Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers. "An Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties") Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905. p. 615. WILLIAM M. CORNETT is a venerable and highly esteemed citizen of Condon, where he is dwelling in retirement from the more active enterprises of life, after a long career of arduous labor and well spent years. He is a pillar in the Christian church, of which he is a steward, and during his life he has always shown forth those graces of the Christian religion in walk and precept, while also, he has labored wisely and well for the advancement of education in every way. He is worthy of the generous bestowal of confidence which is accorded him and his friends are numbered from every quarter. William M. Cornett was born in Boone county, Missouri, on October 29, 1821, the son of John B. and Mary (Davis) Cornett. The former was born in Lee county, Virginia, in 1797 and was a veteran of the War of 1812. He fought with Jackson in the battle of New Orleans, and his death occurred on January 7, 1840. The mother was born in Warren county, Kentucky, and is now deceased. In the common schools of Missouri, our subject received his education and there grew to manhood. In 1853, he was selected captain of a train of forty wagons across the plains. The trip occupied five months and was made without accident or misfortune. He settled in Polk county, Oregon, and there farmed until 1880. Then he came to this county, Condon was not then in existence, and took a homestead near where Condon is now located. Afterward he bought forty acres and to the cultivation of these two hundred acres he gave his careful attention until 1901. In that year he sold his property and removed to Condon to enjoy the competence which his industry has provided. On March 19, 1854, Mr. Cornett married Miss Nancy J. McCarty, the wedding occurring in Polk county. Mrs. Cornett was born in Jackson county, Missouri, on January 22, 1832. With her parents she crossed the plains in 1847. Their stock was stampeded once and broke things terribly, and while crossing the Snake, they were nearly drowned. But they reached their destination finally and she has done a noble part in the pioneer work of assisting to open up a great state. Her parents John and Rosanna (Wilburn) McCarty, were natives of Kentucky. The former was born in 1798 and died on March 24, 1891, while the latter was born on March 11, 1806, and died October 10, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Cornett have the following named children, John 0., Alexander W., Edward R., Eugene B., Frank D., Mrs. Emory P. Knox, Fred C.. and Mrs. Annie Barker. Mr. and Mrs. Cornett have passed the fiftieth milestone of their married life and during these long years they have shown forth a testimony for the faith that sustains them now and have done untold good. They have many warm friends and it is pleasant to see the old proverb exemplified in them, "The hoary head is a crown of glory if found in the way of righteousness." ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in November 2010 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.