Cornelius R. Voth, often referred to as "C. R.," was born in Russia on May 18, 1873. He married Anna Banman June 12, 1902.

C. R. Voth's father was David Voth, his mother was Maria Richert Voth. He immigrated to Kansas with his parents and several siblings.

C. R. Voth was a farmer and operator of several custom threshing rigs and combines for himself and for friends and neighbors.

He and his wife and family lived for a few years in Rocky Ford, Colorado, but mostly he lived in the Canton and Goessel, Kansas area. He was involved in the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church and helped raise money for the extensive renovation in the 1920s. He was interested in the idea of tithing and gave to many charity organizations.