Walter Cary was born on December 21, 1818, in Batavia, New York. He was the only child of Margaret Eleanor (Brisbane) and Trumball Cary. His Father, Trumball, was a close friend of William Henry Seward.  

Dr. Cary attended Union College and graduated in 1839. He pursued a medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and graduated in 1843. Dr. Cary established a medical practice in Buffalo. In 1848, Dr. Cary married Julia Love. They had seven children, one daughter and six sons (Trumbull, Charles, Thomas, Walter, George, Seward, & Jennie). After retiring, his family continued to be active in Buffalo society, hosting many parties and events.

Dr. Cary died while abroad in Marseilles, France, on November 1, 1880, at the age of sixty-two.