Cornish, Elizabeth

Laura Belle Harris was born on July 19, 1874 in Ind., the daughter of James M. and Augusta (Fergus) Harris. The family moved to Mich. when Laura was five-years-old, and settled in Kalkaska. In 1892 Laura graduated from Kalkaska High School as valedictorian. She attended Central State College, now Central Michigan University (CMU), between 1896 and 1902. Beginning in 1902, Laura taught in Kalkaska public schools. She was an accomplished poet, pianist, and teacher. In 1905, Laura married William J. Hornbeck (d. 1973). Together they had five children: Charles, Laura L, James R., William D., and Elizabeth A. Laura died on Feb. 19, 1946 in Central Lake (Mich.). Cornish is Laura's great-grandaughter and is a fall 2004 CMU graduate. (This information is from the collection.).