Polk Co. IAGenWeb

CALLANAN, JAMES — Capitalist and dealer in real estate, is a native of Albany county, New York, and was born on the 20th day of October, 1820. After a thorough preliminary education, he was admitted to the practice of law in 1847, and soon thereafter commenced the practice of his profession in Albany, New York, where he acquired a large and lucrative business. In 1857 he formed a copartnership with S. R. Ingham, and started the banking house of Callanan & Ingham, at Des Moines, Iowa, in which he had invested largely, Mr. Ingham being the resident manager. In 1861 this firm was dissolved, and the large investments made by Mr. Callanan and the large amount of real estate coming into his hands by reason of this change rendered it necessary for him to remove to Des Moines, in 1863, to personally supervise his interests. Since residing in Des Moines he has always taken an active and lively interest in its welfare, and has been identified with its leading business enterprises. To his individual ef fort and liberal donation is the foundation of Callanan College indebted. He married Miss Martha C. Coonley, of Albany county, New York, a lady whose graces of mind and person and whose active benevolence and kindly sympathies have endeared her to all who enjoy her acquaintance.