LIEUTENANT-COLONEL J. W. CORNING
Was born in Yarmouth, North Scotia, Nov. 4th, 1813, and when eleven years of age removed with his parents to Rochester. The father losing all of his property by an extensive conflagration, the son was thrown on his own resources, and resorted to various shifts for a livelihood. In 1829 he joined a military organization, and devoted much time to the manual. During a part of the years 1833 and 1834, he resided in Waterloo, where he was elected Captain of a Company of Fusileers. In the spring of 1834 he proceeded to Clayton, Jefferson Co., and spent two years in teaching and agricultural pursuits. He was here likewise chosen Captain of a Militia Company. In the spring of 1837 he started on a travelling tour, and spent several months among the Western wilds, meeting with numerous adventures. Returning to New York in December, he settled at Ontario, Wayne Co., where he remained ten years, engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1847 he removed to Palmyra, and embarked in the mercantile business. May, 1850, he sailed for California, and after spending three years in mining operations, returned to Palmyra. He now commenced the study of law, was admitted to the bar in March 1855, and continued the practice of his profession until the outbreak of the war. He was chosen Justice of the Peace, Police Magistrate, Mayor of the village, and filled other positions of trust. In the fall of 1860 he was elected by a heavy majority to represent his district in the State Legislature.
He took a prominent part in the various Legislative proceedings of the session, and when the South rebelled, urged the enforcement of the most stringent measures for their subjection. On the adjournment of the Assembly he returned home, and the next day commenced raising a Company for the war. He was promoted from Captain to Lieutenant-Colonel of the Thirty-third, November, 1861, and was present with the Regiment in all its encounters with the enemy, being frequently complimented by his superior officers for “gallantry and courage.”