Lake County Ohio GenWeb

Nelson D. Corning

This biography is taken from Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio, Embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake; Lewis Publishing Company, 1893.

Transcribed and submitted by Becky Falin, 1996.

Nelson D. Corning, a citizen of Mentor, and a member of a prominent pioneer family of this place, was born here, July 12, 1831.

Mr. Corning's grandfather, Colonel Warren Corning, was a native of Massachusetts. He came with his family to Lake county, Ohio, prior to 1812, making the journey here by wagon, and upon his arrival settled at what is now Mentor. This part of the country was then a dense forest. He lived to nearly the age of four score years, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was a Disciple, and took an active part in the organization of that church in this locality.

Deacon Nathan Corning, the father of Nelson D., was about six years old at the time they emigrated to Ohio. He lived on a farm at Mentor, and was extensively engaged in the manufacture of brooms here. At various times he filled local offices, being County Coroner two terms. July 5, 1882, after a long life of useful activity, he passed from earth to his reward. His wife, whose maiden name was Phoebe Wilson, and who was a native of New York, died in August, 1878. They had six children, five of whom are living, Nelson D., being the second born.

Nelson D. Corning was reared on his father's farm, receiving his education in the district schools and the Kirtland Academy. His whole life has been spent in Mentor. He remained on the farm of his father several years after reaching his majority. Then he bought land of his own. He helped to clear and improve considerable land in this vicinity. He has now within the corporation of Mentor twenty acres, on which he raises small fruit. Some years ago he was largely interested in the manufacturer of brooms. Mr. Corning was married June 15, 1857, to Adelia Tyler, a native of New York. Their children are as follows: Frank B., married and living in Mentor; Emily, wife of P.G. Worcester, of Mentor; and Mary B, at home. For nearly twenty years Mr. Corning has been a member of the Town Council, and for eighteen years he has served on the School Board.