In Memory of Dr. A. W. Corey by William Brackett 2008

According to files posted by Robert Clarke on www.rootsweb.com Alton Wilcox Corey was the son of Spencer J. and “Maybell” (Wilcox) Corey. Robert Clarke indicates that Alton Corey was born in Owosso, Michigan and married Verneita Mae Glade. He also indicates Spencer J. Corey was the son of Peleg Corey who was a son of Paris Corey of Rhode Island. 

 There are grave markers for Alton W. Corey, Verneita M. Corey and Mable J. Corey in the New Troy Cemetery in New Troy, Berrien County, Michigan.  Alton W. and Verneita M. (Glade) Corey had children:

                         Jacqueline Corey b. 1926 married Donald Loving, lived in Houston Texas

                        Dean O. Corey b. 17 Jan 1931 d. 22 Oct 2007 of Farmington, Michigan

 The Milan News-Leader carried an obituary for Dean O. Corey on 01 Nov 2007 and it reads:  “Dean O. Corey Ann Arbor Dean O, Corey, 76, of Ann arbor died Oct. 22, 2007, at DuBois Regional Medical Center in DuBois, Pa.  He suffered a heart attack while returning home with his wife from a New England vacation and underwent open heart surgery.  Mr. Corey is survived by Barbara, his childhood friend and wife of 51 years, as well as his loving children, Brian Dean (Cheryl) Corey of Saline and Cheryl Joy (Christopher) Bradetich of Ann Arbor, and granddaughters Amanda May Corey and Morgan Elizabeth Bradetich.  He is also survived by his sister, Jacqueline (Donald) Loving of Houston, and many nieces and nephews.  The Coreys moved from Farmington to Ann Arbor in 1997 to be near their children.  Mr. Corey was born Jan. 17, 1931, in New Troy, and graduated from Michigan State University.  He served in the U.S. Army in Germany before his 1956 marriage to Barbara.  He retired in 1989 from his career as a commercial interior designer in Detroit.  A memorial service will be held 2:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at First Presbyterian Church of Saline.  The rev. Judy Shipman will officiate.  A committal service will be held 11 a.m. Nov. 8 at the Cope Memorial Garden of the First Presbyterian Church, Farmington.  The Revs. Sue Melrose and Judy Shipman will officiate.  Memorial contributions may be made to the memorial funds of the First Presbyterian Church of Saline, 143 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI 48176 or the First Presbyterian Church of Farmington, 26165 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334.” 

 Alton Wilcox Corey was born on 12 May 1896 in Owosso, Shiawassee County, Michigan and died on 25 Sep 1977, in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida.  Verneita Mae (Glade) Corey was born on 10 Apr 1900 in Berrien County, Michigan and died in Farmington, Oakland County, Michigan on 12 Aug 1987.    

 Census records reveal that Verneita Glade was the daughter of William F. and Nellie Glade of Benton Township, Berrien County, Michigan.  The 1920 census of Benton Township, Berrien County Michigan includes:

 William F. Glade, age 49, born in Michigan, parents born in Germany, a fruit farmer

Nellie Glade, age 44, born in Michigan, father born in Ohio

Harold Glade, age 21, born in Michigan

Verneita Glade, age 19, born in Michigan

Hazel Glade, age 16, born in Michigan

Frances Glade, age 8 (male), born in Michigan

 William F. Glade was the son of Michael and Amelia Glade of Prussia (Germany). William F. Glade married Nellie E. Stump on 24 Nov 1897 in Berrien County.

 The 1880 census of Benton Township, Berrien County, Michigan includes:

 Michael Glade, age 63, born in Prussia, a farmer

Amelia Glade, age 52, born in Prussia

Minnie Glade, age 22, born in Michigan

Amil Glade, age 20, born in Michigan

Henry Glade, age 17, born in Michigan

Louis Glade, age 15, born in Michigan

August Glade, age 13, born in Michigan

Anna Glade, age 11, born in Michigan

William Glade, age 9, born in Michigan

 The 1900 census of Benton Township includes William F. and Nellie E. Glade and living in the household were his parents, Michael and Amelia Glade.  Nellie E. Stump was the daughter of Daniel and May Stump of Sodus, Berrien County, Michigan. 

 The 1880 census of Sodus includes:

 Daniel Stump, age 30, born in Ohio, a farmer

May Stump, age 24, born in Michigan

Nellie E. Stump, age 5 born in Michigan

Joseph A. Stump, age 2, born in Michigan

Joseph W. Stump, age 28, born in Ohio (brother of Daniel)

 Berrien County marriage records indicate that Daniel Stump married May P. Versaw on 23 Apr 1874.  May Philena Versaw was the daughter of Francis and Rebecca (Mcdougal) Versaw of Sodus.  According to the 1860 census of Berrien County Francis Versaw was born in “Canada East”.

 The "Berrien Bicentennial" 1776-1976 was edited by James T. Carney and published in 1976 by the Berrien County Bicentennial Commission.  The Tesar Printing Company of Stevensville, Michigan printed this book.  In the section of this book about Weesaw Township you can read: "Doctor A. W. Corey came to New Troy in 1922 and started practice in his small home, using a bedroom as office space. Some years later he built a large attractive home in the center of town and used the basement for his office. The ideal image of the dedicated country doctor, he made house calls 24 hours a day and delivered thousands of babies for two generations." And also "In 1951, Dr. Corey underwent a serious operation and had planned to retire. A big party was held in his honor, but his health continued to improve and he was persuaded to go back into practice. Dr. Corey finally retired for good in 1961, after 39 years of dedicated service, and moved to Florida. Over 700 attended his retirement party, a fitting tribute to his many years of caring for others."

 If Dr. Corey did not come to New Troy until 1922 it is interesting that the grave marker for Mable J. Corey has a birth year of 1875 and a death year of 1915.  Was his mother in New Troy before him or is this just a marker not a gravesite?   

 Spencer J. and Mable J. (Wilcox) Corey, of Shiawassee County, Michigan, had children:

             Alton Wilcox Corey b. 12 May 1896 (Dr.)

 Ralph Wesley Corey b. 18 May 1898 d. 23 Jan 1980 married Esther Nicholson and lived in Los Angeles, California

Elizabeth Janet Corey b. 27 Jun 1901 d. 09 Jan 1992 Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California, where her son lived.  She married about 1926 to Clarence K. Schroen b. 04 Jan 1900 in Michigan and d. 09 Sep 1972 Pinellas County, Florida.

      Kenneth Corey b. 08 Mar 1904 d. 19 Mar 1987 of Plymouth, Michigan

 The 1910 census of Owosso, Shiawassee County, Michigan includes:

 Spencer Corey, age 38, married 16 years, born in Michigan, a laundryman

Mable Corey, age 34, married 16 years, born in New York, 4 children 4 living

Alton W. Corey, age 13, born in Michigan

Ralph Corey, age 11, born in Michigan

Beth Corey, age 8, born in Michigan

Kenneth Corey, age 7, born in Michigan

 According to William Gammon’s file found at www.familysearch.org Spencer Corey’s wife, Mabel Janet Wilcox was born on 13 Oct 1875 in Pittsford, Monroe County, New York and died on 29 Apr 1915 in Owosso, Shiawassee County, Michigan.  He indicates she was the daughter of Robert and Adelia (Gillet) Wilcox.  Robert Wilcox was the son of Thomas and Sarah Ann (Lusk) Wilcox.   

 Mable J. Corey’s tombstone in New Troy Cemetery, Berrien County, Michigan indicates she was born in 1875 and died in 1915.  Spencer J. Corey died on 07 Dec 1937 and is buried in the Muir Cemetery, Ionia County, Michigan.  The 1920 census of Owosso includes Spencer Corey, his wife Jennie and his son Kenneth.  Jennie must have been his 2^nd wife.

 The 1880 census of North Plains Township, Ionia County, Michigan includes:

             P.A. Cory, age 55, born in Michigan (Peleg A.), a farmer

            Frances Cory, age 32 born in Michigan

            Tola A. Cory, age 17 (male), born in Michigan

            Minnie Cory, age 16, born in Michigan

            James A. Cory, age 14, born in Michigan

            Hary E. Cory, age 10, born in Michigan

            Judson Cory, age 8, born in Michigan

            Linnie Cory, age 6, born in Michigan

            Netta M. Cory, age 4, born in Michigan

            Frank Cory, age 3 months, born in Michigan

 It appears that Judson Cory was one in the same as Spencer J. Corey.  Ionia County records indicate that Peleg A. “Corry” married Frances J. Coryell on 16 Jan 1869.  This must be his second wife as some of these children were born before this marriage.  Other Ionia County records indicate that Minnie Corey married Legrand Hillabrandt and that Tola Augrine Corey married Mattie Victoria Bigelow on 19 Jan 1886.  Tola A. and Mattie V. Corey are buried in the East Plains Cemetery in Clinton, County, Michigan.  These records also show that in 1885 Frances Corey divorced Peleg A. Corey.  Peleg A. Corey died in 1903 and James A. Corey died in 1944 and they are buried in the Hubbardston East Side Cemetery, North Plains Township, Ionia County, Michigan.   In the 1900 census of North Plains Township Peleg A. Corey states that he was born in New York and his father was born in Rhode Island.  This links him to the Rhode Island Corey families.  Some records indicate that Peleg A. Corey was the son of Paris Corey of Rhode Island.

 Alton W. Corey had a WWI draft registration card.  The information was collected in the 4^th ward of Owosso, Michigan on 25 Jan 1917.  Alton was 21 years of age at that time.  His place of birth is given as Owosso, Michigan and his date of birth is given as 12 May 1896.  He is described as being of medium height with a stout build, light blue eyes and with light brown hair.  His address in 1917 is given as 421 Clinton, Owosso, Michigan.  He claims exemption from service because he is a “pre medical student”.  Alton Corey cannot be located in the 1920 census.  He may have been in the service at that time.  He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1921 and interned for a year at Blogett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  There is a veterans flag holder by his tombstone and his obituary from Florida says he was a WWI Navy veteran.

 The South Bend Tribune carried an article, on page one of Section Two, about Dr. Corey’s pending retirement on 08 Oct 1961 and it reads:  “New Troy’s Dr. Corey Call’s It Quits After 40 Years New troy-For almost 40 years the offices of Dr. Alton W. Corey, M.D., have served as clinic, dispensary and confessional for hundreds of Berrien County residents.  Within the next few weeks the 65 –year-old general practitioner will lock the door of his New Troy office-home for the last time.  Principally because of his wife Verneita’s urging, Dr. Corey will now pay closer attention to his own health-he has a heart condition-and retire from active practice to move to a home the couple bought in St. Petersburg, Fla., 10 years ago.  His patients say he won’t be able to retire because of the busy schedule he’s maintained over the 40 years, but Dr. Corey says he’s willing to try.  Wins Patient’s Respect.  Quiet spoken, yet capable of a gruffness which has cured many imagined illnesses, Dr. Corey has won and maintained the fondness of his patients by a willingness to make house calls regardless of the hour or weather.  More than once, in his haste to visit an ailing patient, he has crashed his car-wrapping it around a tree once-only to crawl out of the wreckage and walk the remaining distance.  After completing his daily rounds at Mercy Hospital, Benton Harbor, Dr. Corey returns to his home where he has offices on the lower level.  For six hours a day, seven days a week, afternoon and night, patients wend their way through the waiting room, examination room and dispensary.  No Receptionist in Office.  There is no receptionist to greet them, no nurse to administer inoculations or simple first aid, no secretary to keep track of accounts.  Dr. Corey works alone.  Office calls still cost only $2 and then only if the patient is given medicine or pills from the stock Dr. Corey keeps on hand.  IT is rare when he has to write a prescription fort a patient as he maintains a store of modern pills and medicines needed for treatment.  The doctor’s low fees are carried over to his other medical activities.  Until a few years ago he charged $2 for home calls but finally decided that the home patients ‘could pay for my gasoline’ and raised the fee to $4.  Baby Costs $50.  Total cost for expectant mothers, including all office visits, his hospital visits and delivery of the baby, is now $50, double what he charged a few years ago but still well under the usual fee charged by most physicians.  And all his patients’ payments are based on ‘a dollar now and a dollar whenever you can’ for those who do not have ready cash.  There was a time when a bushel of apples or a sack of potatoes served as payment from those who didn’t have the money.  His lack of bookkeeping system has caused some confusion among the estimated 3,000 to 3,500 babies he’s delivered (‘I quit keeping record’).  Mothers of children have to keep their own records of the numerous required vaccinations given their children and the schools have to take the mother’s word because there is no record on file in Dr. Corey’s office that the child received the necessary shot.  Moving Necessary.  Dr. and Mrs. Corey are giving up the home they’ve lived in for 35 years and leaving the area with regret.  But they fell it’s necessary.  ‘If we didn’t move then the people wouldn’t let the doctor retire,’ Mrs. Corey said.  ‘And he does have to start looking after himself now.’  The couple, who will live at 521 12^th St. North, St. Petersburg, said their new home will be open to all their old friends and patients.  ‘We want them to stop in and see us whenever they get down that way,’ Mrs. Corey said.  There are still some patients among the two generations he has treated who doubt Dr. Corey will leave.  They feel they’ll be able to go to that large white frame house in New Troy for medical help for a long time to come.” 

 The Herald Press carried an article about Dr. Corey’s retirement on 20 Oct 1961 and it reads:  “They Sang To Doc Corey: “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow” New Troy, Oct 20-Gatherine around a huge bonfire, 300 people who love him sang ‘For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow’ and gave Dr. Alton W. Corey, a happy-sad farewell party.  Dr. Corey, one of southwestern Michigan’s most prominent country doctors for nearly 40 years, is retiring today and moving to sunny St. Petersburg, Fla. with his wife Verneita.  And so he’d have a tangible reminder of his native state, Dr. Corey was presented an illuminated picture of a Michigan deer.  The presentation was made by Herb Tollas of the Sawyer Lions club.  Surprise! Last night’s bonfire and community songfest were organized in a matter of hours before the 9:30 p.m. event in the parking lot of Industrial Rubber Co.’s plant on Glendora rd.  Dr. Corey was not told about the party ahead of time.  His wife kept the secret. He had previously rejected all efforts to give him going-away gifts or fancy tributes.  The night before, a hastily organized, informal committee, headed by Weesaw township supervisor Allen Boyd, the Rev. Douglas Mitchell, Mrs. David Sweet of Sawyer and educator Robert Decker, began telephoning the word about the party.  People came from Bridgman on the north, New Buffalo on the southwest, Galien on the southeast, and all the area between.  Generations Dr. Corey had delivered quite a number of those who paid tribute.  The kindly physician quit counting after he delivered his 3,500th baby-a number greater than the entire population of several south-county townships.  Several generations of families that Dr. Corey brought into the world were there.  There were no long speeches.  Hearts were too full.  Nearly everyone knew that Dr. Corey had kept office hours seven days a week, wrecked two cars making home calls, walked through the snow to reach people who needed him, and had literally accepted potatoes in pay for treatments.  Accepting his gift, Dr. Corey gave a two-sentence speech:  ‘I think this is a great celebration.  I’m sorry I have to leave you.’  Led Singing Fire trucks with lights a flashing guided the throng to the sight of the bonfire.  Robert Decker, superintendent of the Chickaming school and formerly of the Three Oaks and New troy schools, led the community singing.  ‘Let’s do “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” first because he is,’ said Decker.  ‘Then, “I’ve Been Working On The Railroad”, because that’s a good working song, And then “God Bless America.” ‘  Born in Owosso 65 years ago, Dr. Corey graduated from the University of Michigan medical school in 1921, interned a year at Blodgett hospital in Grand Rapids, and opened his office on the east edge of New troy in 1922.  In 1920 he married the former Verenita Glade of Benton harbor.  The Coreys have two children, Mrs. Donald (Jacqueline) Loving of Clarendon Hills, Ill., and Dean Corey of Farmington.”

 Note:  Special thanks to Marge (Hess) Yetzke who photocopied two of these retirement articles from the scrapbook of Virginia (Hess) Harroff.

The Galien River Gazette, published as a newspaper in Three Oaks, Michigan carried an article about Dr. Corey’s retirement on Thursday 26 Oct 1961 and it reads:  “Area Say Farewell To Dr. Corey at Bonfire New Troy-By the light of a blazing bonfire, this community bid farewell to Dr. Alton Corey-one of the ‘old time’ general practitioners-last week.  Several hundred people gathered around the bonfire in the Industrial Rubber Goods parking lot to serenade the doctor.  In the crowd were representatives from the three generations that Dr. Corey has served since he came to New Troy nearly 40 years ago.  Countless numbers of babies were delivered by the doctor-he stopped keeping track after 3,500-and thousands found their way to his office in New Troy, where a visit cost $2 (with medicine included) House calls went up to $4 a call only a few years ago.  The impromptu committee that planned the surprise ceremony ‘captured’ him in his home about 9:30 p.m. last Thursday.  Dr. Corey looked out into an office full of patients, to find a delegation headed by Rev. Doug Mitchell waiting to take him to the bonfire.  The constable’s car-with red lights flashing-sped the Dr. and Mrs. Corey to the bonfire, where he heard them singing, ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ in his honor, with Robert Decker leading the music.  Dr. Corey joined in on ‘I’ve been working on the Railroad,’ the crowd grew silent as Harry Ahrend presented a gift to the doctor on behalf of the people of the community.  There was little the doctor could say, except to thank them, and say how much he would miss them.  There was another song or two, then the doctor and his wife left in the constable’s car.  Next morning, the Coreys left for St. Petersburg, Fla., where the doctor will begin his retirement-and the first real vacation since his practice.  He’ll take with him his present-a framed color picture of a deer.  Later on, a tape recording of the farewell bonfire will be sent to him, along with a gold plate with the engraved words, ‘Thank you for everything.’  On the committee which arranged the ceremony were Al Boyd, Weesaw Township supervisor, Robert Decker, Rev. Mitchell, Eric Wickstrom and Mrs. Dorothy Sweet.  A load of bonfire material was contributed by the Three Oaks Lumber and Coal Co., and Howard’s Hi-Fi Co. sent out loud speakers and a microphone.  Norma Arend of Harbert picked out the present for the Coreys, and decorated it with bows spelling Doc”.  Anyone wishing to contribute to help defray expenses for the ceremony may mail them to the Galien River Gazette in Three Oaks, and should be marked ‘Dr. Corey Fund.’  Funds received over the costs incurred will be disposed of under the direction of Dr. Corey.”  This bonfire would have taken place on 19 Oct 1961. 

 The Herald Palladium carried an obituary for Dr. Alton W. Corey on Monday 26 Sep 1977 and it reads:  “Ex-New Troy Physician Dies New Troy-Dr. A. W. Corey, 81, a retired New Troy physician who had moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., in 1961, died Sunday in St. Anthony hospital, St. Petersburg.  He was born May 12, 1896, in Owosso, Mich.  Surviving are his wife, the former Vereita Glade; a son, Dean Corey, Farmington; a daughter, Mrs. Don (Jackie) Loving, Houston, Texas; five grandchildren; two brothers, Ralph, California and Kenneth of Plymouth, Mich.; a sister, Mrs. Betty Schroen, California.  Funeral services were held in St. Petersburg.  The body will be cremated and burial will be at a later date in the New Troy cemetery.  Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.  Local arrangements will be handled by the Fairplain chapel, Florin funeral home, Benton Harbor.  Dr. Corey was an institution of medical care in the south county area for nearly 40 years, operating his practice from the lower level of his home in New Troy.  He was a country doctor who had no receptionist to greet patients, no nurse to administer inoculations or simple first aid and no secretary to keep track of accounts.  There is some confusion on exactly how many south county residents he brought into the world-he stopped counting at 3,500.  He came to New Troy in 1922 and opened his practice.  He graduated from the University of Michigan medical school in 21 and interned for a year at Blodgett hospital in Grand Rapids before settling in New Troy.  He was 65 when he retired from active practice in 1961.  He and his wife moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., where they lived until his death.”  I could not locate an obituary for Verenita (Glade) Corey from 1987. 

 A brief obituary carried in St. Petersburg, Florida and it reads:  “Corey, D. Alton Wilcox, 81 of 521 12^th Ave. N. died Sunday (Sept. 26, 1977).  Born in Owosso, Mich., he came here 16 years ago from New Troy, Mich., and was a retired physician.  He was a navy veteran of World War I.  Survivors include his wife Veneita M.; a son Dean O., Farmington, Mich.; a daughter Mrs. Donald G. Loving, Houston, and five grandchildren, Wilhelm-Thurston Funeral Home.”

 Robert Clarke who has files posted on familysearch.org and rootsweb.com indicates that the Corey line is as follows:

 Alton Wilcox Corey, of New Troy, Michigan was born on 12 May 1896 in Owosso, Michigan and was the son of Spencer J. and Mable J. (Wilcox) Corey.

 Spencer J. Corey, of Owosso, Michigan was born about 1873 and was the son of Peleg A. Corey also of Owosso, Michigan.

 Peleg A. Corey, of Owosso, Michigan was born about 1840 and was the son of Paris Corey (Jr.) of New York State.

 Paris Corey (Jr.), of New York was born about 1810 and was the son of Paris and Lydia (Pratt) Corey (Sr.) of Rhode Island.

 Paris Corey (Sr.) was born 07 Apr 1757 in North Kingston, Rhode Island and died on 11 Dec 1844 in Plainfield, Connecticut.  He married Lydia Pratt on 17 Nov 1806 in West Greenwich, Rhode Island.  He was the son of John and Orpha (Hamilton) Corey of Rhode Island.

 John Corey (III) was born on 30 Jun 1717 in North Kingston, Rhode Island and died in 1817 in that place and married Orpha Hamilton.  John Corey (III) was the son of John and Mary (Evans) Corey of Rhode Island.

 John Corey (II) was born about 1684 in Portsmouth Parish, Kingston Town, Washington County, Rhode Island.  He married Mary Elizabeth Evans and he died in March of 1768 in North Kingston, Rhode Island.  He was the son of John and Minnetinka (Gassett) Corey.

 John Corey (I) was born 12 May 1658 in Portsmouth Parish, Kingston Town, Washington County, Rhode Island.  He married Minntinka Elizabeth Gassett in September of 1678.  John Corey died on 31 May 1712 in the place of his birth.  He was the son of William and Mary (Earle) Corey of Rode Island.

 William Corey was born on 21 May 1634 in Devonshire, England.  He married Mary Earle about 1658 in Portsmouth Parish, Kingston Town, Washington County, Rhode Island.  William Corey was the son of another John Corey of Bristol, England.

 John Corey (Jr.) was born 06 Apr 1611 in Bristol, England.  He was the son of John and Agnis (Wauker) Corey of Bristol, England.

 John Corey (Sr.) was born about 1582 in Bristol, England.  He married on 13 Jun 1605 to Agnis Wauker in St. James Parish, Bristol, England.  He died on 01 Sep 1621 in Bristol. 

 Harry Harmon Cory authored, The Cory family: a genealogy in 1941.  This book was published by Argus Publishing Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  In this book he explains the origins of the Cory/Corey family name.  He is quoted as saying:  “The Corys are said to be of Pict or Scandinavian origin, deriving their name from Cori, a Roman fort at Anandale in the Shire of Dumfries, Scotland.  As mentioned in William Anderson’s ‘Scottish Nation,’ it had its derivation from the Latin word Koria, or Coria, meaning the ‘core’ or heart, the source of vital activity.  We also find ‘Karre’ in Holingshed’s copy of the Roll of Battle Abbey in the reign of William, the Conqueror of England.  It indicates that the family is an ancient one, whatever its origin.  The Word Corri of Cori is Gaelic, signifying a bowl-shaped hollow on a hillside, in which game usually lies.  Though spelled Corrie in Scotland, it has since met with many changes, viz.:  Cori, Corie, Curie, Curiie, Korrie, Karre, Korry, Corry, Corye, and Cory.”