Carey, Charles Henry.  "History of Oregon." Vol. 3. Chicago-Portland: Pioneer
Historical Pub. Co., 1922.  p. 103

JOHN ENERY

In the period of pioneer development in the northwest John Enery came to this
section of the country and Portland long numbered him as one of her substantial
citizens. The width of the country separated him from his birthplace, for he
was born in Dedham, Massachusetts, in 1835, a son of Arthur Enery. The lure of
the sea caused him to run away from home when a young lad and for several years
he followed the sea, but afterward abandoned maritime interests in order to come
to the west. Making his way to Idaho and to Oregon he engaged in mining in both
states and also did freighting with mule teams between The Dalles and Cilola for
several winters, while the summer months were devoted to work in the mines.

In the year 1868 Mr. Enery was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Riley and
soon afterwards came to Portland, where he established a boot and shoe business.
Later he extended the scope of his activities to include general merchandising
and owned and conducted his store until the big fire of 1872, which entirely
wiped out his place of business, he losing both the building and the stock, upon
which he had no insurance. Mr. Enery then went to Bellevue in Yamhill county,
and opened a general merchandise store, which he conducted for about five years.
He sold his business there and bought a farm in Happy Valley in Yamhill county,
where he spent two winters. He afterward disposed of the property and took up
his abode at McMinnville, Oregon, while still later he went to Lafayette, where
he purchased a small farm upon which he resided for six years. On the expiration
of that period he returned to Portland, taking up his abode on Third street,
where the family home is still maintained. Here he purchased considerable
property, including the present home site and about ten acres of land on
Portland Heights which has become very valuable. His investment was most wisely
and judiciously made, for the land has steadily increased in value, making his
estate one of worth.

To Mr. and Mrs. Enery were born four children: Alice became the wife of Harry C.
Stuart, who passed away June 17, 1915, leaving his widow, while their only child
died in infancy. Harry C. Stuart was a son of Captain A. B. Stuart, well known
in the northwest. The other members of the Enery family, Minnie, Julia and
Arthur have all passed away. The father died October 18, 1915, while the
mother's death occurred August 29, 1899, and thus Mrs. Stuart is the only
surviving member of this honored pioneer family of the northwest. In his
political view Mr. Enery was a democrat but was never an office seeker,
preferring always to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business
affairs. He was highly esteemed wherever he was known and enjoyed the confidence
and warm regard of all with whom he was associated.



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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in November 2006 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. 
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.