McCORNACK - McMILLAN GENEALOGY

THE McMILLAN FAMILY

Early day McMillan genealogy and history is recorded in a 353 page book written by W. F. McMillan and C. E. McMillan. The book was published about 1910 and contains genealogy information through the year 1908. The book documents the record of the descendants of John McMillan and Mary Arnott, his wife, who were born and married in Scotland, removed to the north of Ireland and then to moved to Washington County, New York in the middle of the eighteenth century. The book provides the following information.

John McMillan was born in Scotland in the year 1736. His ancestors were born in Scotland. They were a large and important clan around Loch Arkaig in the seventeenth century and later were located in Knapdale in southern Argyle. The persecutions of the Covenanters, the relentless cruelties of the government representatives in those awful days ruined the fortunes of the McMillan Clans and drove them in large numbers from the country.

At a very early age, John McMillan married a woman who was also born in Scotland. Her name was Mary Arnott. She was born in 1733. Shortly after their marriage, in 1754, John and Mary went to visit friends living in the north of Ireland. There being a large colony of Scottish refugees living in the place (presumably Ballybay, Monaghan Co.) and his native land being in an unsettled and unhappy state, John and his wife decided to remain and make their home in Ballybay. For a few years the couple lived a peaceful, quiet life in Ireland.

John McMillan like all the early Covenanters, desired and demanded perfect liberty of conscience and freedom to worship God according to his own faith. So when Rev. Doctor Clark organized a company of his devoted parishioners to try life in the new country beyond the Atlantic, John and Mary were among the first to join. They had a safe and smooth passage over the sea and landed at New York in July, 1764. John McMillan died at his home in Salem, New York on the 17 Jul 1812 in his 76th year of age. Mary, his wife, died in the same place on the 23 Jan 1803 during her 70th year of age.

Children:

1. John McMillan. b. Oct 1754 in Monoghan Co., Ireland.

2. Alexander McMillan. b. 1758 in Monoghan Co., Ireland

3. Andrew McMillan. b. 1762 in Monoghan Co., Ireland.

4. Arthur McMillan. b. 17 Mar 1769; d. 24 May 1845. ml Martha Duncan on the 28 Dec 1795. Martha’s family was of a Scotch-Irish descent.

The 1908 book provides the following information about Arthur:

"When the Revolutionary War began, although too young to enter the service, he used to assist the soldiers in molding bullets and other preparation for conflict. Arriving at manhood, Arthur became a miller and followed that business much of his life, though in his later years he moved to the west and engaged in farming. In early manhood he was a very powerful man with an iron jaw. It is related of him that in his grist mill in Fort Covington, New York, where he lived many years, he often lifted large sacks of flour with his teeth. Finally, in an exhibition of his strength, he ruined the sight of one eye, actually bursting the eyeball.

During the Indian wars along the border Arthur was an active participant. In the War of 1812, he became a scout and spy for the United States Government, often crossing the St. Lawrence river and entering the British Camp. The Indians called him "One Eye" and feared him as something supernatural. So valiant were his services in his country's cause that a reward of five hundred dollars was offered by the British commander for his capture dead or alive. Beside him in the ranks as a scout and as a soldier marched his young son, James Enos, who, though but a boy. proved himself a brave, fearless soldier.

About 1838, Arthur and his family moved to Kane County, Illinois. where he took up a farm in Pidgeon Woods Township, but still engaged in milling. As old age came on and he was no longer able to carry on his farm, he and his wife went to live with their son, James Enos, in the same town, an addition being built to the house to accommodate the old couple.

Arthur died May 24, 1845. On that day, his grandson Alexander being on a visit, Arthur, to show his strength and activity, took his ax, went into the adjoining woods and proceeded to fell a large tree. He succeeded, but by some mischance he ran in the way of the falling monarch and was caught by the spreading branches and was crushed to the ground, unconscious. He lingered a few hours and died the same day without recovering consciousness. He is buried in the village cemetery in Pidgeon Woods, Illinois."

Martha died on the 26 Jun 1852 and was buried besides her husband in Pidgeon Woods, Illinois.

gcl Sarah McMillan. b. 19 Oct 1796; d. 27 Oct 1796

gc2 James Enos McMillan. b. 18 Jan 1798; d. 30 Jun 1881. ml Betsey Elizabeth Haswell in 1820. Betsey was the daughter of Anthony Haswell, the editor of the Green Mountain Gazette, the first paper published in the state of Vermont. Betsey died on the 17 Apr 1883 at Cresco, Iowa.

The 1908 book provides the following information:

"Before he was eighteen years old James Enos was appointed a sergeant and placed in charge of the blockhouse at Fort Covington in sight of his parent's home. On one occasion the Indians, having burned his father’s house, his parents escaping to the woods, the young sergeant saved his mother by leading her across the stringers of a bridge over the Big Salmon river and conveying her on a handsled to a neighbor’s house, his father saving himself by flight.

When the war closed and James Enos returned to his home, he became enamored of the school teacher who boarded at his father's house and finally married her, as stated above. With his father and others he moved to Kane County, Illinois, about 1838, where he lived many years as a well to do farmer."

In a letter dated 5 Mar 1990, Ray M. Willemessen, 225 Second Avenue N.E., Clarion, Iowa 50525 provided the following:

"In 1885 James Enos and family moved to a farm in Harmony Township near Preston, Fillmore County, Minnesota. In 1874, James Enos and son-in-law, Thaddeus Rucker, moved to Hunter Township, Jackson County, Minnesota. After James Enos had proved up his homestead he moved to Cresco, Howard County, Iowa, where his son Arthur was a brick manufacturer."

James Enos McMillan died in Cresco, Iowa on the 30 Jun 1881, in the eighty-fourth year of his age.

ggcl Alexander McMillan. b. 27 Sep 1821; ml Charlotte Hinsdelll on the 19 Sep 1845 in Kane County, Illinois. Charlotte died on the 10 Apr 1863. m2 Anna Van Valkenburg on the 13 Oct 1864. Anna died on the 2 Aug 1898 in Marysville, Kansas.

ggc2 Martha Melinda McMillan. b. 27 Apr 1823; ml John McCornack on the 12 May 1843. John and Martha are subjects of this genealogy record.

ggc3 Henry McMillan. b. 11 Jan 1826; d. 1892.

ggc4 Margaret Eliza McMillan. b. 2 Mar 1828; ml Samuel Wilson on the 2 Oct 1845 in Elgin County, Illinois. Samuel died on the 27 Mar 1883 in Brownsville, Oregon.

ggc5 Arthur Charles McMillan. b. 24 Sep 1831; d. 15 Nov 1907. ml Rebecca Chrevers on the 2 Feb 1854 in Elgin, Illinois. Rebecca died on the 7 Dec 1893 in Crescol Iowa. Arthur died in Cresco, Iowa.

ggc6 Sarah Jane McMillan. b. 2 Mar 1833; d. 26 May 1896. ml Nathan Richardson. Nathan died four months after being married. m2 Elias K. Ferris on the 25 Sep 1853. Elias died on the 14 Jun 1898 near Great Falls, Montana.

ggc7 Betsey Cornelia McMillan. b. 13 Oct 1836. ml Alvah E. Barnes on the 7 Jun 1857.

ggc8 Amanda Susan McMillan. b. 28 Dec 1843; ml Thaddeus Rucker on the 20 Jun 1862 in Fillmore County, Minnesota.

aggc9 William McMillan, adopted from an Englishman named Peterson. ml Ada Bauder in 1877. Colorado in 1903.

gc3 Margaret McMillan. b. 2 Dec 1709;

gc4 Alexander McMillan. b. 9 Feb 1802;

gc5 Arthur McMillan Jr. b. 15 Jul 1804;

gc6 Melinda McMillan. b. 26 Oct 1806;

gc7 Florella H. McMillan. b. 29 Jul 1807;

gc8 John McMillan. b. 20 Jan 1809;

gc9 Arthur McMillan. b. 17 May 1811;

gc10 Duncan Buchanan McMillan. b. 31 Aug 1813;

gc11 Eliza McMillan. b. 13 Oct 1816;

5. David McMillan. b. 1 Oct 1770 in Salem, New York.

6. Mary McMillan. b. 1772 in Salem, New York.

7. Nancy McMillan. b. 1775 in Salem, New York.

THE McCORNACK FAMILY

John McCornack (the subject of this genealogy) was born in 1810 in the Galloway area of Scotland on a farm named Annabaglish southwest of Kirkcowan. He immigrated to America in 1836 at the age of 26. John was the second child and oldest son of Andrew McCornack and Helen McGeough.

----------------- John McCornack's father --------------

John McCornack's father Andrew McCornack was born on the 14 Jun 1778 at Annabaglish in Scotland. The farm on which he was born is still in operation and many McCornack descendants have had the honor to return to visit his birthplace. A grandson, Daniel P. McCornack, visited Annabaglish in 1914, and reported that the tenants of the farm after Andrew McCornack were David Liddesdale, John Anderson, Sr., and John Anderson, Jr. who still lived on the farm. He also reported the farm which consisted of 2000 acres was formally owned by Lord Stair and now (1914) by a Sir Mark McTaggart Stewart. In 1985, the tenants of the farm are Robert and Mary McCracken and the owner is J. H. Brewer of Ardwell Estates.

------------- Andrew McCornack lived to 98 -------------

Andrew McCornack was a remarkable man living to an age of 98 years. He was a direct descendant of the old Covenanters who earlier had signed what was known as the "League and Covenant" which pledged the signers to the complete separation of the Church and State. They protested against any supervision of conscience as to how they should or should not worship the Creator. They were against any attempt of taxation to support the Church.

----------------- Reason why they came to America -----------------

It is believed that the reason the McCornacks came to America was because of the opportunity for a better economic life free from any Church interference. Andrew became opposed to drinking at an early age. Family records indicate that when he held a sale to dispose of goods before coming to America, he would not allow any liquor at the sale. As result he received a lot less for his property than he would have received if he had allowed the sale of liquor.

------------- What Andrew was like -------------

At a McCornack reunion held on the 23 Jul 1938, one of Andrew's grandchildren, Margaret McCornack Eakin, was asked to record her impressions of her grandfather.

"About two years after the death of grandmother, grandfather came to live in our home where he remained for twelve years until his death at the age of 98. I was less than four years when he came and naturally I would be the disturbing element in the quiet home. Grandfather was very patient with me and I can recall no stronger rebuke from him as my brother and I ran noisily around, in and out, than this: "Weel you're aye ganging aboot.11

He was of average height and quite stooped. He had rather broad shoulders and a deep chest. His hair was white as I knew him but in his youth I have been told it was of a sandy color. (Photos of Andrew do exist) His features were strong and regular and his countenance ruddy. I admired his pink cheeks which were made so by a fine network of veins. He had kindly blue eyes and he could read without the aid of glasses. He was always serious. I do not remember of ever having seen him smile or give way to any form of hilarity. But he was always pleasant and agreeable.

MY earliest recollections are of watching him as he sat in his high-backed rocking chair, knitting his own stockings of white homespun yarn. these were not anklets not even socks, but stockings a least a yard in length. He kept busily employed in some light occupation around the yard as long as he was able.

Grandfather was a devout man, ever firm and steadfast, and not subject to the condemnation, "Ye knew your duty but ye did it not." often on Sabbath evenings in the dusk, without a book, he would ask every question in the Shorter Catechism, each one present taking his turn in trying to answer, often standing much in need of his coaching.

When grandfather first came to our house, the evening worship began by singing a Psalm which he would read but before reading it he would always say this: "Let us endeavor in the strength of promise and grace to worship the name of the Lord our God by singing to His praise a part of the 24th Psalm."

After reading a chapter from the Bible, I would whisper to my sister, "We will be a long time on our knees so we'll find a low, comfortable chair where we can visit quietly." The nightly petition began, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which wast and which art and which is to come. Thou only are Holy." After enlarging upon this he prayed for the distracted condition of our country.

Grandfather attended church every Sabbath Day often preferring to walk the distance of 1 and 1/2 miles. My lasting impressions are that grandfather lived a life that was true, and honest, and strong; honest, not only with his fellowman but with himself, and with God; strong in character and true. Three plain words but so full of meaning: true, and honest, and strong."

-------------- John McCornack's grandparents ----------------

Andrew was the son of Alexander McCornack (bap. 14 Aug 1754; son of John McCornack and Jean Dalrymple) and Agnes Fie who were married on the 8 May 1777 in Mochrum Parish, Wigtownshire, Scotland. Alexander is buried in the cemetery at Kirkcowan, Scotland. One of the memorial stones in the Kirkcowan cemetery has the following inscription:

ERECTED BY ALEXANDER McCORNACK IN FELL OF LOCHRONNALD

IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER JOHN McCORNACK - MOTHER JEAN DALRYMPLE

BROTHER JOHN WHO DIED APRIL 1788 - BROTHER ARCH WHO DIED MARCH

29 1798 - JEAN McCORNACK WHO DIED FEB 1800 - NEPHEW JAMES

McCORNACK WHO DIED AUG (could not not read further)

There are records to indicate that John McCornack's great grandfather John lived at Barrachan and that he married Jean Daylrymple in the Old Luce Parish on the 16 Jun 1744. Parish records indicate Jean was the daughter of Alexander Dalrymple in the Penninghame parish.

------------ John McCornack's uncles and aunts ------------

There are no records to indicate that John's father Andrew had any brothers but we know that he had at least one younger sister that came to Kane County, Illinois. Her name was Margaret. Parish records indicate she was baptized on the 22 Aug 1792 at Annabaglish by Mr. Dixon. She married Robert Smith of the Kirkcowen Village. He was a weaver at the Old Luce parish. Margaret and a son named Robert Smith are buried in Washington Church Cemetery located northwest of Elgin, Illinois.

--------------- John McCornack's parents --------------

Andrew McCornack married Helen McGeough on the 24 Nov 1807 at Challochqlass which is the farm located directly south of Annabaglish. Helen was born on the 1 Jun 1782. Helen had at least one sister. Her name was Mary and she was married to William Milligan. Mary and William were living at Corwall, Mochrum parish, Wigtownshire, Scotland during the late 1830's. Helen was the daughter of John McGeough who lived at Challochglass southwest of Kickcowan.

------------ John McCornack's mother ------------

John McCornack's mother, Helen, was considered to be the financial manager and perhaps the leader of the family. She spent a lot time trying to keep the family together. Family recollections indicate she was responsible for making the decision to came to America even though her husband, Andrew at the age of 60 would have rather stayed in Scotland.

After settling in Kane County, Helen persuaded the children to take land immediately surrounding their farm. George McQueen and daughter Margaret bought a claim southeast, son Andrew the farm south , son John north, and son William northeast. Helen had the family all around her. In 1853 Andrew, the son, could not stand the winters any more and he told his mother that he wanted to go the Pacific northwest, but as she had made great efforts to keep the family together he would not go if she objected. But she answered that he was now a man of the family and he must decide for himself.

------ The death of John McCornack's parents ------

Helen died on the 24 Jan 1860 at the age of 78. This was 22 years after she came to America. Andrew lived another 16 years and died on the 29 Mar 1876 at the age of 98. This was 38 years after he came to America. Both Helen and Andrew McCornack, John McCornack's parents, are buried in the 0-10 Section of the Memorial Washington Reformed Presbyterian Cemetery located about six miles northwest of Elgin, Illinois on West Highland Avenue.

IMMIGRATION TO ILLINOIS FROM SCOTLAND

In June 1838, John McCornack's parents, Andrew and Helen McCornack, along with his brothers Alexander and Andrew and a sister Janet took a sailing vessel for New York. The vessel was named "Siddons" and was operated by Captain Alex Britton. They were on the Atlantic when the coronation of Queen Victoria took place on the 17 Jun 1838. They were still on the sailing ship on the fourth of July. Since the ship was an American ship the captain rigged out the ship with the stars and stripes. It is reported that he told the passengers: "Now you Britishers had your celebration for your Queen, now get out your shot-guns and have one for the country you are going to even if we Yankees did lick you in 1776

---------- Landing in New York ----------

Landing in the Port of New York on the 19 Jul 1838, the arriving McCornack family went to Croton Point, New York where George McQueen and his wife Margaret (Andrew McCornack's oldest daugther) were living. Records indicate that John McCornack, his brother William and sister Margaret McQueen immigrated to America two years earlier in 1936. After arriving, John McCornack's brother, Alexander, wrote the folowing on the 23 Jul 1838 to a uncle and aunt (The William Milligans) who remained in Scotland.

"Dear Uncle and Aunt:

It is with feelings of gratitude that I take my pen to inform you that we are all well at present. Thanks be to God for it and I hope this will find you in the same state. We left Liverpool on the 16th of June at 6 o'clock in the evening and were towed out 20 miles by a steamer and the next morning were a little west to the Isle of Man. They came around the west of Scotland as the wind was more favorable for the north channel than the south.

On the 19th we sailed past the Mull of Kentire, the Island of Isla and other parts in the west highlands so near that we saw sheep and other cattle feeding . On the 20th we passed the North of Ireland. The weather at that time was very cold and wet. We were a little sick for two days and my mother was sick for two weeks but afterward she came to her usual state of health.

We had contrary winds most of the way but the Vessel was a fine sailor and passed all that we saw going the same way. We arrived at Statan Isle on the 18th of th'is month. The surgeon came on board to examine the state of the passengers and vessel and he found them in health and vessel clean. Then they hoisted sail and came up to New York and lodged in the City that night and we went back to the ship the next day and got our chests taken out and put them on board the steam packet and came up that night to Crotton Landing.

There George McQueen (John McCornack's brother-in-law) met us and put our baggage into a store and we went with him that night and found them all in good health and comfort and the children are asking me a good many questions at this time.

They (George McQueens) had a letter from John and William and they were in good health. They are near a place they call Rochester, State of New York. They have not found a situation for us yet but we intend going farther west if we are spared under Devine Providence and try to get a place to settle in as there is a plenty of land, both to let and sell but trial goes beyond report, but Mother and Jannet will stop here till we find a place, for it would be trouble in vain for them to travel the woods.

signed - Alexander McCornack

John mother's Helen and his sister Janet remained with the George McQueens while his father Andrew and his two brothers Andrew and Alexander struck out for Illinois by taking a boat up the Old Erie Canal to Buffalo, New York. There they caught a sailing vessel around the lakes, landing in Chicago in the later part of July in 1838.

------------ The trip to Elgin, Illinois ----------

In Chicago, the three met an early day settler named Cyrus Larkin who owned a lumber wagon and a team. For $1.25 each they obtained a ride to Elgin, Illinois. Cyrus was very familiar with the Elgin area. At that time there very few streets in Elgin, no bridge across the river and one log store on the bank of the river. This store was kept by Jonathan Kimball. one of the passengers inquired of Kimball, "How far is it to Elgin?" He replied, "Gentlemen, you are right in the midst of the city."

--------- Buying the home farm --------

The three after fording the river went out west on Highland Avenue (only there was no Highland Avenue then), and about six miles west they found an early settler who had a claim of 160 acres with a log house on it for which he asked $125.00. Alexander and Andrew wanted to look around the country some, but the father weary from the long journey did not and as he had the money they closed the bargain and this claim afterwards became the home of Alexander and his family.

---------- John McCornack move to Elgin ----------

Later in the fall most of the family (including John McCornack) came west. The parents, John, Janet, and Alexander lived in the original log house for some three or four years, until William Fraser (who married Janet) put up an oak frame building for the parents.

---------- More information ---------

Brother William McCornack records more about the movement to Illinois in a letter dated 5 Nov 1838 written to Scotland.

"They wrote to John and I when we were stopping at Rochester on the Erie Canal. Then John went to George McQueens and found them all in good health. Mother and Janet hoisted sail again for Illinois on the 25th September which is a route of 1770 miles - no small journey. On the October 9th they called on me and I joined the family there and found my mother a long way from her native shore but still in good health and good spirits. We came on our journey and took a steam boat at Buffalo for Chicago called Dewit Clinton on the 5th of October. So we set out again and had different kinds of weather. We had some heavy gales on the Lakes. My Mother and Jannet were not sick but tossed a little with the storm. We hired a wagon which took us and our luggage to our new home in two days.

signed - William McCornack

--------- The immigration was complete ---------

The immigration of the McCornack Family to Kane County, Illinois was completed in 1839 when the daughter, Margaret and her husband George McQueen, left Croton Point, New York where they had settled three years earlier and came to Kane County. George and Margaret purchased 230 acres in Plato township and the immigration was complete.

JOHN McCORNACK - MARTHA McMILLAN

John McCornack was born in 1810 in the Galloway area of Scotland on a farm named Annabaglish. He immigrated to America in 1836 at the age of 26. He was living Rochester, New York in the summer of 1838. In the fall of 1838, he moved to Kane County, Illinois settling in a Scotch-Irish community with his family about six miles northwest of Elgin, Illinois.

In 1840, John purchased a 160 acre farm in section 34 of the Rutland Township of Kane County with a Post Office address of Pingree Grove, Illinois. John was listed as a taxpayer of Rutland Township in Kane County in 1878. In 1878, he owned 86 acres of land valued at $50.00 per acre and was listed as having a total worth of $2,500. He was also listed as a Republican.

On the 12 May 1843, John married Martha Melinda McMillan of Rutland. She was born in Franklin County, New York on the 27 April 1825. Martha was the daughter of James Enos McMillan (b. 18 Jan 1798 in Franklin County, New York; d. 30 Jun 1881 at Cresco, Iowa) and Betsey E. Haswell (dau. of Anthony Haswell; d. 17 Apr 1883 at Cresco, Iowa). James and Betsey were married in 1820.

Martha’s father, James Enos McMillan was the son of Arthur McMillan (b. 17 Mar 1769 at Salem, New York; d. 24 May 1845 in Kane County, Illinois) and Martha Duncan (d. 26 Jun 1852 in Kane County, Illinois). James and Martha were married on the 28 Dec 1795. Martha’s great grandparents (Arthur's parents) were John McMillan (b. 1736; d. 17 Jul 1812) and Mary Arnott.

Martha died on the 12 Dec 1876 at Rutland and was buried in the 0-6 Section of the Washington Memorial Cemetery located about six miles northwest of Elgin, Illinois. A memorial stone says Martha lived for 52 Years, 7 months and 15 days. After Martha’s death, there are records which indicate John suffered a paralytic stroke which rendered him helpless. John was moved to Iowa to be near his children. Records indicate John died on the 12 Jan 1893 at Sac City, Iowa.

John and Martha had 5 children. The known genealogy of each of the children follows:

ANDREW McCORNACK - ELSIE HANAFORD

Andrew McCornack was born on the 2 Apr 1844 near Elgin, Kane County, Illinois. He was the first child of John McCornack and Martha McMillan. Andrew died on the 3 May 1920 at the age of 76. Andrew was born in Rutland Township, Kane County, Illinois. He along with his cousins, William F. McCornack and Andrew Wellwood McCornack enlisted on the 22 Aug 1862 into Company "I" of the 127th Illinois regiment of the U.S. Volunteers Infantry. Andrew enlisted as a private at Geneva, Illinois.

Andrew received the Medal of Honor for "distinguished gallantry" in action at Vicksburg, Mississippi. According to the records on the 22 May 1863 he volunteered to be a member of a storming party. He received a slight wound to his face and shoulder while fighting near Jonesboro, Georgia on the 31 Aug 1864. According to family recollections he was in "General Sherman's march to the sea". He was promoted to the rank of sergeant while in the service. His name was recorded on the "Army and Navy Medal of Honor Roll" on the 19 May 1916 and he was made eligible for a special pension. Andrew was honorably discharged near Washington D.C. on the 5 Jun 1865. After the Civil War was over, Andrew returned to his home in Rutland Township and once again returned to farming. In May of 1867 he moved to Monticello, Wright County, Minnesota. There he married Elsie Etta Hanaford.

Andrew and Elsie received their wedding license from the Clerk of the District Court on the 1 May 1869 at Monticello. Elsie's parents who were of the first settlers in Wright County were hurrying to complete their new brick home. In the new home the wedding was held on the 3 May 1869 with Rev. L.C. Collins officiating. their attendants were her Aunt and Uncle Platt and Flora (Hanaford) Titus. The same month after their marriage they moved to Rutland Township.

Elsie Etta Hanaford was born on the 8 Oct 1849 at Bridgewater, Grafton County, New Hampshire. She is the daughter of Arthur Benjamin Hanaford and Emily Favor Sargent. Elsie moved with her parents to Monticello, Minnesota in April 1855. They traveled by ox cart and lived in a log house. Many Indian scares occurred in those early days with the last major uprising taking place in the county in 1860.

In Mar 1875, Andrew and Elsie returned to live at Monticello. They lived there until their son Robert caught TB. They then moved north to a homestead at Mizpah, Minnesota. At retirement they returned to Monticello. Andrew McCornack died on the 4 May 1920 at Monticello, Wright County, Minnesota.

The May 6, 1920 edition of the Monticello Times provided the following information:

"It is recorded that Private Andrew McCornack fired the first shot over the walls of Vicksburg, aimed at an officer who was riding along the works. At the first assault on the city, young McCornack was a comrade, making himself conspicuous for his nobel courage and fearlessness by carrying from the field several wounded comrades in the midst of a perfect hail of shot and shell.

After the grand review at Washington his regiment was soon mustered out and McCornack returned to his home near Elgin, Illinois. He was a modest man and one would scarcely believe to look at him, that his young life was so thrilling and wonderful. Shortly after leaving the army, Andrew following Horace Greeley's advice, 'went west.' He settled in Monticello, Minnesota."

Elsie died on the 8 Jul 1929 at Monticello. The 11 Jul 1929 edition of the Monticello Times reported the following:

"One of the last of the Wright County pioneers passed on to her reward at six o'clock Monday morning, July 8th, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Rice, after an illness of five days.

Elsietta Hanaford, eldest daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hanaford, was born at Bridgewater, New Hampshire, October 8, 1850. At the age of five years, she, with her parents, moved to Monticello where, in a comfortable log house, she and her younger brothers and sisters grew to maturity. She attended the country and town schools and at the age of fifteen began teaching in country schools in the days when it was customary for teachers to 'board around.'

In 1869, she was married to Andrew McCornack, a young soldier. The left at once for Elgin, Illinois where they made their home for six years. They then returned to Monticello and settled on a farm near town. To this union were born ten children, six of whom live to mourn the loss of a most patient, sacrificing Christian mother."

Both Andrew and Elise are buried in Monticello Cemetery in Wright County, Minnesota.

* Second Child of Andrew McCORNACK & Elsie E. Hanaford *

Carrie Etta McCornack. b. 10 Aug 1873; d. 27 Jun 1957. Carrie was born in Rutland Township, Kane County, Illinois. She married Nelson Rufus LaBree on the 31 Jul 1894 in Buffalo, Minnesota. Nelson was born on the 7 Apr 1874. Nelson was employed by the railroad. All their children were born in Monticello, Minnesota. Nelson died on the 16 Nov 1944 at Monticello, Minnesota. Carrie also died at Monticello. They are buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Monticello, Minnesota.

* Third Child of Andrew McCORNACK & Elsie E. Hanaford *

Bertha Estelle McCornack. b. 16 Nov 1874; d. 14 Mar 1921 at 56. Bertha was born in the Rutland Township, Kane County, Illinois. Bertha married Jesse Henry Mott on the 3 Dec 1900. Jesse was born on the 7 Jan 1873 in Barrington, Cook County, Illinois. Jessie was the son of William Mott and Polly Jerusha Miller. Bertha and Jesse arrived in Kenmare, North Dakota on 19 Apr 1903 and went to their homestead in Kandiyohi Township, Burke County (section 22/23). The following excerpts from a letter written by Bertha to her mother on the 9 Jul 1903 provides information on what life was like on the new homestead.

Kenmare, N.D.

Dear Manna,

I haven't heard from any of you since I wrote your last letter so don't know whether you and papa are home or not but imagine you are. Was homesick last night the first time since we came up here but you wouldn't wonder much at it if you knew what I have gone through the last few days.

Last Monday was a blistering hot day and the wind blew a perfect hurricane, the wind went down at night but it didn't cool off much, the next morning there was a heavy fog and it thundered north and west of us. I just got breakfast on the table when it began to rain in great big drops, then the wind shriek, and at the same time the rain came down in sheets.

I grabbed to hold the tent door shut when snap went one of guy ropes and that let down the end of the tent over the table. That knocked the cream pitcher off the table and broke it and a loaf a bread rolled onto the floor. Jesse was dressing Jennie and baby was just awake, He said "Bertie put something around the baby and run for mothers."

I grabbed at a blanket but before I could get it around us the hail came and before long another rope broke and the center pole fell over. Jessie got a coat around Jennie and we got into a corner and waited for the next table to tip on to the bed, both cupboards went over, the pail of milk went over and the fire flew into the corner where we were.

Lovingly

"signed Bertie"

They lived near Kenmare until 1905 when they returned to Minnesota. In the fall of 1909 they returned to North Dakota. Jesse farmed and worked in the coal mines in the Kenmare area. Mining was not an easy occupation and was very dangerous. Jesse was hurt in 1911 while working in a coal mine. He became caught between the wall of the shaft and a cage. The cars were filled with coal and loaded on the cage to be pulled up out of the shaft.

Bertha and Jesse resided near Baden from the spring of 1915 to the spring of 1920. They moved near the Kenmare Brick Plant after that. After Bertha died of cancer, Jesse continued to farm in the area and on the 29 Aug 1935 he married Evalyn (Hall) Cyrus at Minot. After he retired from farming they resided in Kenmare. Jesse died on the 16 Jan 1952. Evayln died on the 16 Sep 1963 at Popular Bluff, Missouri. Bertha and Jesse are buried in the Rosehill Cemetery in Kenmare, North Dakota.

* Fourth Child of Andrew McCORNACK & Elsie E. Hanaford *

Martha Grace McCornack. b. 12 Feb 1877; d. 26 Jan 1952. Martha was born at Monticello, Minnesota. Martha married George Elmer Rice on the 24 Jul 1902 in Monticello, Minnesota. George was born on the 28 Jul 1874. George was the son of Cyrus Rice. He was employed as a farmer. Their children were born in Minnesota. Martha and George were living in Hasty, Minnesota during 1908. George died of pneumonia at his farm in Big Lake Township, Wright County, Minnesota on the 9 Jan 1938. Both are buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Monticello, Minnesota.

* Fifth Child of Andrew McCORNACK & Elsie E. Hanaford *

Alice Janette McCornack. b. 21 Feb 1879; d. 26 Aug 1957. Alice Janette (Jannette) was born in Monticello, Wright County, Minnesota. She married William Bernard Hagman on the 24 Jul 1902 in Monticello. William was born on the 21 May 1877. He was employed as a harness maker and hardware store manager. In later life operated a Chevrolet Agency at Milaca, Minnesota. Alice and William were living Milaca, Minnesota during 1908. William died on the 7 Jun 1933. They are both buried in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Milaca, Minnesota.

* * Sixth Child of Andrew McCORNACK & Elsie E. Hanaford * *

(son) McCornack. b. 14 Dec 1880; d. 29 Dec 1880. bu. at Monticello.

* Seventh Child of Andrew McCORNACK & Elsie E. Hanaford *

Perry Curtis McCornack. b. 29 Nov 1881; d. 31 Jan 1954. Perry was born in Monticello, Minnesota. He married Mabel Etta Stokes on the 19 Sep 1906 at Monticello. Mabel was born on the 30 Dec 1885 at Monticello, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Frederick Stokes and Amelia Schultz. Perry was a carpenter. Perry and Mable were living in Monticello during 1908. Their children were born in Monticello. Mabel died on the 28 May 1956 at Buffalo, Minnesota. Perry and Mabel were buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Monticello, Minnesota.

* Eighth Child of Andrew McCORNACK & Elsie E. Hanaford *

Nettie Lillian McCornack. b. 10 Feb 1884; d. 12 Dec 1947. Nettie was born in Monticello, Minnesota. She married Henry Buck on the 21 Feb 1912 at Monticello, Minnesota. He was a farmer/rancher and they resided near Lambert, Montana. Henry was born on the 9 Nov 1872 at Dearborn, Michigan. He was the son of Frederick and Dorothea Buck. A letter dated 2 Apr 1990, from daughter Ailee Thiessen, Box 195, Lambert, Montana 59243 provides the following information about the family:

"When she (Nettie) was a girl, part of the family spent some winters in the Northwoods of Minnesota where her father and brothers lumbered during the snowy months, and her mother enlivened their days by sketching and writing poetry. Her tales of the activities of their large family always reminded me of Alcott's 'Little Women'. She met Henry at Beach, North Dakota where he farmed and ran a threshing rig and she operated a millenary shop. When Henry went to Montana to claim his homestead, Nettie returned to Monticello until after the birth of Ailee. Back at the tarpaper homestead shack which she made home, she sometimes did not see another woman for two or three months during the winter. Because of the distance to the district school, Nettie taught Ailee and a neighbor boy for a year then Henry rented out the farm and they lived at Monticello for the next two years."

Henry died on the 1 Mar 1951 at Belgrade, Montana. Nettie died at Glendive, Montana. Both are buried at Lambert, Montana.

* Ninth Child of Andrew McCORNACK & Elsie E. Hanaford *

Robert Andrew McCornack. b. 17 Nov 1885; d. 26 Jan 1908. Robert was born in Monticello, Minnesota. father's home in Mizpah, Itasca County, tuberculosis. He is buried in Monticello.

* Tenth Child of Andrew McCORNACK & Elsie E. Hanaford *

Isabelle Emily McCornack. b. 9 Feb 1889; d. 29 Jun 1894. Isabella (Dollie) was born and died in Monticello, Minnesota.

ELIZABETH McCORNACK - GEORGE CLARK

Elizabeth Jane McCornack was born on the 9 Aug 1846. She was the second child of John McCornack and Martha McMillan. Elizabeth married George W. Clark on the 9 Apr 1869. George was born on the 27 Jan 1846 in Kane County, Illinois. George was a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War, being a member of an Illinois regiment. Elizabeth and George lived in San Benita County, California where they were farmers.

* * Children of Elizabeth McCornack & George CLAPK * *

i. Unnamed. b. 9 Jan 1870 in Illinois; died in infancy.

ii. Amy Clark. b. 21 Feb 1871; Amy Clark was born in Kansas. She married Harry McDaniel on the 28 Oct 1891 in Marysville, California. Harry was employed as butcher by trade ' Amy and Harry were living at 412 1-2 First Street, Marysville, California in Jan 1908.

Children: 1. Elmer McDaniel. b. 28 Jul 1892;

2. George McDaniel. b. 4 Aug 1893; d. 1898.

3. Maud McDaniel. b. 16 Jun 1896;

4. Wesley McDaniel. b. 18 Nov 1905;

iii. Albert Clark. b. 13 Aug 1873;  Albert was born in Kansas. He married in 1897. He was employed as molder by trade. Albert was living at 1023 Third Street in Sacramento, California in January 1908. Their children were born in Sacramento.

Children: 1. Earl Clark. b. 24 Jul 1898;

2. Mildred Clark. b. 4 Nov 1901;

iv. Lillie Clark. b. 7 May 1875; Lillie was born in Kansas. She married George McDaniel who was a butcher by trade. They were living at 713 Kentucky Street in Vallejo, California in January 1908.

v. Bertha Clark. b. 17 Apr 1882; Bertha was born in Oregon. Bertha married John Ahart in 1905. He was employed as a farmer. They were living in Llanda, California 'in January 1908.

Children: 1. Georgia Elizabeth Ahart. b. 24 May 1906;

MINERVA McCORNACK - CHRISTOPHER ROWE

Minerva McCornack was born on the 12 Sep 1848. She was the third child of John McCornack and Martha McMillan. Minerva married Christopher Rowe on the 9 Oct 1867. Minerva and Christopher were living in Salem, Oregon during 1908.

* * Children of Minerva McCornack & Christopher ROWE * *

i. Della May Rowe. b. 9 Oct 1869; Della May married Rev. Frank Neff on the 9 Mar 1888. In May 1908 they were living with all their children at home in Salem, Oregon.

Children: 1. Christopher H. Neff. b. 16 Jan 1889;

2. Blanche Myrtle Neff. b. 4 Oct 1890;

3. Grace Nira Neff. b. 5 Jan 1892;

4. Lewis Harrison Neff. b. 8 Sep 1895;

5. Kenneth Franklin Neff. b. 3 Apr 1897;

6. Della May Neff. b. 22 Apr 1899;

ii. John Frank Rowe. b. 25 Sep 1871; d. 18 Nov 1892 at 21. John Frank Rowe died unmarried at the age of 21.

iii. Eliza Rowe. b. 12 Mar 1873; d. 13 Oct 1873.

iv. Carrie Minerva Rowe. b. 14 Dec 1874; Carrie married Harry D. Chase on the 16 Aug 1900. Carrie Harry were living in Salem, Oregon in May 1908.

Children: 1. Charles Rolland Chase. b. 12 Jul 1901;

2. Eugene Rowe Chase. b. 7 Dec 1906;

v. Harrison Andrew Rowe. b. 19 Jun 1877; Harrison married Katherine Boles on the 15 Jun 1905. They living in Salem, Oregon in May 1908.

vi. Katherine Ella Rowe. b. 22 Jul 1881; Katherine married Philander R. Cooper on the 16 Aug 1900. They were living in Salem, Oregon in May 1908.

JEANNETTE McCORNACK - ALEXANDER TYLER

Jeannette McCornack was born on the 15 Jan 1852. She was the fourth child of John McCornack and Martha McMillan. Jeannette died on the 27 Dec 1932 at the age of 80. Jeannette (Janet) was born in Rutland Township, Kane County, Illinois. Jeannette married Alexander D. Tyler on the 30 Apr 1877. Alexander was the son of Joseph Tyler and Mary De Wolfe.

Joseph Tyler was born on the 8 Jun 1807 and died in Hampshire, Illinois on the 14 Nov 1860. Mary De Wolfe was the daughter of Charles De Wolfe (b. 2 Oct 1794 in Chester County, Vermont; d. 15 Jul 1870 as a result of bee sting while living in Pigeon Grove, Iroquois County, Illinois) and Betsy Putman. Mary died on the 11 Nov 1860 and was buried in the Doty Cemetery near Hampshire, Kane County Illinois. The Doty Cemetery in located in Section 23 of the Hampshire Township at Allen and Ketchum Roads in Kane County.

Alexander was employed as a veterinarian. Alexander was born on the 11 Oct 1852 in Pierpoint, Pennsylvania. He moved to Kane County, Illinois at the age of 2 years and the family home was established in Hampshire, Illinois. Alexander was educated in the public schools and in the Chicago Veterinary College where he graduated in 1889. Dr. Tyler kept close contact with the progress of his profession and in 1904 pursued a post-graduate course in the Chicago Veterinary College. Alexander and Jeannette were living at 615 Highland Ave, Elgin, Illinois during January 1908. Alexander was living at 216 Ann Street in Elgin at the time of his death which was on the 29 Nov 1935. Records indicate both Alexander and Jeannette were buried in the Doty Cemetery.

The Elgin Daily Courier reported the following on the 28 Dec 1932:

"Funeral services for Mrs. Jeannette Tyler, 80 years old, who died yesterday morning at the home of Walter Green, 207 Hammond avenue, will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 P.M. with burial in Doty Cemetery in Hampshire. Surviving are her husband, Dr. Alexander Tyler; a son Merton Tyler of Elgin; a daughter Mrs. Jessie Harris of Elgin; two sisters: Mrs. Minerva Rowe of Petaluma, California and Mrs. Ella Greennan of Northville, Michigan; two grandchildren: Raymond Tyler of Sioux City, Iowa and Walter Tyler Green of Elgin; a son Ralph died in 1928."

The Elgin Daily Courier reported the following on Friday, 29 Nov 1935:

"Alexander Tyler, 83 years old, retired veterinarian, residing at 216 Ann Street, died this morning at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was born 11 Oct 1852. He had been a resident of Elgin for 45 years. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Jessie May Harris of Elgin, two grandsons: Walter Green of Elgin and Raymond Tyler being born in Chicago on the 25 Feb 1881. He resided with his mother, Mrs. Amanda Green, his son Walter, his brother Harold and his sister Hildur. He lived in Elgin 25 years."

Jessie's second marriage was to Frank Harris. Frank died on the 9 Jul 1958 at Elgin, Illinois. He was born on the 25 Nov 1883. Frank was buried in Section 9, lot 309 of the Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin, Illinois.

Children: 1. Walter Tyler Green. b. 31 Jan 1910; d. 9 Jul 1973. ml Lois Elizabeth Koeser on the 17 May 1930 at Elgin, Illinois. She was on the 9 Nov 1909 at Ludington, Michigan. She is the daughter of Silas and Emma Koeser. Walter was born in Elgin, Illinois. He was employed as the Assistant Postmaster at Elgin, Illinois. During retirement, he lived at Cheteck, Wisconsin. Walter died on the 9 Jul 1973 at Minneapolis, Minnesota and is buried in the River Valley Memorial Gardens in West Dundee, Illinois.

iv. Blanche Una Tyler. b. 31 Jan 1892; d. 3 Sep 1892 at 7 months.

ELLA McCORNACK - PHILLIP GRENNAN

Ella (Helen) Margaret was born on the 31 Jan 1860. She was the sixth child of John McCornack and Martha McMillan. Ella married Phillip H. Grennan on the 21 Sep 1881. Phillip was born on the 23 Feb 1859. In 1908 he was employed as a proprietor of a livery and sale stable in Chicago. During this time they lived at 222 Warren Avenue in Chicago. other family records indicate they lived in Elgin, Chicago, and Detroit, Michigan.

* * Children of Ella M. McCornack & Philip Grennan * *

i. Ernest S. Grennan. b. 21 Nov 1882; Ernest was born in Sac City, Iowa. Ernest married Belle Thompson on the 16 Apr 1905. Belle was born on the 9 Oct 1886. Ernest was employed as a cutter in a shirt factory. They were living at 7 North Ashland Avenue in Chicago, Illinois in January 1908.

Children: 1. Ernest S. Grennan. b. 24 Mar 1906;

ii. Percy G. Grennan. b. 4 Jan 1886; Percy was born in Dundee, Illinois. In January 1908, Percy was employed as a clerk and lived at 222 Warren Avenue in Chicago.

iii. Kenneth L. Grennan. b. 22 Aug 1887; Kenneth was born in Hampshire, Illinois. In January 1908, Kenneth was employed as a clerk and lived with his older brother Percy.

iv. Phillip H. Grennan. b. 4 Sep 1889; Phillip was born in Nokomis, Illinois. In 1908, he was a shop foreman and lived with his older brothers.

v. John Grennan. b. 21 Jul 1891; d. 29 Jul 1891

vi. Harry Grennan. b. 25 Jun 1893; d. 3 Sep 1893

vii. Raymond M. Grennan. b. 12 Mar 1900;

iii. Kenneth Grennan.

iv. Philip Grennan. Jr.

v. Raymond Grennan.

Genealogy edited by

John C. McCornack of  Yukon, Oklahoma

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