As a young man Charles Cornelius worked long hours in a mercantile selling sewing machines, pianos and organs. In 1876, he opened an implement dealership in Granton, Wisconsin. The business's success led to a second store in Neillsville, nine miles away, and the family moved to Neillsville. In 1904, the Commercial State Bank of Neillsville named Cornelius its vice-president.

In 1907, the Cornelius family moved to Boston, where daughter Lydia studied music. Charles used the opportunity to enroll in Boston Commercial College, studying commerce and finance. On the family's return to Neillsville, Charles began The First National Bank of Neillsville.

He built an impressive bank building and commissioned Wisconsin Rapids architect Anton F. Billmeyer to design his new three and one-half story home. Constructed at the very end of the Queen Anne period, Billmeyer incorporated several of the stylistic elements of the emerging Colonial Revival style. Classical columns replaced turned posts on the 70 foot long front porch.

The Cornelius house was built toward the end of a period of great expansion and prosperity in Neillsville's history. The Cornelius family home, which once sat in a large private park, was a physical display of Charles Cornelius' success and status in the community.

The Cornelius House is a private residence. Please respect the rights and privacy of the home's residents.