VETERAN
Noble M (Miner) Cornish was born on December 28th, 1840, and was by trade, a cigar maker. When the Civil War engulfed our nation, Nobel heard the call and joined the Union Army on August 12th, 1863, signing up in New York City, enlisting in Co. E, and mustered in with the rank of Corporal on August 28th, 1863. Rising through the ranks, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. on July 12th, 1864, and then achieved the rank of 1st Lt. on June 11th, 1865, in Co. I, 8th Regiment of the N.Y. Volunteer Infantry, according to the marker.
However, when his widow, Mary Jane Roe, filed for the death benefits on February 7th, 1913, the month after his death on August 13th, 1913, his rank is the same, but he’s now in Co. A, Regiment 5. However, digging a bit deeper, into the death benefit records, it appears there may have been a change as a line is crossed out and the letter “A” is now there, he’s now in Co. B, Regiment 36, N.Y. Infantry as well.
Along with this, I discovered one document where he was listed as “deserted”. After reading through what is available, it appears he was in a hospital and not able to report to duty. I couldn’t find all the supporting documentation, but anyone who rises from the rank of Corporal to 1st Lt. doesn’t seem like a man who would desert his comrades. Perhaps one of my readers who is more familiar with Civil War record keeping can help enlighten us. I believe the confusion is simply how records were kept and maintained that long ago.
After the war, Nobel returned to Newburgh and his trade of making cigars. His establishment at 490 Broadway no longer stands and is now a parking lot, next to the fire station. If you read his obituary, which I’ve included, he was an outstanding citizen of our community, involved with many civic and charitable organizations. Next week? Noble M. Cornish, Jr.!
Article by: Alan Crawford
Rossville Church & Cemetery Association 