;
Cornelius Coleman – Supported Relief Fund During Civil War
Posted By Norman Gasbarro on October 5, 2018
A brief biographical sketch on Cornelius Coleman (1829-1900), who was born in Lykens Township, Dauphin County, appeared in the Biographical Portrait Cyclopedia of Schuylkill County,
Cornelius Coleman, was united in marriage with Sarah Ritzman, a daughter of Jacob Ritzman and Elizabeth Ritzman, of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, on 6 April 1852. Shortly after his marriage he removed to Hubley Township (at that time called Lower Mahantonga Township), Schuylkill County, and resided there until 1859, engaged in farming. Subsequently he removed to Llewellyn, and purchased the Union House, which he has conducted with success; it is now known as the Jackson House.
In the matter of suffrage, when called upon to cast his ballot, he does so in behalf of the Democratic Party. Under this party he has been elected to a number of township offices, such as school director, treasurer, assessor and other minor offices. During the late Civil War, he was instrumental in raising a fund for the relief of soldiers in distress, and was honored by being appointed as treasurer of that fund. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church.
No record of military service for Cornelius Coleman has been seen, so it has to be assumed that he had none. Unfortunately, thus far, nothing further has been found about the specific Relief Fund mentioned in the biographical sketch.
In the 1860 census, Cornelius Coleman, while a resident of Branch Township, Schuylkill County, was an inn keeper.
In the draft of 1863, Cornelius Coleman registered as a resident of Branch Township, Schuylkill County. He was 33 years old and his occupation was “landlord.” He was never called to serve.
For a time, beginning about 23 September 1868, Cornelius Coleman served as Postmaster of Llewellyn, Schuylkill County.
In the 1870 census, his occupation was given as “hotel keeper.” in Branch Township. The same was the case in 1880.
Cornelius Coleman died on 24 February 1900.
From the Elizabethville Echo, 8 March 1900:
A. S. Ritzman and wife, Mrs. Ritzman, Mrs. Mary Umholtz, J. J. Coleman and Joseph Phillips, were out to Lewellyn attending the funeral of Cornelius Coleman, be being 70 years, 9 months and 17 days old.
A similar article appeared in the Lykens Register.
Over 200 references to Relief Funds in Pennsylvania during the Civil War have been located in Pennsylvania newspapers, but none refer to the specific fund controlled by Cornelius Coleman. The search continues as additional newspapers become available. If any readers can provide sources of information on any Relief Funds in the Lykens Valley area, this would be greatly appreciated. It is an area of “home front” activity that needs further exploration.
Comments