JOHN J. CORNWELL

Born in Ritchie County, July 11, 1867 and educated in Shepherd College, Shepherdstown, WV.  After leaving Shepherd College he began a career as a publisher and editor and was co-owner of the Hampshire Review with his brother, William.  He remained active as publisher and wrote editorials until his death in 1953.  Active in the national democratic conventions of 1896 and 1912 and serving from 1896 to 1906 as a member of the West Virginia Senate, John J. Cornwell was elected Governor in 1916 and served his State until 1921, when he resumed his home and management of his business interests in Romney.

Some of his many accomplishments include financing and building the Hampshire Southern Railroad (40 miles long), President of the Bank of Romney as well as the South Branch Development Company and the South Branch Tie and Lumber Company.  He served as director in the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Co., held the office of secretary and treasurer of the Appalachian Orchard Co. and had the distinction of being one of the prominent editors of the state and authored a book entitled “Knock About Notes” published in 1915.  A Mason and Odd Fellow, he married Edna Brady of Romney June 30, 1891.

SHAFFER FUNERAL HOME

Mr. B. T. Racey was the original owner of the business, then named B. T. Racey, Dealer in Furniture and Hardware, Undertaking a Speciality.  He was the only funeral director and the first embalmer in Hampshire County.  In 1938, Earl Thrush purchased the business and it became the Thrush Funeral Home  and was located on West Main Street across from Endler Avenue. On July 1, 1955 Mr. and Mrs. Keith Shaffer purchased the business and  it became Shaffer Funeral Home.    In 1959, Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer purchased the  Cornwell mansion  from the estate of Mrs. John J. Cornwell.