WI BIO - Dane Co - CORY, John
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893. Vol II, pp 431-432

John CORY, one of the leading contractors and builders of Madison, Dane 
County, WI, was born at Brighton, Essex County, VT, 18 May 1838, son of James 
and Deborah (MORRELL) CORY. His father, a native of NH, remained in that 
State until the time of his marriage, when he moved with his young wife to 
VT. She was a native of Canada, but was reared in VT. James and Deborah 
(MORELL) CORY had three sons and seven daughters, John being the 8th born. 
James CORY was by occupation a farmer and lumberman, and in 1852 moved with 
his family to WI and located in Dane County, where he purchased a farm in Sun 
Prairie Township and engaged in farming. There the mother died that same 
year. The father survived her until the spring of 1890, when his death 
occurred in CA.

John CORY was brought up to agricultural pursuits, and during his early 
boyhood days attended the district schools a portion of the time. Later he 
had better educational advantages; attended the academies at Watertown and 
Sun Prairie, and completed a course in science and mathematics at the 
Waterloo Institute, Waterloo [Jefferson County], WI.

In Sep 1861, John CORY enlisted in Company G, 1st WI Infantry, serving in the 
Army of the Tennessee until 08 Oct 1862, when at the battle of Perryville he 
was first wounded in the right arm, but continued in the fight until 
receiving another wound in the left wrist, when he was compelled to leave the 
field. He was discharged at Louisville about 01 Feb 1863.

On arriving at home, John CORY commenced his schooling at Sun Prairie, and 
while there helped to organize a company of 60 troops, and was, on the 
resignation of the first Captain, although only 2nd Sergeant, elected as the 
Captain by every vote in the company. In the fall of 1864, he with others, 
organized a company of heavy artillery, and was made Sergeant; went with the 
company to VA, and in Jul 1865, returned as 2nd Lieutenant.

On arriving home, John CORY was married to Miss Anna L. LYON, a music teacher 
in the Waterloo Institute, and came to Sun Prairie [Dane County], WI, where 
he engaged in the carpenter business until 1870. That year he came to 
Madison [Dane County], WI, and engaged in contracting and building, to which 
he has since devoted his time. He has built many elegant residences of this 
city, and constructed churches, school buildings and other public and private 
buildings at various points in the State. About 1878 he took a full course 
in the Northwestern Business College, then conducted by B. F. WORTHING. 

John CORY has three children, two daughters and one son: Mary E., Edwin L., 
and Anna L. G. Politically John CORY is a Republican, religiously a Baptist, 
and socially a member of the Good Templars for over 25 years; also a member 
of the Temple of Honor, in which institution he has held the highest offices 
in the lodges. He is also a member of the G. A. R., and also of the 
Foresters.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly