Walter was the fourth child born to Moses Andrew Cornelius and Nancy Keziah Bynum. He married Jessie Locke November 30, 1899 in Brown County. Jessie was a daughter of George Washington Locke and Roxy Ann Huggins. They were the parents of 10 children - all born in Zephyr, Brown County.

1900 Brown County TX, ED 8, Sh 3B, Dwelling # 48, Precinct 4, 6 June 1900: Andy M.Cornelius, Jan 1850, 50, AL; Walter, Jun 1881, 19, TX; Ethel M., Jun 1887, 13, TX; Maggie, Sep 1889, 11, TX

1910 Brown County TX, ED 103, Sh 4A: Walter Cornelius, 29, AL; Jessie, 26, TX; Milford, 9, TX; Silas, 7, TX; Beulah, 6, TX; Solomon, 4, TX; Noah, 2, TX; Rueben, 7/12, TX

WW I Draft Registration Card: Walter R. Cornelius, born Jun 20, 1880, living in Zephyr, Brown Co., TX. Farmer - self. Wife Mrs. J.K. Cornelius. Short, medium build, gray eyes, light hair.

Brown County TX Death Certificate #667. Walter R. Cornelius, age 38 years, 7 months, 4 days, died October 27, 1918 in Zephyr, Brown County. He was born June 20, 1880 in Ellis County, Texas. Surviving spouse not named. Father Andy Cornelius; mother ____ Bynum. Informant Milford Cornelius. Buried October 28, 1918 in Zephyr Cemetery, Zephyr, Brown County.

NOTICE OF DEATH: "After an illness of several days, Walter Cornelius died early Sunday morning with an attack of influenza and pneumonia and was buried here Monday afternoon, Rev. Gardner, pastor of the Methodist church conducting the services. Walter Cornelius lived in the Beaird community where he owned a nice farm and was one of the leading citizens of the community. He was 38 years old and was the father of ten children, all of whom are living but one, which died a few years ago. His wife and father also survive him Walter was a member of the Methodist church, and was a Mason and a Yoeman and carried $2,000 in an old line insurance company besides $1,000 of fraternal insurance. He was a useful citizen and his death will be felt by the entire community. Uncle Andy Cornelius, father of deceased, witnessed the death of his tenth and only child when Walter died. He has five buried at Mountain Peak in Ellis county and five and his wife are buried here. Uncle Andy is in the sunset of life and as he nears the final ending he rejoices in the fact that he will soon join them where there will be no more deaths and sorrow, or partings of loved ones."