Biography - Luther Cory
Hon. Luther Cory, M. D., was born in the state of New Jersey, Feb. 18, 1789.
He was one of a family of nine children of David and Mary Cory. Mrs. C.'s
maiden name was Mary Bates; her family were among the older and prominent
families of that state. When their son Luther was but a few months old Mr.
Cory and wife removed to Addison county, Vermont, where he engaged in
farming, meeting with reasonable success. They both spent the residue of
their lives in that county.
Dr. Cory received his literary education principally at Castleton Academy,
Vt., attaining a thorough and finished knowledge of the English branches.
When about twenty-one years of age he commenced the study of medicine, which
he prosecuted vigorously for a considerable time, laying a solid foundation
in the science of medicine. He attended medical lectures at Castleton, Vt.,
after which he received a diploma, and commenced the practice of his
profession at Bridport, Vt., in 1813. His skill and knowledge of medicine
soon gained for him an extensive and lucrative practice. On the third of
September, 1815, he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Miner, daughter
of William and Prudence Miner, of Bridport, Vt. Dr. Cory served two terms in
the legislature of Vermont. Dr. Cory and wife had a family of eleven
children, only three of whom are now living – one son and two daughters.
Their eldest daughter is the widow of Rev. Joel Terry, who for many years
was a Baptist preacher at Kane. Hila A. Cory is the wife of L. B. Filley, of
Troy, New York. Dr. Cory practiced medicine at Bridport for over thirty
years; but feeling anxious to become a resident of the west, and to
participate in the thrilling experience of pioneer life, he accordingly
started with his family in a wagon, destined for the prairies of Illinois.
After a long and tedious journey over mountain, dale, river, and plain for
several weeks, their toilsome trip was brought to an end by landing in
Greene county, in October, 1844. Immediately after, he purchased a farm
adjoining the village of Kane, though he still continued engaged in the
practice of medicine, and at the same time carrying on the farm. In early
life he became a strong advocate of the principles of the whig party. Dr.
Cory was a man of considerable force of character, and was one of that class
of gentlemen who give tone and stability to any community in which they
reside. During his residence in Vermont he was an active and efficient
member of the Medical Society of Middlebury. At quite an early period of his
life he became a member of the masonic order, and was one of the charter
members who established the first masonic lodge at Jerseyville, Illinois.
Their eldest son, Marshall S. Cory, was for eleven years a justice of the
peace at Kane, and at the breaking out of the late civil war promptly
volunteered in the 61st Illinois regiment, and while bravely fighting, was
killed at the battle of Shiloh. Thus, another noble life was given, in order
to preserve unsullied the old flag from traitorous hands. His body was
brought home by his brother, George W. Cory, and his patriotic ashes repose
in the cemetery at Kane.
The venerable Dr. Cory died at his residence July 29, 1850, and was buried
with masonic honors, beloved and respected by a large circle of friends for
his many Christian virtues and kind-hearted benevolence. His widow is still
residing at the old homestead, and at the advanced age of seventy-six years
is in the enjoyment of good health. Their son, George W. Cory, has carried
on the farm until about the last five years, since which time most of his
attention has been devoted to dealing in cattle and land, in Kansas. He is
also an active member of the order of the "mystic tie," and was one of the
delegates at the triennial meeting of the Sir Knights at Baltimore, Md., in
1871. In politics he is a staunch supporter of the principles promulgated by
the republican party. In returning to the life of Dr. Cory, and summing up
his career as a man and a physician, from the most authentic information
gained, we can but accord to him a prominent position among the able
physicians of Vermont, with whom he acted professionally for over thirty
years of the most vigorous portion of his life. To hove and keep the good
opinion of one's cotemporaries, as did Dr. Cory, is the best and truest test
of professional and manly worth.
Extracted 05 Jan 2017 & 06 Jun 2018 by Norma Hass from Atlas Map of Greene County Illinois, 1873, pages 34 and 35.
