Rev. James N. Cornelison sits in the doorway of a house. He sits at ease petting a large spotted dog. He is dressed in a suit with open jacket, vest, fold-down collar, and plaid bow tie, and appears to be wearing cowboy boots. He has a mustache and short beard. His legs are crossed and partially obscured by a plaid blanket, half of which lies in a heap at his feet. Next to it on the Reverend's right is a small pile of kindling and a chopped log. Behind him in the interior of the dwelling stands a table with turned legs, on which are piled a number of books. A cord or rope lies on the ground next to the dog.