Cornelius Drury 1840 : Short Biography

Cornelius Drury was born about 1840 in Murher Parish, County Kerry.  His parents were Edmond Drury and Mary Frawley. He had 4 siblings:  Older brother James, Edmond (Ned), Bridget and Margaret. They lived in the Tarmons area near the County Limerick line.  Cornelius' father died about 1850-1851, leaving his mother widowed.  Cornelius worked as a laborer.

Cornelius served in the local militia and in 1859 joined the Royal Army 9th Regiment of Foot (9th Foot for short) in Chester, England.  He served his entire Army career as a private.  While stationed in London, he participated in horse racing at Hackney Wick and visited his brother James, who was serving with the Metropolitan Police.

His military file describes his service as follows:  During 16 years foreign service in Corfu Gibraltar China Japan and India has suffered greatly with malarial fevers.  Had Cholera in Hong Kong in 1864 and at Rawal Pindee 1876.  Regularly worn out old soldier served in Iowaki Campaign.  Has varicose vein of both legs requiring elastic stockings.  He'll not be able to work.

After discharge, Cornelius returned home and lived with his mother and sister Bridget in Tarmons.  Bridget worked as a servant and his mother worked as a laborer.  It is unclear if Cornelius worked despite the comments in his military file, but he did earn a pension.  Despite this, the family had a hard time paying the rent and was frequently in disputes with their landlord and hauled into court.  

Cornelius' mother died in 1889 of heart disease.  Cornelius and Bridget died in June 1898 of influenza.