From Isle of Man to the American West: The Callister Family Legacy Since 1854

In the begining the Callister family lived in Salt Lake City, hey acquired 100 acres in Granger along Redwood Road, using the land to graze their sheep and enjoy the rhythms of farm life, growing crops and working the soil. Soon the AA callister family moved their home from Salt Lake to Granger.

Their roots in Utah go back to 1854, when they arrived after crossing the plains. The story begins with Edward Callister, born on the Isle of Man, who married Anna, also from the Isle of Man, after meeting in Ohio. Together they journeyed west to settle in Utah, where they quickly became a beloved and respected family.

Edward and Anna had four OUTSTANDING sons—Ed, Thomas, William, and John—known as the “Well-Known Callister Boys of Salt Lake.” Each contributed to the growing territory in meaningful ways. One served on the Utah State Board of Sheep Commissioners. Another worked for the Deseret News and earned a reputation as one of the most artistic printers in Utah. The US President signed the commission Edward H CaHlster as Collector Internal l Revenue for western states . They also established the Star Printing Company, while William Callister helped bring electric power to rural areas and operated the Callister Land & Livestock Company, which managed large herds—mostly sheep.

This legacy of entrepreneurship continued with John’s son and grandson, who remained active in business and livestock industries.

In the 1940s, Arthur A. Callister Sr. (A.A.) purchased 100 acres on Redwood Road. Like his father and uncles, he worked in the wool business and raised over 100 sheep in the Salt Lake Valley. On his property, he built a small farmhouse where the A.A. Callister Company would later stand at 3615 S. Redwood Road.

Initially, A.A. became a trusted supplier to local sheep farmers, offering shearing equipment, veterinary supplies, horseshoes, saddles, bridles, and halters. The business began in 1952 as Callister Saddlery, then evolved into Callister Vet Supply/Wool.

As demand and reputation grew, the store became officially known as A.A. Callister’s. It transformed into a one-stop shop for western wear, saddlery, and livestock supplies, drawing customers from across Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Nevada—and even international customers.

In 1998, the Callisters built a beautiful new Western-style store on their original property. Styled like a building out of an Old West movie, it featured 40,000 square feet of retail space, where horses greeted visitors at the door.

After more than 67 years of serving the western community, the family made the difficult decision to close. In fall 2019, the community bid farewell to A.A. Callister’s—a beloved landmark and lasting symbol of Utah’s western heritage.

For more than 165 years, the Callister family left a remarkable imprint on the Salt Lake Valley and surrounding western states. From their arrival in 1854 to the final day A.A. Callister’s closed its doors, they were known for their hard work, integrity, and service to the community. Whether through agriculture, printing, public service, or retail, the Callisters helped shape the cultural and economic landscape of the region. Their name became synonymous with quality, tradition, and a deep-rooted love for the western way of life. The legacy they built lives on in the memories of those they served—and in the rich soil of the land they once called home.