William Dory (biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

WILLIAM DORY, stock-dealer, was born in Allegany County, N.Y. in 1837, but was raised in Leighton County, in 1863, enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-eighth New York Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war.  In 1876, (I believe that should read 1866) emigrated to Michigan, locating near Grand Rapids, and engaged in farming, remaining there until 1870, when he lost heavily through the failure of Gardner & Armistage, and then emigrated to Kansas, locating in Howard County, (now Elk).  The survey was not made, and for the first six months had his time with they survey party, then took a claim on Section 6, Town 31, Range 9, on the big Caney River, was ninety miles from market.  He has added 100 acres to the claim, making a place of 260 acres, situate (sic) one and a half miles north of Grenola, with 100 acres under cultivation, twenty acres of timber on the river, making a fine place for stock.  The place is all hedged, with an orchard of 400 apple trees, 2,000 peach trees, and a large variety of small fruits.  Is raising and feeding 250 head of cattle per year, and since 1876, has been buying and shipping a great many cattle; also has stock in the Grenola Town Company, and has been a Director in the company all the time since.  Has put up several fine cuildings in Grenola and a good ice-house twenty-two feet square, and is furnishing ice to the town.  Has a fine residence on his farm, and in town.  Was married in 1858, at Hornellsville, N. Y., to Miss Clark.  They have one son-William, Jr., who has charge of the stock farm.  Mr. Dory is one of the best business men in the place, and a genial gentleman.