cornelia evans wesley
1884-1923
Life Story
Early Life
Cornelia Evans Wesley was born around 1884 in Newton County, Mississippi, to Harry Evans (1862–1901) and Jane Chapman Evans (1862–1896). She belonged to the deeply rooted Evans and Chapman families, whose lineages form the foundation of the historic Black communities surrounding Altare, Bethel, and Newton.
Growing up during the post-Reconstruction era, Cornelia was part of a generation that worked to establish stability, family networks, and land-based livelihoods in the decades following emancipation.
Marriage & Family
By 1910, Cornelia had married Frank Wesley (1876–1953), and together they built a large family. Their children included:
- Buck Wesley (1902–?)
- Mettie Wesley (1904–?)
- Van Wesley (1904–1964)
- Jane Wesley (1907–?)
- Velma Wesley (1908–?)
- George Wesley (1909–1975)
- Infant Son Wesley (1913–1913)
- O.D. Wesley (1914–?)
Cornelia and Frank raised their family in Newton County, surrounded by the extended Evans and Wesley kinship networks.
Occupation
Although her occupation is not listed on formal records, Cornelia lived during a time when women contributed significantly to farming, home production, and the labor that sustained rural families. Like many women of her era, she would have balanced household responsibilities with fieldwork and childrearing.
Death
Cornelia Evans Wesley passed away on April 10, 1923, at approximately 39 years old. Her cause of death was listed as chronic nephritis, a serious kidney condition that was often difficult to treat in rural communities with limited medical resources.
The informant on her death certificate was Arch Evans, reflecting the close ties within the Evans family.
Although her death certificate states she was buried “in Newton,” the most likely burial place—based on her family connections and the location of her children’s and relatives’ graves—is the Evans Cemetery.
Burial
Cornelia is believed to be laid to rest in the Evans Cemetery, where generations of the Evans, Chapman, and Wesley families are interred.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- Mississippi, U.S., Index to Deaths, 1912-1943
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
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