Vanarsdall - Cornelius
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly, Saturday, September 1, 1888
Cornelius Vanarsdall, one of the oldest citizens of this county, died very suddenly at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Paul Hughes, at 5 o'clock Monday evening from heart trouble. He had been feeble for some time, but was not what any of his friends considered seriously ill. He was seated in a chair when the final stroke came and his death was apparently as painless and easy, as it was sudden and unlooked for. The deceased was 87 years of age. He was born in Mercer county, Kentucky, March 27, 1801. Most of his life spent in the Blue Grass State was on the farm, and the most of this long period of years was spent in tilling the soil. He was married in Kentucky in 1822 to Elizabeth Dickey, also a native of Mercer county. They resided there until their third child was born, when they came to Indiana, settling first near Indianapolis. Over 50 years ago they removed to Montgomery county and lived on what is known as the Binford farm, for some time when they removed to this city, where they afterwards resided. Mr. and Mrs. Vanarsdall lived happily and peacefully together for over 50 years and the preparations for the celebration of their golden wedding were postponed on account of Mrs. Vanarsdall's feeble condition. The wife died four years since and the deceased has made his home with Mrs. Hughes since then. Seven children were born into the home, only two of whom survive, William A. Vanarsdall and Mrs. Paul Hughes. The aged couple were members of and faithful attendants of the Christian church, the deceased having united with that body 20 years ago, his wife having been a communicant much longer. The funeral services were conducted on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. J. P. Ewing officiating. The internment at the Masonic Cemetery. = kbz