Christopher, son of William Thomas Cornelius and Charlotte Putman, was married three times.

First marriage to Sarah Ryan March 1, 1888 in Blount County AL. Three children born to this union: James Thomas, Syrena Catherine, and William Meredith.

Second marriage to M. Hester Barnes September 15, 1895 in Blount County. No children.

Third marriage to Nancy Viola Thompson September 14, 1896 in Blount County. Ten children born to this marriage: David C., General Grant, Ruthie Mary, Ledie Maudenia, Bertie Beatrice, Gerthia LaElla, Odis Benjamin, Christopher Columbus Jr., Jay Pinson, and Alton Beck.

Quoted from a Blount County publication: "The late Christopher Columbus Cornelius was the great-great grandson of William Cornelius and Lettice Cargile Cornelius, who settled in Blount County in 1816. Christopher, my grandfather, was considered a maverick, born to a reserved and dignified family, he must have been a trial to them at times. With his handle bar mustache, Stetson hat and boots, he was a well-known figure in Central and North Alabama. You either loved or disliked him, one thing he was not was a nonentity. At one tiime one of his sons said to him, "Dad, I don't believe that man likes you"; his brown eyes began to twinkle, and with a big grin he said, " That's all right, Son. I like me."

1870 Blount Co. AL, pg 338A/B: Thomas, 36 M, farmer, AL; C., 32 F, NC; Catherine, 11 F, AL; S.B., 8 M, AL; S.E., 4 F, AL; C.C., 2 M, AL.

1880 Blount Co., AL, pg 408: Thomas Cornelius, 45, farmer; Charlotte, 41; Solomon B., 18; Serena, 13; Christopher, 12; George W., 10; Mary S., 7; Joel W., 4.

1900 Blount Co., AL: Chris Cornelius, 32, AL; Viola, 24, AL; Thomas, 12, AL; Shronie (Syrena), 9, AL; William M., 8, AL; General G., 1, AL

1910 Blount Co., AL, ED 22, Sh 9A: Chris C.,42, AL; Viola, 30; Madre (Wm Meredith), 16; Grant, 11; Ruthie, 10; Letia, 8; Bertie, 6; Gerthia, 4; Otis, 1.

1920 Blount Co., AL, ED 11, Sh 4B: C.C., 51; Viola, 42; Grant, 20 M; Ruthie, 17 F; Ledie, 16 F; Birdie, 14 F; Gerthie, 12 F; Odus, 10 M; Clifton C,, 8 M; Jay, 5 M; Beck, 3 M.

1930 Blount Co., AL, ED 35, Sh 5A: Christopher C. Cornelius, 62, AL; Nancy V., 53, AL; Odus B., 21, AL; Clifton, 17, AL; Jay P., 14, AL; Alton B., 12, AL; Jesse D., 14, AL, grandson; Grady, 12, AL, grandson.

1940 Blount Co., AL: Christoper C. Cornelius, 71, AL; Viola, 62, AL; Alton, 22, AL; Marlen R. Cornelius, 13, AL, grandson

Blount County Newspaper:13 Dec 1945: Christopher C. Cornelius, better known as Chris, died at his residence on Rte 1, Oneonta, Tuesday, Dec 11, after a lingering illness of many months. He was 77 years of age. Mr. Cornelius was a native of Blount Co. and was widely known throughout this section of the state. He is survived by widow, Mrs. Viola Cornelius, six sons, Sam, Grant, Otis, CC Jr., Jay and Alton; four daughters, Mrs. Ruth Logan, Mrs. Lida Phillips, Mrs. Birtie Higgenbotham, Mrs. Serenia Newbourn, and Mrs. Girthis Jones; four brothers, Joe, George, William and Solomon."

Blount County AL Death Certificate #22028. Christoper Columbus Cornelius, age 77 years, 7 months, 10 days, died December 11, 1945 in Oneonta, Blount County, Alabama. He was born May 1, 1868 in Blount County. Father Tom Cornelius; mother unknown. Married. Informant Grant Cornelius. Buried December 13, 1945 in Easley Cemetery, Blount County, Alabama.