Person:John Cory (11)

John Cory I. Although the name Cory is believed to be Scotch in origin, John Cory I is said to have come to the colonies from England. When John came to the colonies, he brought with him a Bible-like book called the Greate Book. This book was printed in England in 1603 and was given to John by his mother when he left for the new world. According to legend, the book has been passed down in the family through the oldest son. In 1991, it was housed in Salem, Ohio. John Cory may have come to the colonies around 1637 and may have lived in Salem, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He also lived in Connecticut where he married Ann Salmon in New London, Connecticut on 2 July 1638. Ann and John Cory were the parents of John, Sarah, Abraham, Hannah, Jacob, Isaac, and Abigail. Ann Salmon may have been born in London, England and baptized at St. Botoloph’s on 25 February 1616/7. She died 17 January 1680/81. It is known that the Cory family had settled in Southold, Long Island by 1640 as John was one of the founding members of the church which was established there under the direction of Rev. John Youngs, a highly respected colonial leader. Early in the church’s history, the members of that church voted to become affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. In 1644 John Cory served as the Whale Commissioner of Southold. John was a weaver by trade. His will is dated 1 February 1685 and was proved on 2 October 1685. According to his will, he owned sheep, 2 cows, weaving tackell (tackle), land in Oyster Ponds, Upper Neck, and land by the mill.

BIOGRAPHY Just where John I came from, in the old world, as of the publication date of the Second Edition of "Corys Of America", has not been proven satisfactorily or strong enough to say at this time. He may have arrived in America on the Ship Planter. Some of the first researchers of the Cory Genealogy tried to prove that he came from Bramerton Hall near Norwich, England. It is also believed that he came to America about 1637. He may have lived in Salem, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The latest theory is that he was the John Cory that was in Rhode Island and left under strange circumstances. Also that he may have been the father of William of Portsmouth. We believe that John was one of the men who assisted John Youngs on October 21 1640 in the organization of the First (Presbyterian) Church at Southold, LI., New York. John Cory is mentioned as being from Southold and as the Whale Commissioner 7 March 1644. The Will of John CORY I, dated 1 February 1685. Prov ed 2 October 1685. I give to Son John, Iron Kettle, Great Bible, Chest and its contents, a Cloke and halfe a debt of 12 pounds, half my Weaving Takell, my Bell Mette Skillet, Beds Rugs and Bolsters..I give my son Jacob halfe my Land in Ye Oyster ponds, Upper Neck, to be paid by son Abraham, 2 Cows, halfe my Sheep, Weaving Cloaths and halfe my Weaving Takell, halfe my Husbandry Tools, with halfe my Lumber and 14 acres of Land to his son. To son Abraham my lot in Ye Oyster Ponds, upper Neck, he paying halfe ye price to his brother Isaac, halfe my Sheep, a debt of 12 pounds, halfe my Husbandry Tools and halfe lumber. Abraham my son to pay all my debts and to pay his brother Isaac 5 Shillings and to satisfy William Tuthill for what trouble he is at about, my will.. To Daughter Hannah Lot by Mill and her Daughter Hannah an Iron pot and one Heifer. Daughter Abigail an Iron pot, 1 Iron Kettle, Blankets and pillows, chest and whats in it.

1.   Conklin Cousins: The Many Children of Joseph & Mary (Cory)Conkling.