What can I possibly learn about my maternal 2x great-grandmother Charlotte R. Bailey Cornell who lived in Upstate New York?
Charlotte is circled in red and this is the only picture I have of her. Her son William, my great-grandfather is standing behind Charlotte and my grandmother, Edna Cornell Hammond, is the youngest child and to the left of Charlotte in the picture.
What I already knew about Charlotte:
- she was born in upstate New York in October 1841 to Silas and Sarah Bailey
- she married Joseph Cornell on 1 Jan 1858 in the ‘Johnson Settlement’
- Joseph and Charlotte had 9 children-5 sons and 4 daughters.
- she died 15 Jul 1928 in Spencer, Tioga, New York, USA
What I learned about Charlotte: (from US Federal Census records, newspaper articles, city directories, land deeds, etc.)
- August 1860 Charlotte lived with her husband Joseph and son Edmund in Catherine, Shuyler County, New York. (US Federal Census)
- July 1865 Charlotte lived with her husband Joseph and children Edmund and Sarah J in Catherine, Shuyler County, New York. (NY State census)
- July 1870 Charlotte lived with her husband Joseph and children Edmund, Sarah J and Josephine in Catherine, Shuyler County, New York. (US Federal Census)
- June 1875 Charlotte lived with her husband Joseph and children Edmund, Sarah J, Iva, Isaac, and Mary in Catherine, Shuyler County, New York. (NY State census)
- June 1880 Charlotte lived with her husband Joseph and children Edmund, Sarah J, Iva, Isaac, Mary, Nathan, Guy and William in Catherine, Shuyler County, New York. (US Federal Census)
- 20 October 1904 “ Mrs. C. R. Cornell observed her 64th birthday, Oct. 11th, by the homecoming of a number of her children and grandchildren. Those present from a distance were Mr. & Mrs. W[illiam] Cornell and three children, Mrs. E[d] Bagley and son, of Ithaca; Mrs. E. Cornell and two children, of Alpine.” (newspaper clipping)
- 13 January 1905 there was the listing of a deed filled A. J. Card to Charlotte Cornell, Spencer, NY for $400. (from Newspapers.com)
- 9 October 1915 land deed for the transfer of a piece of land from Charlotte to her daughter Sarah Jane Cornell Bagley for $1.00. (land deed)
- 26 December 1917 at 77 years old Charlotte tripped over a rug in her home and fractured her right hip. (from Newspapers .com)
- 1917 According to the Farm Journal Illustrated Rural Directory of Tioga County New York Charlotte was listed as “ Cornell, Mrs. C. 0 Academy Street, Spencer (NY).” and “Cornell, Wm. (Netta) laborer 0 Academy St., Spencer. (NY)” (city directory)
- 17 January 1918 “Mrs. Charlotte Cornell, who was taken to the Packer Hospital at Sayre two weeks ago for treatment to a fractured hip as the result of a fall, has sufficiently recovered to be brought home.” (form another newspaper clipping)
- January 1920 Charlotte lived alone in Spencer, Tioga County, New York. (US Federal Census)
- 1923 Ithaca City Directory “Cornell Charlotte, wid Joseph, b 701 W Green (city directory)
- June 1925 Charlotte was living with her daughter Sarah Jane Cornell Bagley, her son-in-law Edwin Bagley and Edwin’s brother Frank Bagley in Enfield, Tompkins County, New York. (NY State census)
- 19 July 1928 “Mrs. Charlotte Cornell died at her home in this village, Sunday, July 15, aged 88 years. Her funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Burial in Evergreen cemetery. H.L. Palmer funeral director in charge. Mrs. Cornell has been in feeble health for several years.” (newspaper clipping)
from The Ithaca Journal published 16 July 1928 and available on Newspapers.com
I think it’s interesting that my great-grandfather, and Charlotte’s son, William Cornell was not listed in the obituary as he was also still alive at the time of her death. Charlotte outlived 5 of her children and her husband Joseph. (see post Civil War-Certificate of Disability for Discharge)
Thank goodness for small local newspapers who kept records of the minor comings and goings of their inhabitants.
Now I would like to get a copy of Charlotte death certificate. I wonder what happened to Josephine who must have died before the 1875 census? I wish I could find more pictures or Bible entries.
If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby
