Mr. McGrath came to Nevada in 1871, at which time he took up his abode at Gold Hill. He is a native of the state of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Dauphin county on the 1st of November, 1856. He is of Irish descent, and is a son of Dennis McGrath, who was born in county Donegal, Ireland, whence he emigrated to the new world in early manhood. He established his home in Pennsylvania and began business life in the United States as a coal miner. While in Pennsylvania he was united in marrage to Miss Jane Byrne, a native of his own country. In the year l858 he went to California, locating in Placer county, where he was engaged in mining and met with fair success. Being pleased with the state, its prospects and his own business opportunities, he sent for his wife and son the following year, and Mrs. McGrath came to the west with her little boy. John, who was then three wears of age.

Dennis McGrath continued his residence in California until 1871, in which year he brought his family to Nevada, settling at Gold Hill. There he continued mining until 1874, when he was called to his final rest. His good wife long survived him and died in 1894, at the age of seventy-eight years. They were both devoted members of the Catholic church and enjoyed the high regard of many friends.

John McGrath, their only son, was a student in the public schools in his early boyhood, but when still very young began to provide for his own support. When sixteen years of age he became connected with mercantile interests as a clerk in the store of V. Lamery, where he remained continuously for ten years, or until 1883, being promoted from time to time and given a corresponding increase of wages. He became thoroughly familiar with the business in every department, and in 1883 purchased the store, which was then conducted as a retail grocery and provision establishment. Mr. McGrath continued successfully in business there, until 1897, when he formed a partnership with J. B. Mallon in Virginia City, and they continued in business together until 1900, when Mr. Mallon died and Mr. McGrath purchased his partner's interest from the heirs. He has since been sole proprietor of the store, which is now one of the leading commercial enterprises of the city. He continued to reside, however, at Gold Hill until 1901 when he removed to Virginia City, where he still makes his home. In 1902 he closed out his business in Gold Hill but still continues his establishment in Virginia City, and his entire time and attention are devoted to the management of his mercantile interests. He has won very creditable and gratifying success, and at the same time has ever maintained a reputation for being an upright, honorable business man, whose methods have gained for him the confidence and respect of the business world.

In 1885 was celebrated the marriage of John McGrath and Miss Maggie Kenealy, a native of Aurora, Nevada, and a daughter of John Kenealy, one of the early settlers of this state. They now have five children, all born at Gold Hill, namely: May, John, Clarence, Myrtle and Harold. The family are highly esteemed members of the Catholic church, and occupy a fine residence at the corner of Taylor and F streets in Virginia City. In his political views Mr. McGrath has always been a Democrat, and fraternally is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. He is always courteous, kindly and affable, and those who know him personally have for him warm regard.

A man of great natural ability, his success in business, from the beginning of his residence in Nevada was uniform and rapid. As has been truly remarked, after all that may be done for a man in the way of giving him early opportunities for obtaining the requirements which are sought in the schools and in books, he must essentially formulate, determine and give shape to his own character; and this is what Mr. McGrath has done. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and gained the most satisfactory reward. His life is exemplary in all respects, and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation.

Source:
A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People
By Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company
Published by The Lewis publishing company, 1904