Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

---

Agnew, Cornelius Rea, 1830-1888

Physician and surgeon; born in New York City, Aug. 8, 1830; was graduated at Columbia College in 1849, and at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1852, subsequently continuing his studies in Europe. He became surgeon-general of the State of New York in 1858, and at the beginning of the Civil War was appointed medical director of the New York State Volunteer Hospital. During the war he was also one of the most influential members of the United States Sanitary commission (q. v.). After the war he gave much attention to opthalmology, founded the Brooklyn Eye and Ear Hospital, and became Clinical Professor of the Diseases of the Eye and Ear in the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Agnew was actively identified with the educational institutions of New York City, and was one of the founders of the Columbia College School of Mines. He died in New York, April 8, 1888.