Patrick J. Maley, dealer in motorcycles and bicycles in New Haven, where he was born September 20, 1875, is a son of William J. and Margaret (Cunningham) Maley. The father was born in County Clare. Ireland, and came to America in 1861, making his way direct to New Haven. He was then a youth of eighteen and he had already learned the tailor's trade, after which he engaged in business in this city as a merchant tailor up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1893, when he was fifty years of age, his birth having occurred in 1843. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for troops, serving in the Seventh and in the Fifteenth Connecticut Regiments throughout the entire period of hostilities. He was taken prisoner and sent to Libby Prison but was afterward exchanged and returned to the front. He became a member of Mervin Post, G. A. R., and thus maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades with whom he had followed the stars and stripes on the battlefields of the south. In politics he took an active part as a supporter of the democratic party and was also much interested in civic affairs, he belonged to St. Patrick's Catholic church and was laid to rest in St. Lawrence cemetery. His wife was born in Scotland but was of Irish lineage and in young girlhood came to the United States. By her marriage there were born eight children, five of whom are yet living: Patrick J., James J.. William J., Thomas A. and Mabel.

Patrick J. Maley attended the public schools of New Haven and when a lad of twelve years started out to earn his living, being first employed in the factory of Sargent & Company. He turned his attention to mechanical lines and was employed in that way until 1900, when he engaged in the bicycle business on his own account, opening a shop on Meadow street for the sale and repair of bicycles. His stock at first was somewhat limited, but he gradually built up a business of satisfactory proportions and in fact became owner of one of the leading bicycle stores of the city. In 1912 he removed to No. 565 State street in order to secure larger quarters, and in addition to bicycles he is now handling the Henderson and Reading motorcycles, having the exclusive agency for these motorcycles in New Haven and vicinity. His business has gradually grown and developed until it is now a large and profitable one. Mr. Maley deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as he early started to provide for his own maintenance and after his father's death became the sole support of the family.

In religious faith Mr. Maley is a Catholic, belonging to St. Patrick's church. He also has membership with the Knights of Columbus. In polities he is a democrat and has represented the sixth ward as councilman and alderman, in 1898 being elected councilman, while in 1900 he became alderman. He has been deputy registrar for the sixth ward for about six years. Since attaining his majority he has taken a deep interest in political questions and issues and has ever been most loyal in support of his honest convictions.