Cornelius Newkirk Breeze was born in Orange County, Indiana, on February 20, 1826 and died August 30, 1885.

He was married to Margaret Lucinda Underwood February 21, 1856. She was born in Jackson county February 12, 1836 and died September 17, 1898. Her father was a Methodist circuit rider preacher. They were the parents of nine and the oldest died at birth. The eight remaining children were:

1. Roselda Jeanette,
2. John David,
3. Reuben Lemuel,
4. Sarah Lucinda,
5. Mary Isabelle,
6. Ann Rebecca,
7. Aretha Alice, and
8. Edgar Austin.

The family moved to Texas after the death of Cornelius and Edgar became a Texas ranger. Cornelius' father, grandfather, and two uncles came to America from Ireland before 1800 and lived in New York and Pennsylvania. \

Cornelius served in the Mexican War and stood five feet ten inches tall. Sometime before the Civil War he came to Jefferson county and settled about a half mile east of Harmony church in Farrington township. He ran a blacksmith shop there.

Cornelius served in the Union Army during the Civil War as a sergeant and later became First Lieutenant in Co. G, 60th Volunteer Infantry Regiment. On one occasion while he was stationed at Decatur, Alabama. he had been to Cornith to get a new uniform. On his way back the train was wrecked by rebels and he lost his new uniform and was wounded in the hand. Reinforcements quickly arrived and the men escaped alive. After he was discharged he moved his family to the Walnut Hill area where he spent the rest of his life.
- Donald L. Breeze

*NOTE* Some ommisions may have occured to protect living individuals.

"Facts and Folks A History of Jefferson County, Illinois"
Jefferson County Historical Society
Printed by Taylor Publishing Company, Dallas, TX
Page 98, 99
Submitted by Sandy Whalen Bauer