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- Biographical History of Page County, Iowa, Lewis & Dunbar Publishers, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois, 1890
JAMES CASKEY.—Page County is not behind other counties in the State of Iowa in its indebtedness to the beautiful " Emerald Isle," which has given up so many of her sons and daughters to the settlement of the New World. Prominent among this number is James Caskey, who was born in county Londonderry, Ireland, July 17, 1802. He is a son of John and Ann (Dun) Caskey, and during his youth assisted his father in his flax-mill, and worked at farming. He remained in his native land until 1828, when he set sail for America; after landing he remained in Philadelphia for a few months, and then went to Mobile, Alabama, afterward locating on a farm in Greene County, Alabama.
Mr. Caskey was married January 29 1829, to Catherine Mawhinney, a daughter of Alexander and Jane (Dunn) Mawhinney, natives of county Londonderry, Ireland, who emigrated to America in 1820. Catherine is the second child of a family of eight; she was born in county Londonderry, Ireland, October 29, 1806. After they were married they lived on the farm in Greene County, where they continued to reside until 1852, when they removed to Cook County, Illinois; when living in this county Mr. Caskey shipped the first corn to Chicago that was transported on the Illinois Central Railroad. In October, 1856, the family landed in Page County, Iowa, where they have since made their home. In making the journey they first went to St. Louis by rail, thence by boat to St. Joseph, Missouri, and the remainder of the way in wagons. Mr. Caskey entered his farm, which consisted of 160 acres, from the Government; it was wild land without any improvements; he erected a building 16x24 feet, and when finally they were housed in this comfortable dwelling a happier or more contented family could not have been found in Page County. It was not a life of luxury or ease, which they led for many years to come, but one of industry and continued effort; the trials and privations of pioneer life were met unflinchingly, and every exertion was made to add to the prosperity of the family and community. The growth and development of the county has been largely forwarded by Mr. Caskey.
In those days neighbors were few, but the social qualities were cultivated none the less. In the lack of a house of worship our esteemed subject opened his own dwelling, where the settlers for miles around met for religious service. The first communion was administered by the Rev. Joseph McCracken of the Reformed Presbyterian Church; he was the first regular pastor employed by the society. Mr. Caskey and his family have ever been active workers in the cause of their Master, and have thus contributed to the advancement of the community.
Ten children have been born to Mr. Caskey and wife: John died while in the service of his country, being a member of the Filth Iowa Cavalry, Company C. He passed away at Paducah, Kentucky, his death being caused by disease contracted at Ft. Donelson; Jane, the widow of William Brown, deceased, and her two daughters are still living on their farm in Harlan Township; Alexander died in July, 1889; William died in Illinois; James M. is a farmer, residing in Harlan Township; [page 671] Mary Ann is at home; Sampson died while in the service at Florence, South Carolina, January 13, 1865, having served three years; he was a member of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, and was a prisoner in the Confederate army at the time of his death; Robert G. resides on a farm in Harlan Township; Joseph F. lives on the old homestead, and Isaac B., who larms in Harlan Township.
Joseph F. and Mary Ann are living with their aged parents, caring for them as only a son and daughter can do; they cheerfully per form this filial duty, and have the esteem and respect of the whole neighborhood.
While residing in the South Mr. Caskey was opposed to slave-holding, and always advocated its abolition.
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1802 - 1894 (92 years)
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