Inherent
dangers exist in the timber industry. A
brief biography of Fred Cory illustrates some of these dangers. His life also serves as an example of courage
and hard work to overcome obstacles.
Born
in Otsego and living in Elk River, Fred Corey worked the first half of his
working life in the timber industry. In
1895 he received the appointment as a land inspector for the Minnesota State
Auditor’s Office. His job as timber
cruiser demanded he inspect land in the Iron Range, identifying trees suitable
for harvest as lumber. “He is honest and
competent and will perform the duties of the office in a faithful and
conscientious manner,” the Elk River Star News speculated. The job, though, led directly to an accident
that left him disabled for the rest of his life.
In
March 1895, while cruising timber in the Iron Range, his compass failed
him. He became lost. Shortly afterwards, a spring blizzard hit the
area. Corey became stranded overnight in
freezing weather. “It was a bitter cold
night,” the newspaper reported. “Twenty
below zero, the snow being two feet deep,” Corey struggled to keep moving
through the night. Finally, able to walk
out the next day, he found his camp despite suffering from frozen ears, hands
and feet. The Star News report summarized
Corey’s condition and surgery. “Several
fingers were amputated and a portion of both feet,” the paper reported. “Mr. Corey stood the operation well, and it
is hoped his recovery will be speedy.”
In
spite of hard work, Fred Corey never recovered to full health. He left the timber industry and received an
appointment as the Elk River Postmaster.
He held the position for 17 years.
As a political appointment, his dedication and hard work counted for
little, Woodrow Wilson replaced him as postmaster in 1915. Beyond his disabilities, Fred Corey remained
active in his retirement at the Union Church in Elk River and as a Mason. Fred Corey an example of dedication to life
and devotion to hard work, died February 1924.
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