VETERAN
What was interesting when I researched the son was the many times he returned to his parents’ home in Newburgh while on leave despite the distance of where he was stationed, including the Philippines.
And, while stationed in the Philippines, Noble wrote long letters to his family detailing what life was like there, their experiences, and how they were struggling to eliminate slavery in this faraway land. Click here to view the letters published in the local paper.
Noble M. Cornish, Jr., enlisted on February 21st, 1901, when he was 25 years old, in the United States Army as a Private in Troop B, the 14th Calvary, for three years. He is listed as a “horse-shoer” and of “excellent character”. On March 10th, 1903, he was honorably discharged and also listed as a blacksmith, and with the rank of Corporal.
Noble re-enlisted in 1903 for another three years, before heading home with a thirty day furlough plus a twenty day leave of absence extension. He then rejoined his outfit at Fort Walla Walla, Washington, before they left for active service in the Philippines, relieving Troop A, of the Sixth Calvary, who were stationed three miles from Manila. While there, he achieved the rank of First Sergeant in the fall of 1904.
One interesting article I discovered is from the Poughkeepsie Eagle News, September 20th, 1928, edition. Perhaps some of my readers may have knowledge of where this weapon now resides. Gleaned from the article, a kris (a dagger which originated in that area of the world) was obtained when a Moro native ambushed First Sgt. Cornish while he was guard duty. The native was ultimately killed by Noble. The kris apparently was returned with his other possessions when he passed away. The family loaned it to the Lafayette American Legion Post No.37 way back when for display, to be returned to the family.
First Sgt. Noble Cornish, left this world on August 31st, 1911, in a hospital in the Philippines from acute indigestion. He was briefly buried there, but his remains were ultimately returned to Newburgh and laid to rest on October 25th, 1911, in the Rossville Cemetery. His father was placed next to him, two years later, and his mother joined her husband and son in 1934. Thank you for your service, First Sgt. Noble M. Cornish.
Article by: Alan Crawford
Rossville Church & Cemetery Association 