Thomas Ramsey Cornelius (November 16, 1827 – June 24, 1899) was a prominent American politician and soldier in the early history of Oregon.

[2] The militia prosecuted the Cayuse War in an attempt to punish those responsible for the killings at the Whitman Mission.

[1] After gold was discovered in California, Cornelius journeyed there for a brief time, returning to the Oregon Territory in 1849.

[1] For three months, he led a company with the rank of captain before being elected as colonel after James W. Nesmith resigned his commission.

In one case, a Nez Perce native was accused of being a spy and summarily hanged, which alarmed members of the U.S. military.

[9] In 1886, he won the Republican nomination for Governor of Oregon, but lost the general election to Sylvester Pennoyer.

[1][2] In addition to the store, Cornelius owned a total of 1,500 acres (6.1 km2), including covering three farms, a warehouse, and a sawmill.