CHARLES HENRY CORNWELL, M.D.

     Charles Henry Cornwell, M.D., b May 6, 1909 in Roanoke, Texas, d June 4, 1982 in Marlin, Falls County, Texas and buried there in Calvary Cemetery - was a son of William Lee and Margaret (Howe) Cornwell.

     On November 1, 1938 in Marlin, Charles Henry Cornwell was married to Fan Read Buie, b October 10, 1915 in Marlin, Falls County, Texas, d August 21, 1981 in a Temple Hospital, Bell County, Texas - a daughter of Dr. Neil Dugald and Marian (Clarkson) Buie.

     Charles H. graduated from Roanoke School in 1923, and from Denton High School in 1924. In 1928, he received a B.A. degree from North Texas State University, and his M.A. from The University of Texas, Austin. For the next eight years, he taught English and Psychology, and coached tennis in the junior college, Schreiner Institute, at Kerrville. He sang in Glee Clubs at North Texas and the University of Texas, sang extensively both solo and in various groups in the "Hill" Country; and also directed the glee club at Schreiner Institute.

     Fan Read (Buie) Cornwell completed Marlin High School in 1932, and because of ill health, lived four years in Kerrville, Texas. She subsequently attended The University of Texas, Austin, where she was active in her sorority, Delta Gamma. Charles and Fan set up their first in Kerrville, Texas; but soon moved to New York City, where he attended Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, earning his medical degree in 1943. He served his internship at Presbyterian and St. Luke's Hospitals there, and then entered the Army Medical Corps during World War II - being stationed during the next three years in Arkansas, Alabama, Missouri, Colorado, with one year in the European Theater of War.

     Returning to Marlin, Texas in July 1946, Dr. Cornwell concentrated primarily on rheumatic diseases and internal medicine. He was a charter member, officer, and director of the Texas Rheumatism Association, and a member of numerous other professional organizations.

     Mrs. Cornwell, after the family's return to Marlin, was a participating, contributing citizen in every aspect of her community. She worked energetically with the Girl Scouts, at first locally, and then for four years as President of the Bluebonnet Council, and as a member of the Regional Committee of the thirteen-state Southwestern Region, being awarded the Girl Scout highest honor, the Thanks Badge. She was a mainstay member of the time-honored Wednesday Matinee Musical Club, and served a term as president of the Band Parents Association. She personally had managed her farming and ranching properties and operations in Falls and McLennan Counties, and several rental properties in Marlin, for years before her death.

     The Cornwell’s were very active members of the First United Methodist Church of Marlin, and Fan served continuously through the years, and filling many offices. She held several offices in the county and state Medical associations, and worked as a member of the board of directors and as secretary of the Falls County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1, which is concerned with the Big Creek watershed. Though descended from Democrats, Fan Read (Buie) Cornwell became a devoted, hard-working Republican, and took an active and outspoken part in local, state, and national politics. She inherited her musical talents from her mother - singing, as well as playing the piano.

     Dr. Cornwell came to Marlin as a member of the staff of the Buie Clinic and Hospital, and shortly became a co-owner and co-director of the institution. Although the hospital closed in 1967, he continued his medical practice and the operation of the Buie - Cornwell Clinic, until his death.

     Dr. Charles Henry and Fan Read (Buie) Cornwell were the parents of two children:

Harvey Cornwell, born while his father was in the Army Medical Corps during World War II, who married, resides in Dallas, Texas, where he is an appraiser, and has two sons: Clark Cornwell, and Charles ("Chuck") Cornwell. He received his degree from North Texas State University, Denton.

     Ann Cornwell, who married William Emrys Price, and had one daughter, Emrys Price. Ann and Emrys reside in Marlin, Texas, where she is Director of the Marlin High School Band. Ann is very active with the restoration of the old Palace Theatre in Marlin, and has lead the band to numerous honors and awards throughout the state. She now manages the farm and ranching interests of the family, as well as the rental properties.

     Both, Dr. and Mrs. Cornwell served as directors of the Marlin Chamber of Commerce, and on the Methodist Official Board. She was a driving force for many years of the Falls County Historical Commission, and pushed for the establishment by the Commission of a Falls County Historical Museum. She died before the Museum became a reality; however, her name was placed on the Founders' Plaque in the Museum, "In Memoriam."

 

 

Copyright Permission granted to Theresa Carhart for printing the biographies of these Falls County Families to this Web page.
"Families of Falls County", Compiled and Edited by the Falls County Historical Commission, page 97 column 1 and 2 and page 98 column 1.  
Member of Falls County Historical Commission.