McCORNACK, WILLIAM, is a farmer living on section 8 of Copley Township, Knox County, and was born in Creetown village, on the Cree River, Scotland, March 22, 1832. His parents were Samuel and Jenette (Tait) McCornack. They were natives of Scotland; the father by trade was a carpenter, and, also owning a saw-mill, had a good source of income. They came to America in 1839, and settled four miles east of Knoxville. There they purchased 40 acres of land, on which they remained until 1852. They then removed into Copley Township and purchased 160 acres on section 8, on which they lived until 1872. He then moved into Oneida village and erected a house, living there until the death of the husband and father, in 1878. The mother followed him in 1880. Their family consisted of four children, as follows: William, Margaret, James, and Andrew. James died in 1874.

      The subject of our sketch remained at home until he reached the age of 29 years. He studied two years at Monmouth College, and was a well-informed and intelligent youth. His general knowledge of things and his worldly experience were fairly good, and he was liked and respected by those he met during these years.

      He was married on the 4^th of March, 1861, to Miss Angeline Bacon, daughter of Jirah and Maria (Reeves) Bacon. Five boys and one girl were the result of this union—Jirah S., Edwin B., Ivan W., Willard H., and James L. The little girl died in less than a year after birth. Mrs. McCornack died the 22^nd of July 1880, and Mr. McCornack remarried Sept. 27, 1883, the second lady of his choice being Miss Ellen Doak, daughter of William and Helen (McKee) Doak, native of Scotland. They died in the land of their birth Sept. 8, 1878, and Feb 6, 1879, respectively.

      Mr. McCornack moved onto the place he now occupies in 1861, and at that time laid the foundation of his present home. He is now the owner of 640 acres, 320 in Knox County and 320 in Iowa. He devotes his attention chiefly to the raising of grain, hogs, and cattle, and is very successful. He values his land at $40. per acre. In politics Mr. McCornack is a Republican, and has held some of the minor offices of his county, being Collector and School Treasurer for several years. He takes a deep interest in education and the prosperity of the schools of his county. He and his wife, hand in hand a Christian bond of union, are enrolled as members of the Presbyterian Church.