SHEA, Michael James - 1914

SHEA, TEEFEY, WILLIAMS, HEMS

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/7/2009 at 02:57:37

HISTORY OF
Cherokee County
IOWA
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914
by Thomas McCulla

MICHAEL JAMES SHEA.

Michael James Shea, who since 1909 has been engaged in the realestate business in Cherokee, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, September 25, 1873, a son of James and Mary (Teefey) Shea, natives of Ireland. The father followed the masons and contractors trades for a number of years and during the latter period of his life resided in Iowa City, this state, where his death occurred. His wife survives him and makes her home at Anthon. They were the parents of two children: Mary Jane, who has passed away; and Michael James, of this review.

The last named acquired his education in the public schools of Woodbury county, Iowa, and afterward learned the drug business, following it in Anthon and Danbury. He came to Cleghorn, Cherokee county, in 1893, and conducted a drug store there for nine years, after which he moved to Cherokee, resuming his former occupation. In 1909 he sold his enterprise to Leeds Brothers and turned his attention to the realestate business, in which he has since continued. He deals in local farm lands, unimproved property in Canada, and improved farms in Iowa and southern Minnesota, and he has built up a large, representative and growing business, for he understands land values and is conscientious and straightforward in his methods of dealing.

On the i8th of July, 1896, Mr. Shea was united in marriage to Miss Abby Williams, a daughter of John E. and Melissa Adlake (Hems) Williams, of Cleghorn, this county. The parents were of Welsh descent and they came to Cherokee county in 1893, the father engaging in the mercantile business in Cleg horn until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Shea had three children: Stuart, at home; M. James, who has passed away; and Ruth Adelaide, at home.

Mr. Shea is a member of the Catholic church, is connected with the Knights of Columbus and the Fraternal Order of Eagles and is a democrat in his political beliefs. His excellent characteristics have gained him the friendly regard and goodwill of all with whom he has been associated through either business or social relations and he is well entitled to a place among the representative citizens of Cherokee.