Ben Cornelison

"On June 12, 1965, after thirty-one years service as manager of the Kroger store, Mr. Ben W. Cornelison began his retirement. Known to his many friends as ”Ben”, he began his Kroger career as a clerk in the Richmond store. After a brief assignment in Danville, he came to Irvine as manager of the Kroger in 1935.

Besides being a familiar face in the Kroger store, Ben’s reputation for being an active leader in civic and church affairs is known throughout the county and the state. He was a deacon and Trustee at the Irvine First Christian Church, a member for over fifty years of Irvine Lodge No. 137, F & A M, a member of the Shriners, past president of Kiwanis Club; member of the Estill County Hospital Board, Estill County Health Center Board; past president of the County Tuberculosis Association and a former member of the 4-H Council. He was the only member of the Kentucky Development Council from this county.

During Estill County’s lean years, many families were helped by the Estill County Emergency Relief Association; an idea of Mr. Cornelison’s which materialized under the sponsorship of the Kiwanis Club. This organization gave direct help without being delayed by wartime red tape.

Mr. Cornelison was chairman of the Red Cross Chapter here during World War II and was co-chairman of the War Fund Drive which raised over $11,000.

He was the originator and the first president of the Estill County Industrial Development Board

Mr. Cornelison was one of the original Estill County Hospital backers; and although other individuals and groups discussed the project, the first constructive efforts were made by Mr. Cornelison, Dr. S. G. Marcum and Mr. John Walker. Mr. Cornelison was chairman of the Estill County Hospital site committee that successfully raised $26,400 to buy the hospital site.

He was one of five men who met in the office of Mr. R. W. Smith to form the Kentucky River Development Association which sought to prevent the locks from being closed. This organization grew rapidly and spread into other river towns. It later merged with the Buckhorn Association, an outgrowth of which was Buckhorn Dam, Booneville Dam and Carrs Creek Dam, with the thought in mind of having a total of five dams when the project was completed for flood control and recreational purposes.

Through the Kiwanis Club and with the help of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Cornelison promoted the formation of the Estill County Chamber of Commerce and served as its president.

Mr. Cornelison was a member of Kiwanis for over fifty years and was a past president. He held a distinguished Service Award and Legion of Honor Award from this worthwhile organization. He is credited with the idea of having an Estill County Horse Show which was brought about through Kiwanis planning.

He worked with Mr. Bivens, the first owner of station WIRV for years in bringing our radio station to Estill County. He was also instrumental in securing the boat dock and ramp for Estill County.

During the administration of Governor Lawrence Wetherby, Mr. Cornelison was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in recognition of his contributions to community and state affairs.

In later years Mr. Cornelison served as chairman of groups that brought:

1. Governor Combs’ State Government to Estill County.

2. The Governor’s Tour

3. The Henry Ward Banquet

In the area of politics, Mr. Cornelison was lifelong strong Democrat and a ardent supporter of former Governor Bert T. Combs. Regardless of political affiliation, Mr. Cornelison always worked diligently for the betterment of our community and state.

He was presented the Key to My Old Kentucky Home Award by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

In talking with Ben, one of his favorite quotes is, “A quitter never wins and a winner never quits. You might not always win but keep trying to do something for your area.” You would always find Ben on most any committee set up to boost Kentucky and Estill County.

Mr. Cornelison was married in 1925 to the former Katherine Tipton. They were the parents of one daughter, Billie Louise Scrivner and have two grandchildren, Kay and Glenn Scrivner. Mrs. Cornelison was also a Kroger employee for over 20 years. He owned a home on Main Street in Irvine and operated a farm on Horn’s River." - From Ben Cornelison Estill County Hall of Honor Induction, 2011, as viewed 10/19/20 at [1].