Submitted by Robin Sterling
The Southern Democrat, 2 Nov 1916
Zion Cornelius Dead. Zion B. Cornelius died very suddenly at his home near Blountsville on Oct. 25th.
While Mr. Cornelius had been in ill health for quite a while he was able to be up and had been to Blountsville on the day of his death.
The deceased was about 72 years of age and he had made his home for many years in the community where he died.
He had many friends in the county who will regret to learn of his death.
The deceased is survived by his widow, two sons and two daughters.
Mr. Cornelius had been a member of the Primitive Baptist church for 36 years.
The remains were laid to rest in Graves cemetery, near Royal, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. J.J. Herring. [Zion B. Cornelius, 12 Mar 1847 – 25 Oct 1916; buried Graves Cemetery near Royal]
The Southern Democrat, 9 Nov 1916
Royal News. Many friends of Zion Cornelius were surprised and grieved to hear of his death Wednesday. He went to Blountville Wednesday, bought a lot of merchandise and was planning to have a working on Friday. He carried his goods into the house and sat down by the fire and was dead in a few minutes. He seemed to be all right and in his usual health when he came in.
He was a good old man and had a lot of friends. He always attended to his own affairs and bothered no one. He was a member of the Primitive Baptist church. He was buried at the Graves cemetery. Rev. Jimmie Herring conducted the funeral services. He will be greatly missed in his community. He leaves an aged wife, 5 children and a host of friends and relatives to mourn his death. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of this community.
Service records compiled by Glenda Todd and used with her permission. This and other information about the history of the First and the men who fought with the unit
can be found in her book, First Alabama Cavalry, USA: Homage to Patriotism.