Page 132 - Cornelius Hedges Story
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119 The Cornelius Hedges Story
On May 7, 1886, Cornelius was confirmed a new trustee, and the
Board of Trustees began functioning as the governing body to the
Public Library on the 8th. The Helena Library Association held its
final meeting on May 14, and formally turned its books and effects
over to the new Helena Public Library.390
In 1887, Judge Decius Wade was elected as President of the Board
of Trustees, and Cornelius Hedges was elected Vice President.391
Judge Hedges was elected President of the Board of Trustees for the
Public Library in 1893 and held that office until his death, April 29,
1907. He “was succeeded, incidentally, by Thomas J. Walsh.392
The Helena Public Library paid a final and silent tribute to its
founder, Board President, and most important benefactor when it
closed its door for six hours on the afternoon of Judge Cornelius
Hedges’ funeral, on May 1, 1907.393
Figure 30. Helena Public Library 1892.
