McCarthy, John M. "Mac" 1873-1934

MCCARTHY, JOHNS

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:34

Source: Alton Democrat (7-20-1934)

Born: December 23, 1873
Died: July 16, 1934

’MAC’--ALTON MARSHAL IS GONE BEYOND--EFFICIENT OFFICIER TO BE BURIED TODAY

J. M. McCarthy, city marshal and street commissioner since 1918, died at his home in Alton Monday evening, July 16, at the age of 63 years and 7 months. McCarthy had been in ill health for many months, having had a series of strokes. From the first three he rallied and partially recovered. A few days before his death he was up and about, walking as far as the garage to visit a friend, Casey, but the last attack on Friday proved fatal, bringing sorrow to his host of Alton friends as well as to his family.

John Michael McCarthy, eldest son of Mary and Michael McCarthy was born at Lakeshire, Indiana, on December 23, 1872. At the age of six he moved with his parents to Aurelia, Cherokee County, Iowa where he resided until his marriage on April 3 to Miss Evadale Johns. Here they resided for a few years before moving to Redland, South Dakota for a short time, moving again to Aurelia where they resided until 1913. In that year the family came to Alton where Mr. McCarthy was a partner of J. A. List in the Independent Remedy Company until 1917. In 1918 he was appointed marshal and street commissioner of the town of Alton which office he held until his death. He was a faithful public servant, always “on the job” and popular with young and old, constantly working in the interest of the town and its citizens. His manifold duties included besides police protection, the supervising of street work and water supply and for some years he was on duty both day and night. Undoubtedly the long hours affected his health adversely and contributed to his early passing. He was not happy unless active, however, and his long illness was tiresome and trying to him, though he bore it with fortitude. He received every attention and care from his family, to whom he was ever a devoted father. His place as a public official will be hard to fill and his familiar presence will be missed by hundreds of his fellow towns people.

He is survived by Mrs. McCarthy and six children: Doris (Mrs. Julius Konz), Dell Rapids, South Dakota; Arthur, of Puyallup, Washington; Gerald and Milton of Alton; Agnes and Mary at home; by six grandchildren; three sisters: Mrs. J.K. Jensen, Auburn, Washington; Mrs. Harry Jackson, Austin, Minnesota; Mrs. Harry Appleton, Cherokee, Iowa and one brother, Mr. Daniel McCarthy of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The eldest son, Arthur, through unable to come to the funeral telephoned Tuesday evening from Seattle, speaking to each member of the family.

Funeral services will be held this Thursday afternoon at the home at 1:30 and at the Presbyterian Church at 2:00 o’clock. Reverend George Bray of Sulfur Springs will officiate