John Looby was a Civil War soldier and officer who served as Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard. He was born in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. In 1850, shortly after his father's death, he moved to New York and in 1856, he moved to Des Moines, Iowa. In 1861, he enlisted in Company D, 2nd Iowa Infantry and was wounded at Shiloh. He was discharged but in 1862, joined the 18th Iowa Infantry as Second Lieutenant. He rose in rank to First Lieutenant and Captain, then transferred to the 62nd U.S. Colored Infantry in 1864. He was promoted to Captain and then to Major. He served as the Adjutant General from 1876-1878.
From the description of John H. Looby military papers, 1863-1915. (State Historical Society of Iowa, Library). WorldCat record id: 644288793
