William Riley McGary, interested in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising in San Joaquin county, his home being near the town of Lockeford, arrived in California in 1875, and has since been a resident of this portion of the state. A native of Arkansas, he was born in Washington county on the 1st of September, 1853, and is a son of Matthew and Martha A. (Graham) McGary, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Alabama. In the paternal line Mr. McGary is of Scotch lineage. His father still resides in Washington county, Arkansas, and is now in the eighty-first year of his age, but the mother died in the year 1889.

Under the parental roof William Riley McGary spent the days of his childhood and acquired his education in the public schools. He was trained to farm labor in early boyhood and his privileges in that direction were not meager. He early learned the best methods of caring for the fields and harvesting the crops and when he began farming on his own account practical experience enabled him to make his business profitable. In the year 1875 he came to California and has since resided in San Joaquin county. His ranch is pleasantly and conveniently located near Lockeford and comprises over five hundred acres of arable and productive land, which is under cultivation, yielding good harvests in return for the labor he bestows upon the fields. Modern equipments are found upon the place and everything about his farm is attractive in appearance.

On the 14th of November, 1876, Mr. McGary was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Parker, a native of San Joaquin county and a daughter of Thomas Parker, who was an honored pioneer of California, coming to this state in 1849 during the period of its early mining excitement. To Mr. and Mrs. McGary have been born four children, of whom three are yet living: Walter M., Mabel A. and Ethel C. One son, Riley Q., is now deceased.

Mr. McGary is a member of the Ancient Order of United Woodmen at Lockeford and also belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge there. His political views are in accord with the principles of Democracy and while he has never sought or desired public office as a reward for party fealty he yet keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His wife belongs to the Congregational church at Lockeford and both are well known in the community where they reside, the hospitality of many of the best homes in the neighborhood being extended to them.

Source: History of the New California Its Resources and People, Volume II

The Lewis Publishing Company - 1905
Edited by Leigh H. Irvine