Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1891
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 432
JOHN C. CALEY

John C. CALEY, dealer in boots and shoes at Missouri Valley, came to this county in 1866, and established a shoe shop at old St. Johns, but in December of the same year he moved to Missouri Valley and established the first restaurant in the place, in partnership with John HENRY, in which business he continued for two months, when he sold out and opened a harness shop, with John CASEY, the same being the shop of the kind in the place. This was early in 1867, and their place of business was where SKELTON'S blacksmith shop now stands. Our subject bought his partner out in 1878, and has continued in the shoe business ever since. In 1875, he removed to his present location on Erie Street, and now conducts a general boot and shoe business on quite an extensive scale.

Mr. CALEY was born in Rochester, N. Y., November 25, 1843. The family originated on the Isle of Man, near England, where the parents were born and united in marriage. They came to the United States in 1838. Our subject's parents were John and Esther (CHRISTIAN) CALEY. The father was a merchant. They had three children, our subject being the only one that grew to maturity. When he was quite small, his parents moved to Cleveland, Ohio. The father is still engaged in the mercantile business in that place, and is now seventy-six years of age. The mother passed from the scenes of this life several years ago. Our subject attended the schools of Cleveland, and worked in the store with his father. October 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-ninth Ohio Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the battles of Winchester, Port Republic, Cedar Mountain, second Bull Run; and was taken sick and discharged on account of disability, returning home in 1863. He went to Montana to regain his health, and was absent about two years, when he went home on a visit, and in 1866 embarked in business in old St. Johns.

Politically, he is identified with the Republican party, believing it best serves the interests of the American people. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' order, belonging to Lodge No. 170, at Missouri Valley.

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