JOHN McCARTY
Page 531
JOHN McCARTY
Page 531
|
JOHN McCARTY. A visitor strolling along the streets of Mason City will invariably note with a glance of admiration the attractive frame residence in which Mr. McCarty and his family make their home, which is one of the finest dwellings in the city, is modern in architecture, and contains every convenience as well as elegant furnishings, which prove the refined tastes of the inmates. One of the sons of the Buckeye State, the subject of this sketch was born in Clark County, April 19, 1836. His father, Cornelius, was one of the pioneers of Mason County, having come hither in 1851. A Democrat in his political views, he was a man of influence in public affairs, and his death, in 1866, was deeply mourned. His wife was known by the maiden name of Jemima Bell, and was born in Tennessee; her death occurred in Mason County in April of 1865. The subject of this sketch accompanied his parents in their removal from Ohio to Illinois, and grew to manhood upon a farm near Petersburg, Menard County. His time was principally devoted to the work of improving the land, his educational advantages being limited to a brief attendance at the neighboring schools. At the age of eighteen he commenced the independent career of a farmer, and from the first met with success, his methods of cultivating the land being such as to secure the most advantageous results. In addition to the raising of cereals, he also engaged extensively in raising stock, which he shipped to the various markets. That Mr. McCarty has been successful in his enterprises, it need but be stated that he now owns nine hundred acres of valuable land in Salt Creek Township, fifteen hundred acres in Hall County, Neb., a half interest in thirty-two hundred acres of school lands in Nebraska (lying in Cedar County), and considerable residence property in Mason City. In public affairs he has always taken an active part, and was one of the instigators and projectors of the present drainage system. Politically he supports the principles of the Republican party. Both in educational and religious enterprises he is warmly interested, and to them he gives his cordial support and active aid. November 14, 1866, occurred the marriage of Mr. McCarty and Miss Anna Josephine Beck. This accomplished and amiable lady was born in Ohio, and in childhood accompanied her father, Arthur Beck, to Illinois. She is the mother of two children. The elder, Ona B., is the wife of Dr. Isaac McCarty, of Riverside, Cal., while the younger, Ida B., still remains with her parents and is numbered among the popular young ladies of Mason City. The religious home of the family is in the United Brethren Church, to the support of which Mr. McCarty is a liberal contributor. He assisted in the organization of the First National Bank, and for several years served as one of its stockholders and directors. |