OBITUARY OF JOHN A. MCCARTY

John A. McCarty, probably the oldest and one of the best known pioneers of the north part of Clark County, passed away at his home at Longwood, Sunday afternoon, June 19, 1927, aged 79 years, 6 months and 1 day.

He was born at Carbondale, Luzerne County, Penn., Dec. 18, 1847, of Scotch and Irish parents. He came to La Crosse County with his parents in 1857, where he grew to manhood. At the age of 17 years he enlisted in Co. C 49 Wis. Vol. Inf. And served to the close of the Civil War.

He came to this county in the fall of 1867, working in the lumber camps during the winters until 1871, when he settled on the farm where he resided until his death, except a few months during the past winter, when they resided in Greenwood.

Mr. McCarty was united in marriage Jan. 1, 1872 to Miss Jennie Smith of Euphrata County, N.Y., whose people took a pronounced part in revolutionary times, and later moving to Wisconsin.

Mr. McCarty was a man of keen intelligence and high character.

From the time of his settlement in Clark County to his death he was an important factor in public service and in the business life of the community. He was the first postmaster in the north part of the county, having been appointed in 1874 by U.S. Grant. Elected the first town clerk in 1875, of what was then the town of Hixon and served 13 years, then for 15 years as town chairman. He took a deep interest in the affairs of the county as a member of the county board. Also being assessor for the past number of years, having served the last term in 1925.

Besides being connected with numerous lumbering interests, Mr. McCarty erected the largest log house built in Clark County and for several years conducted a hotel, which in the early days was a welcome home to everyone who came that way, in the meantime clearing up a large farm.

He had a strong friendship for both the old soldier and the young, and was for years commander of John A. Eaton Post G.A.R. at Greenwood.
For a number of years Mr. McCarty, acting as poor commissioner, had charge of the poor in the north half of the county.

He was a public spirited and generous man. Public improvements found in him always a firm friend. When a charity was to be inaugurated the first man to head the subscription was Mr. McCarty. When a church debt was to be lifted, no matter what denomination, he put his shoulder to the load.

He leaves to mourn, his wife, two sons and one daughter and families, one son having passed away in infancy, Almon H. of Longwood, Haskell of Rock Island, (Dora) Mrs. Ed Bowen of Shortville, Wis. And ten grandchildren Also two sisters, Mrs. E. A. Eaton of Yacolt, Wash., and Mrs. Nellie Lantz of Manila, Phillipine Islands, and one brother, William of Portland, Oregon. Three sisters and two brothers having preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held from the Greenwood M.E. Church last Wednesday under the auspices of the American Legion and M. W. of A. The Rev. Grandy of Arkansaw officiated, assisted by Rev. Householder of Greenwood. The body was laid to rest in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Source: Greenwood Gleaner 6/30/1927