Sacramento County
Biographies
JOSEPH
D. CORNELL
The father of the prominent lawyer whose name is the title
of this notice, James Cornell, came by way of Cape Horn
in 1850 and began his career here by mining on the American river in Sacramento
county. His success was indifferent and
eventually he turned his attention to ranching, which he pursued with
considerable success. He is passing the declining years of his life
at his home ranch, which he improved from a wilderness, it being located
on the Folsom road, fourteen miles southeast of Sacramento.
His wife, who before her marriage was Miss Susan Cleary, bore him six
children, all of whom are living, Joseph D. being the third oldest.
It was in the public schools and in the grammar school
that Joseph D. Cornell was educated in the English branches. His legal
studies he pursued in the office and under the direction of Albert M.
Johnston.
Being admitted to the bar in 1900 he practiced with his
preceptor till his demise in 1906. Mr. Cornell then opened a law office
of his own and has engaged in the practice of his profession not only in the courts
of Sacramento, but throughout the
state. His present offices are in the People’s Bank building. Owing
to his careful preparation for his profession and the attention which he has
given to every detail of his work, no less than to his manifest talent for his
calling, he has been successful even beyond his expectations in building up a
profitable clientele, to the varied interests of which he has devoted himself
indefatigably and most conscientiously and with characteristic ability. While
the Hon. Theodore Bell represented his district in Congress Mr. Cornell was his
very efficient private secretary, in which position he was enabled, by
association with leaders in both great political parties, to acquire an
intimate and definite knowledge of public affairs of our great and growing
country, a knowledge which has done much to win for him the high esteem as a
citizen which he deservedly enjoys.
Mr. Cornell is a member of the Eagles and of the Native
Sons of the Golden West, in which organizations, as well as in all other relations
of his life, he is patriotically helpful.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento
County, California, Pages 506-507. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1913.
© 2005 Sally Kaleta.