J. O. CORY

J. O. CORY has been identified with the history of Shelby County since 1876. He was born in Windham County, Connecticut, November 18, 1814, and is a son of Rufus and Rachel (Olney) Cory, natives of Connecticut. J. O. was five years old when his parents removed to Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and received his education in the subscription schools of that day. At the age of sixteen he went to learn the trade of a hatter at Thompson, Windham County, Connecticut, and in later years worked at his trade in the State of New Jersey. In 1836 he went to northern Pennsylvania, and worked at his trade until 1842, when he went to Maryland, and settling in Hagerstown, remained three years, engaged in his trade.

In 1845 he enlisted in the United States regular army, First Regiment united States Dragoons, Colonel Kearney's Regiment. He took an active part in the Mexican War; he served as Orderly under General Wool, and in the famous battle of Buena Vista he commanded the General's escort. Later he crossed over to California, and after he was discharged he engaged in gold-mining, being among the earliest miners in the gold fields of California. In 1852 he returned to the east via the Isthmus of Panama to New York. A short time afterward he went to Livingston County, Illinois, where he was one of the first settlers. He resided there until 1876, when he came to Shelby County, Iowa. He has 120 acres of finely improved land, a good house pleasantly situated in the midst of shade and evergreen trees, a barn, an orchard and a grove, all betokening comfort and plenty.

Mr. Cory was married in Livingston County, Illinois, March 7, 1855, to Miss Ann M. Johnson, a native of the State of New York, and a daughter of John R. and Elizabeth A. (Henston) Johnson, natives of New Jersey. Mrs. Johnson's parents were among the earliest settlers of Livingston County, Illinois, having gone there in 1851. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson -- Ed. O., Mary F., Jennie, John J., Hattie M., Franklin B. and Rachel E. Mr. Cory zealously supports the measures of the Democratic party; he has served as justice of the peace for eleven years, being an impartial judge of all who present themselves before him. He bears his seventy-five years lightly, is well-preserved, genial in manner, honorable in business, and highly esteemed by all who know him.

Footnote: J. O. stands for Jeremiah Olney Cory, and the children that the article states as children of Mr & Mrs. Johnson, s/b the children for Mr & Mrs. J. O. Cory instead. Researching the Cory family, Craig Poole.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 588, 589. Transcribed and submitted by Craig and Nancy Poole - cpoole@unmc.edu