort to secure for their settlement the honor of becoming the leading town in the new and important county. Among the men of qualities who were members of the LaFoon colony, were: J. H. Bottum, J. W. Johnston, F. A. Seaman, Dr. J. P. Rathbun, I. Allen Cornwell, W. H. Race, Hon. F. M. Byrne, Judge C. H. Derr and J. P. Turner, who have remained, and are active and influential citizens of Faulkton at the present day.
SOURCE- HISTORY OF
FAULK COUNTY
SOUTH DAKOTA,
CAPTAIN C. H. ELLIS,
19O9
Irvin Allen Cornwell, son of John Cornwell, was born March 18th, 1852, at Arcade. He is editor and proprietor of the Arcade Leader, and has served two years as chief of police, three years as constable and two years as town clerk. His father was a sergeant in the English navy in the war of 1812. His mother was Viletta Seaman, of Dutchess county.
**************************
I. ALLEN CORNWELL.
I. Allen Cornwell, who is engaged in the abstract business at Faulkton, was born at Arcade, New York, March 18, 1853, a son of John and Violetta (Seaman) Cornwell. The father was born in Yorkshire, England, and became a marine in the English navy, but when a young man
crossed the Atlantic to America to become a citizen of the United States. His wife was born in Herkimer county, New York, and they always retained their residence in the Empire state.
I. Allen Cornwell completed his education in the Arcade (N. Y.) Academy and when eighteen years of age began learning the painter's trade in his native town, where he followed the business for about three years. He then turned his attention to newspaper interests as publisher of the Arcade Leader for about three years, on the expiration
of which period he devoted three years to the study of law. Although he was admitted to the bar in 1888 he has never practiced but he has found his knowledge of law of value in conducting his own business. In February, 1883, he arrived in Dakota territory, settling three miles from La Foon. A party of five made the trip from Arcade and took up
their abode in the same locality. After living upon his farm for three years Mr. Cornwell has elected to the office of register of deeds and removed to Faulkton, filling the position in an acceptable manner for two years, at the end of which time he joined P. H. Wilson in
organizing the Faulk County Abstract Company. The business was incorporated in 1889 and he has since devoted his entire time thereto, having now a very complete set of abstracts, while in the conduct of his business he is accurate and reliable. He is still the owner of
valuable farm lands in Faulk county and his realty holdings include residence and business property in Faulkton.
In 1885 Mr. Cornwell married Miss Katie M. Derr, who was born at Olin, Iowa, a daughter of Charley H. and Jane (Kemp) Derr, who were
natives of Ohio and in 1883 came to South Dakota, settling at La Foon, Faulk county. In the fall of 1883 the father was elected county judge and served upon the bench for twelve years, making a most excellent
record in office by reason of the fair and impartial manner in which he discharged his duties. He passed away in April, 1915, having for a number of years survived his wife. He was an honored veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted as a private in Company I, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, while his valor and loyalty later won him
promotion. Mrs. Cornwell was the eldest of three children and by her marriage has become the mother of six children: Gertrude E., the wife of Frank A. Oulton, who is engaged in the elevator and grain business at Chouteau, Montana; Frances G., living at home; Mary V., who is official stenographer and secretary of the Faulk County Abstract
Company; John C., who is filling a clerical position in the office of the register of deeds of Hennepin county, Minnesota; Essie J., a teacher, living at home; and Inez A., who is attending school.
Mr. Cornwell has always voted with the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise but save for the office of register of deeds, which he filled in 1887 and 1888, he has never held
public position nor sought office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and chapter at Faulkton, the commandery at Redfield and to the Mystic Shrine at Sioux Falls. He is a past master
of the lodge and was at one time a member of the Grand Lodge of the state. He is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Woodmen and is always true and loyal to the teachings of these organizations, which are based upon a recognition of the obligations of
man to his fellows. In his business life close application, earnest purpose and honorable dealing have won him success, and in every relation in which he has been found he has proven himself a man of creditable purposes and high principles.
SOURCE- "History of Dakota Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915)
***************************
I. ALLEN CORNWELL was born in Arcade, New York, March 18th, 1853, and is a son of John Cornwell, who was born and reared in England and served for sometime
as a marine in the British navy. About 1830 the father came to this country and devoted his time and attention to farming. In 1834 he married Miss Viletta
Seaman, a daughter of Peter Seaman, a full blooded Yankee and a farmer by occupation, spending his last days in Canada. Mr. Cornwell is the youngest of a
family of six children. Two brothers died in the service of their country during
the Civil War.
In his native place I. Allen Cornwell grew to manhood and completed his literary education in the Arcade Academy. From, 1876 to 1879 he devoted his
attention to the study of law and then conducted the Arcade Leader of Arcade until the spring of 1883 when he came to Faulk county, Dakota Territory, with
three companions. He located on land three miles from the town of LaFoon in a shanty 10 by 12 feet which he erected upon his place. He lived alone for two
years, hauling his supplies from Redfield, a distance of thirty-five miles. On September 27th, 1885, Mr. Cornwell was united in marriage with Miss Katie M. Derr, a daughter of Hon. C. H. Derr, a pioneer of Faulk county and who served
for twelve years as county judge of this county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell have been born six children, viz: Gertrude,Frances, Mary, John, Essie and Inez.
Mr. Cornwell continued to reside upon his farm until the fall of 1886, when he was elected register of deeds for Faulk county on the people's ticket, and
removed to Faulkton to assume the duties of the office.
While filling that position he became interested in the real estate business
in partnership with P. H. Wilson, and in 1888 also started the Faulk County Abstract Company, a business that has been exceedingly profitable and is now owned and controlled by himself and wife, and successfully managed from their
commodious office, in their fine new building, within a stone's throw of the county court house. Socially Mr. Cornwell is affable and congenial and is
surrounded by many warm and devoted friends.
Politically he is a democrat and has held an almost commanding influence in the party in this county, but his friendship and sociability is not confined to
party lines, he is ever ready to aid any worthy enterprise. Mr. Cornwell became a Royal Arch Mason and has served as master of the blue lodge four terms and as high priest of the chapter.
HISTORY OF
FAULK COUNTY
SOUTH DAKOTA
CAPTAIN C. H. ELLIS
19O9
*****************************
Also from the 1909 book:
In April of 1882, D. S. Smith, Alexander LaFoon and T. H. McMullin from Hillsboro, Missouri, arrived at Redfield in Spink county and started out on a tour of observation, the object in view being a permanent location. Although Mr. McMullin was the first to move his family into the new settlement, the town was named after Mr. LaFoon. The long years, and influential and commanding positions filled, placed D. S. Smith of Faulkton, in line to claim the honor of being the first pioneer settler in the county. The LaFoon settlement received important additions from Wisconsin, while a party from Charles City selected the present county seat on the bank of the Nixon and put forth desperate effort to secure for their settlement the honor of becoming the leading town in the new and important county. Among the men of qualities who were members of the LaFoon colony, were: J. H. Bottum, J. W. Johnston, F. A. Seaman, Dr. J. P. Rathbun, I. Allen Cornwell, W. H. Race, Hon. F. M. Byrne, Judge C. H. Derr and J. P. Turner, who have remained, and are active and influential citizens of Faulkton at the present day.
SOURCE- HISTORY OF
FAULK COUNTY
SOUTH DAKOTA,
CAPTAIN C. H. ELLIS,
19O9
From The History of Wyoming County New York 1841-1880:
Irvin Allen Cornwell, son of John Cornwell, was born March 18th, 1852, at Arcade. He is editor and proprietor of the Arcade Leader, and has served two years as chief of police, three years as constable and two years as town clerk. His father was a sergeant in the English navy in the war of 1812. His mother was Viletta Seaman, of Dutchess county.
**************************
I. ALLEN CORNWELL.
I. Allen Cornwell, who is engaged in the abstract business at Faulkton, was born at Arcade, New York, March 18, 1853, a son of John and Violetta (Seaman) Cornwell. The father was born in Yorkshire, England, and became a marine in the English navy, but when a young man
crossed the Atlantic to America to become a citizen of the United States. His wife was born in Herkimer county, New York, and they always retained their residence in the Empire state.
I. Allen Cornwell completed his education in the Arcade (N. Y.) Academy and when eighteen years of age began learning the painter's trade in his native town, where he followed the business for about three years. He then turned his attention to newspaper interests as publisher of the Arcade Leader for about three years, on the expiration
of which period he devoted three years to the study of law. Although he was admitted to the bar in 1888 he has never practiced but he has found his knowledge of law of value in conducting his own business. In February, 1883, he arrived in Dakota territory, settling three miles from La Foon. A party of five made the trip from Arcade and took up
their abode in the same locality. After living upon his farm for three years Mr. Cornwell has elected to the office of register of deeds and removed to Faulkton, filling the position in an acceptable manner for two years, at the end of which time he joined P. H. Wilson in
organizing the Faulk County Abstract Company. The business was incorporated in 1889 and he has since devoted his entire time thereto, having now a very complete set of abstracts, while in the conduct of his business he is accurate and reliable. He is still the owner of
valuable farm lands in Faulk county and his realty holdings include residence and business property in Faulkton.
In 1885 Mr. Cornwell married Miss Katie M. Derr, who was born at Olin, Iowa, a daughter of Charley H. and Jane (Kemp) Derr, who were
natives of Ohio and in 1883 came to South Dakota, settling at La Foon, Faulk county. In the fall of 1883 the father was elected county judge and served upon the bench for twelve years, making a most excellent
record in office by reason of the fair and impartial manner in which he discharged his duties. He passed away in April, 1915, having for a number of years survived his wife. He was an honored veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted as a private in Company I, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, while his valor and loyalty later won him
promotion. Mrs. Cornwell was the eldest of three children and by her marriage has become the mother of six children: Gertrude E., the wife of Frank A. Oulton, who is engaged in the elevator and grain business at Chouteau, Montana; Frances G., living at home; Mary V., who is official stenographer and secretary of the Faulk County Abstract
Company; John C., who is filling a clerical position in the office of the register of deeds of Hennepin county, Minnesota; Essie J., a teacher, living at home; and Inez A., who is attending school.
Mr. Cornwell has always voted with the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise but save for the office of register of deeds, which he filled in 1887 and 1888, he has never held
public position nor sought office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and chapter at Faulkton, the commandery at Redfield and to the Mystic Shrine at Sioux Falls. He is a past master
of the lodge and was at one time a member of the Grand Lodge of the state. He is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Woodmen and is always true and loyal to the teachings of these organizations, which are based upon a recognition of the obligations of
man to his fellows. In his business life close application, earnest purpose and honorable dealing have won him success, and in every relation in which he has been found he has proven himself a man of creditable purposes and high principles.
SOURCE- "History of Dakota Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915)
***************************
I. ALLEN CORNWELL was born in Arcade, New York, March 18th, 1853, and is a son of John Cornwell, who was born and reared in England and served for sometime
as a marine in the British navy. About 1830 the father came to this country and devoted his time and attention to farming. In 1834 he married Miss Viletta
Seaman, a daughter of Peter Seaman, a full blooded Yankee and a farmer by occupation, spending his last days in Canada. Mr. Cornwell is the youngest of a
family of six children. Two brothers died in the service of their country during
the Civil War.
In his native place I. Allen Cornwell grew to manhood and completed his literary education in the Arcade Academy. From, 1876 to 1879 he devoted his
attention to the study of law and then conducted the Arcade Leader of Arcade until the spring of 1883 when he came to Faulk county, Dakota Territory, with
three companions. He located on land three miles from the town of LaFoon in a shanty 10 by 12 feet which he erected upon his place. He lived alone for two
years, hauling his supplies from Redfield, a distance of thirty-five miles. On September 27th, 1885, Mr. Cornwell was united in marriage with Miss Katie M. Derr, a daughter of Hon. C. H. Derr, a pioneer of Faulk county and who served
for twelve years as county judge of this county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell have been born six children, viz: Gertrude,Frances, Mary, John, Essie and Inez.
Mr. Cornwell continued to reside upon his farm until the fall of 1886, when he was elected register of deeds for Faulk county on the people's ticket, and
removed to Faulkton to assume the duties of the office.
While filling that position he became interested in the real estate business
in partnership with P. H. Wilson, and in 1888 also started the Faulk County Abstract Company, a business that has been exceedingly profitable and is now owned and controlled by himself and wife, and successfully managed from their
commodious office, in their fine new building, within a stone's throw of the county court house. Socially Mr. Cornwell is affable and congenial and is
surrounded by many warm and devoted friends.
Politically he is a democrat and has held an almost commanding influence in the party in this county, but his friendship and sociability is not confined to
party lines, he is ever ready to aid any worthy enterprise. Mr. Cornwell became a Royal Arch Mason and has served as master of the blue lodge four terms and as high priest of the chapter.
HISTORY OF
FAULK COUNTY
SOUTH DAKOTA
CAPTAIN C. H. ELLIS
19O9
*****************************
Also from the 1909 book:
In April of 1882, D. S. Smith, Alexander LaFoon and T. H. McMullin from Hillsboro, Missouri, arrived at Redfield in Spink county and started out on a tour of observation, the object in view being a permanent location. Although Mr. McMullin was the first to move his family into the new settlement, the town was named after Mr. LaFoon. The long years, and influential and commanding positions filled, placed D. S. Smith of Faulkton, in line to claim the honor of being the first pioneer settler in the county. The LaFoon settlement received important additions from Wisconsin, while a party from Charles City selected the present county seat on the bank of the Nixon and put forth desperate effort to secure for their settlement the honor of becoming the leading town in the new and important county. Among the men of qualities who were members of the LaFoon colony, were: J. H. Bottum, J. W. Johnston, F. A. Seaman, Dr. J. P. Rathbun, I. Allen Cornwell, W. H. Race, Hon. F. M. Byrne, Judge C. H. Derr and J. P. Turner, who have remained, and are active and influential citizens of Faulkton at the present day.
SOURCE- HISTORY OF
FAULK COUNTY
SOUTH DAKOTA,
CAPTAIN C. H. ELLIS,
19O9
Irvin Allen Cornwell, son of John Cornwell, was born March 18th, 1852, at Arcade. He is editor and proprietor of the Arcade Leader, and has served two years as chief of police, three years as constable and two years as town clerk. His father was a sergeant in the English navy in the war of 1812. His mother was Viletta Seaman, of Dutchess county.
**************************
I. ALLEN CORNWELL.
I. Allen Cornwell, who is engaged in the abstract business at Faulkton, was born at Arcade, New York, March 18, 1853, a son of John and Violetta (Seaman) Cornwell. The father was born in Yorkshire, England, and became a marine in the English navy, but when a young man
crossed the Atlantic to America to become a citizen of the United States. His wife was born in Herkimer county, New York, and they always retained their residence in the Empire state.
I. Allen Cornwell completed his education in the Arcade (N. Y.) Academy and when eighteen years of age began learning the painter's trade in his native town, where he followed the business for about three years. He then turned his attention to newspaper interests as publisher of the Arcade Leader for about three years, on the expiration
of which period he devoted three years to the study of law. Although he was admitted to the bar in 1888 he has never practiced but he has found his knowledge of law of value in conducting his own business. In February, 1883, he arrived in Dakota territory, settling three miles from La Foon. A party of five made the trip from Arcade and took up
their abode in the same locality. After living upon his farm for three years Mr. Cornwell has elected to the office of register of deeds and removed to Faulkton, filling the position in an acceptable manner for two years, at the end of which time he joined P. H. Wilson in
organizing the Faulk County Abstract Company. The business was incorporated in 1889 and he has since devoted his entire time thereto, having now a very complete set of abstracts, while in the conduct of his business he is accurate and reliable. He is still the owner of
valuable farm lands in Faulk county and his realty holdings include residence and business property in Faulkton.
In 1885 Mr. Cornwell married Miss Katie M. Derr, who was born at Olin, Iowa, a daughter of Charley H. and Jane (Kemp) Derr, who were
natives of Ohio and in 1883 came to South Dakota, settling at La Foon, Faulk county. In the fall of 1883 the father was elected county judge and served upon the bench for twelve years, making a most excellent
record in office by reason of the fair and impartial manner in which he discharged his duties. He passed away in April, 1915, having for a number of years survived his wife. He was an honored veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted as a private in Company I, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, while his valor and loyalty later won him
promotion. Mrs. Cornwell was the eldest of three children and by her marriage has become the mother of six children: Gertrude E., the wife of Frank A. Oulton, who is engaged in the elevator and grain business at Chouteau, Montana; Frances G., living at home; Mary V., who is official stenographer and secretary of the Faulk County Abstract
Company; John C., who is filling a clerical position in the office of the register of deeds of Hennepin county, Minnesota; Essie J., a teacher, living at home; and Inez A., who is attending school.
Mr. Cornwell has always voted with the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise but save for the office of register of deeds, which he filled in 1887 and 1888, he has never held
public position nor sought office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and chapter at Faulkton, the commandery at Redfield and to the Mystic Shrine at Sioux Falls. He is a past master
of the lodge and was at one time a member of the Grand Lodge of the state. He is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Woodmen and is always true and loyal to the teachings of these organizations, which are based upon a recognition of the obligations of
man to his fellows. In his business life close application, earnest purpose and honorable dealing have won him success, and in every relation in which he has been found he has proven himself a man of creditable purposes and high principles.
SOURCE- "History of Dakota Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915)
***************************
I. ALLEN CORNWELL was born in Arcade, New York, March 18th, 1853, and is a son of John Cornwell, who was born and reared in England and served for sometime
as a marine in the British navy. About 1830 the father came to this country and devoted his time and attention to farming. In 1834 he married Miss Viletta
Seaman, a daughter of Peter Seaman, a full blooded Yankee and a farmer by occupation, spending his last days in Canada. Mr. Cornwell is the youngest of a
family of six children. Two brothers died in the service of their country during
the Civil War.
In his native place I. Allen Cornwell grew to manhood and completed his literary education in the Arcade Academy. From, 1876 to 1879 he devoted his
attention to the study of law and then conducted the Arcade Leader of Arcade until the spring of 1883 when he came to Faulk county, Dakota Territory, with
three companions. He located on land three miles from the town of LaFoon in a shanty 10 by 12 feet which he erected upon his place. He lived alone for two
years, hauling his supplies from Redfield, a distance of thirty-five miles. On September 27th, 1885, Mr. Cornwell was united in marriage with Miss Katie M. Derr, a daughter of Hon. C. H. Derr, a pioneer of Faulk county and who served
for twelve years as county judge of this county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell have been born six children, viz: Gertrude,Frances, Mary, John, Essie and Inez.
Mr. Cornwell continued to reside upon his farm until the fall of 1886, when he was elected register of deeds for Faulk county on the people's ticket, and
removed to Faulkton to assume the duties of the office.
While filling that position he became interested in the real estate business
in partnership with P. H. Wilson, and in 1888 also started the Faulk County Abstract Company, a business that has been exceedingly profitable and is now owned and controlled by himself and wife, and successfully managed from their
commodious office, in their fine new building, within a stone's throw of the county court house. Socially Mr. Cornwell is affable and congenial and is
surrounded by many warm and devoted friends.
Politically he is a democrat and has held an almost commanding influence in the party in this county, but his friendship and sociability is not confined to
party lines, he is ever ready to aid any worthy enterprise. Mr. Cornwell became a Royal Arch Mason and has served as master of the blue lodge four terms and as high priest of the chapter.
HISTORY OF
FAULK COUNTY
SOUTH DAKOTA
CAPTAIN C. H. ELLIS
19O9
*****************************
Also from the 1909 book:
In April of 1882, D. S. Smith, Alexander LaFoon and T. H. McMullin from Hillsboro, Missouri, arrived at Redfield in Spink county and started out on a tour of observation, the object in view being a permanent location. Although Mr. McMullin was the first to move his family into the new settlement, the town was named after Mr. LaFoon. The long years, and influential and commanding positions filled, placed D. S. Smith of Faulkton, in line to claim the honor of being the first pioneer settler in the county. The LaFoon settlement received important additions from Wisconsin, while a party from Charles City selected the present county seat on the bank of the Nixon and put forth desperate effort to secure for their settlement the honor of becoming the leading town in the new and important county. Among the men of qualities who were members of the LaFoon colony, were: J. H. Bottum, J. W. Johnston, F. A. Seaman, Dr. J. P. Rathbun, I. Allen Cornwell, W. H. Race, Hon. F. M. Byrne, Judge C. H. Derr and J. P. Turner, who have remained, and are active and influential citizens of Faulkton at the present day.
SOURCE- HISTORY OF
FAULK COUNTY
SOUTH DAKOTA,
CAPTAIN C. H. ELLIS,
19O9
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