Description
The Dr. Benjamin Cory Papers are comprised of a single spiral bound typed 33 page transcript. The first section is a diary
of Cory's overland journey from St. Joseph, Mo. (departing May 1, 1847) to Portland, Or. (Arriving Oct. 21, 1847) then to
San Francisco on the Brig "Henry" (Arriving Nov. 23, 1847). The second section is a 5 page typed transcript of a letter from
Cory to his brother in Ohio with description of the rich gold deposits to be found and urging him to come to California. The
third section is a copy of a chapter from the book Mines to Medicine (Daniel Hruby, OConner Hospital), Chapter 5 "Doctors
on Horseback" with information of Cory's role in early San Jose Medicine.
Background
Dr. Benjamin Cory was born either in Millville (Butler, Co.), Ohio or Oxford, Ohio on November 17, 1822. He graduted from
Miani University (Oxford, Ohio) in 1842, and received his M.D. from the Medical College of Ohio, in 1845.He practiced medicine
at Oxford, Ohio with his father, Dr. James M. Cory, for 2 years and then traveledto California in 1847, eventually settling
in San Jose. Dr. Benjamin Cory was the 1st physician in San Jose and was an important member of the community. At 28 he was
a member of the first California Assembly and was a force in establishing Santa Clara County Hospital. He was also an investor
in the Esmeralda Silver Mine near Mono Lake with his brother. He married Sarah Ann Braley at San Jose, California, on March
16, 1853. Cory died in San Jose, California, on January 16, 1896. Cory was a member of the Society of California Pioneers,
joining April 4, 1870.