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71

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THOMAS CORNELL.

Kingston, N. Y., March 30 (Special).-Thomas Cornell died at his home in this city early this morning from pneumonia and heart failure. He was taken sick on Monday last, but at no time was he considered dangerously ill, even by his physicians, until last night, and he would scarcely admit to his friends that he was sick. Mr. Cornell was born at White Plains, Westchester County, on January 23, 1814. Mr. Cornell was descended from that particular family to which in July, 1646, William Kieft, then Director-General for the Prince of Orange, delivered a grant of land in Westchester County at a point on the East River afterward known as "Cornell's Neck." Mr. Cornell came here in 1843, beginning business in what was then known as Rondout, now the lower end of the city. He had only a small capital, and he embarked at once in the steamboat forwarding business between this port and New York. In this he had been actively engaged ever since, the business being extended from year to year until he became the largest boat owner in the United States. The business was afterward merged into the present corporation, widely known as the Cornell Steamboat Company. This is now the largest steamboat transportation company in the State. Of this Mr. Cornell had been president ever since its incorporation. He was also president of the Ulster and Delaware Railroad Company, which had contributed so largely to the development of the Catskills as a summer resort. It was largely through his personal efforts that this road was brought to its present high standard of efficiency. He was also president of the Kaaterskill narrow-gauge road, which, with the Stony Clove Road, forms a complete rail line to the historic old Catskill region. He was president and founder of the First National Bank of Rondout, also of the Rondout Savings Bank, and he was president of the Rhinebeck and Kingston Ferry Company. For many years he was a director in the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. 

Though not a politician by choice or inclination, Mr. Cornell was always a zealous and influential adherent to the principles of the Republican party. He twice represented his district in Congress, first in the XLth Congress, and next in the XLVIIth Congress. He was a great admirer of Mr. Blaine and was a delegate to the Chicago convention which nominated him for President in 1884. He was also a Presidential elector for this district in 1888. Being a man of the people and a large employer of men, he was in the closest sympathy with, and a good judge of, human nature. He was active in religious affairs, being almost the founder of the Rondout Baptist Church and the largest contributor toward its support ever since. He was a deacon at the time of his death. He was a member of the Masonic order. He had great force of character, was a frequent and liberal-handed giver to worthy charitable objects, and had a large share in the development and prosperity of this city and county. No man was more widely known and respected here than Major Cornell, as he was familiarly called among this people. 

Mr. Cornell married Catherine A. Woodmansee in 1840 and his golden wedding was celebrated last February. His wife and two daughters, Mrs. Samuel D. Coykendall and Mrs. Robert B. Carpenter, survive him. Mr. Cornell is understood to have left a large fortune and a life insurance for $30,000. All his vast business interests are in competent and experienced hands and will be continued as usual. 

Flags are at half-mast and all the Cornell machine shops will be closed until after the funeral, which will be held at the family home on Wednesday at 2 p. m. The interment will be at Montrepose Cemetery. 
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did and that often it seemed as though he had nothing to live for. I told him I knew the feeling and that in thinking of Gertrude I had the same discouraged feeling.

Monday March 31" 1890. Down town. Cold morning but grew warmer - a still, solemn sort of day. Flags are at half mast on some of the buildings and boats for Maj. Cornell. In the Kingston Leader was a long obituary notice of him which I sent to John Andrews. Sara went down after dinner to see Mrs. Cornell. She did not see her but saw Mrs. Coykendall and Mrs Oberbagh. The major was conscious to the last and expressed himself ready and willing to die. What a great and sudden change to Mrs. Cornell in her weak, ill condition and how unlikely it seemed one short week ago that she would survive him. Sara feels lonely since the Reeds went and I do not wonder. She immediately went at their room, had the stove taken down and the room cleaned. She is troubled that our servant Katy Hilles, whom we like so much is determiined to leave us to go to N.Y.- I did not leave until with the 8.25 train, reluctant to come away and leave her alone, Down at Newburgh it began to snow and before we reached N.Y. two or three inches had fallen. I was cold when I reached my room at near midnight.

Tuesday Apl. 1" 1890
In my room all day painting on the little portrait of Gertrude which I cannot succeed in making at all like her. This evening I went up to call on Mrs. De Forest. With my usual luck I ran into a dinner party. However it was a family party and I had a pleasant call. Lockwood De Forest and his wife were there, Mr. [[C?]] and his wife (nee Hattie [[C?]] and a young Irishman just arrived, Mr. Penrose, who is going to Colorado on a farm. He seemed a very agreeable young man and sang and played very nicely. He sang particularly well "The minstrel boy to the war has gone". 

Wednesday 2" The weather is still cold in the morning. Painted all forenoon on the little head to no avail. Between the reality and my ideal of dear Gertrude I get nothing at all like her. In the afternoon I called on Guy and Casilian. I have been to see no one for a long time and no one comes near me and I have no heart to paint. About 3'oclock I went up to 43" St to see the new Century building the front of which is up and is I think very attractive. Then I called on Mrs. Anderson in 41" St. whom I have not seen in a long time and made a long and pleasant call. Then I walked down to 25" St. and called at the Barrington to see Sam. Colman who was out. I went to see the new Madison Sq. Garden which is approaching completion as to the outside, but I did not go in. From there I came to my room. I feel dispirited and in no mood to paint having no incentive. I do not know how the great mass of the artists live for there seems to be unusual stagnation in all matters. Staid at Marys until 9 o'clock and came to my room. I wonder how Sara is getting along up home alone. I know it must be dull and lonely to one so active as she is.

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