My Genealogy Hound

Cornelius Brundridge is a representative of one of the oldest families in Dallas County, they having first become residents in 1838. He was born in Washington County, Mo., September 30, 1829, and is a son of David and Susan (Williamson) Brundridge, who were born in Kentucky and Ohio, respectively, and died in Dallas County, Mo., in 1875, their deaths occurring June 18 and June 11. The former was about sixty-three years of age, and the latter sixty-five. Their marriage took place in Washington County, whither they had moved with their parents at an early day, and they continued to reside there until the latter part of 1838, when they became residents of Dallas County. They were members of the Methodist Church for many years, and took great interest in the cause of Christianity. The father was a member of the State Militia during the late war, and until the breaking out of the Rebellion was a Democrat politically, after which he became a Republican. He was a strong Union man, and throughout a long and useful career was engaged in farming. Eight of his children are still living: Cornelius, William A., Sophronia (wife of Wilson Cooksey), John, Nancy (wife of Thomas Hardison), Abraham, Delila (wife of John Cooksey) and James D. Cornelius Brundridge resided with his parents until twenty-four years of age, and then engaged in tilling the soil for himself, which he has continued, in connection with stock raising, up to the present time, and has accumulated a goodly property. When the war broke out he first served six months in the State Militia, and then enlisted in Company I, of the Eighth Cavalry, United States Army, and after serving faithfully for three years was honorably discharged, having been a participant in the following engagements: Little Rock, Grand Prairie and others. April 10, 1853, he was married to Serena Lofton, a daughter of John Lofton. She was born in Maury County, Tenn., January 4, 1830, and is the mother of seven living children: Susan (wife of John Lofton), Sarah (wife of Beverly Gammons), Martha J. (wife of John Saunders), G. F., Annie, Ella, John W. and Bell. Those deceased are Margaret and Amanda. Mrs. Brundridge is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He belongs to the G. A. R., and is a Republican in politics.