John Mahady, the pioneer landscape gardener of Merced county, California, is a native of the Emerald Isle, born in 1845. He is the fourth child of Michael and Rose (Whalan) Mahady, and at the tender age of eleven years he came to the United States., and resided with relatives in New York city. He attended the night schools and secured a fair education. When fourteen years of age he entered the army and served three years in the last war, - two years in the army and one in the navy. Was at the capture of Forts Morgan and Gaines, Mobile bay, under Admiral Farragut in 1864. At the age of seventeen years he began the study of gardening, which he has reduced to a science. Mr. Mahady's marriage occurred June 3, 1867, when he was united to Miss Ellen Kane, of Brooklyn, a daughter of James and Nancy (Kelly) Kane, natives of county Donegal, Ireland.
In May, 1869, Mr. Mahady took passage from New York on the steamer Alaska for Aspinwall, and thence overland to Panama, where he boarded the Montana for San Francisco; he arrived in this city June 3, 1869, and resided there until 1874. In this year he came to Merced, where he is known as the pioneer gardener. His services are in demand over a wide territory, and he is considered one of the most talented and capable landscape gardeners in the State. In 1875 he purchased property on P and Thirteenth streets, and there built a residence which is surrounded by the most beautiful gardens; these are artistically designed and perfectly kept, making one of the most attractive spots in the place.
Mr. and Mrs. Mahady are the parents of three children: Mary Frances, John Peter, deceased, and Rose, wife of W.W. Leckler, of Newhall, Los Angeles county.
Source:
A Memorial and biographical history of the counties of Merced, Stanislaus, Calaveras, Tuolumne and Mariposa, California:
Containing a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period ... and biographical mention of many of its pioneers, and also of prominent citizens of to-day.
The Lewis Publishing Company - 1892
California Local History - Rocq - 5371
Calif. State Library History Room (RR)
CALL NUMBER: [Alcove] 979.4 M5 -- Book NC
CALL NUMBER: [q] 979.4 M5 -- Book
CALL NUMBER: \MICRO-\FILM\115\Reel 9\Book 1976\ -- Book
This book, in a new edition with index, is still available for purchase
($26) at the Merced County Courthouse Museum.
The 13th and P site probably fell victim to Freeway 99. Trivia: Newhall is noted as the home of many of Hollywood's cowboys of the past, especially pioneer film star William S. Hart. And, former movie cowboy Ken Maynard spend his final years living in a trailer near that community.
Contributed by
Kathi Reid
The following are the birth details of the siblings of this
John Mahady,which were gathered during my 1995 Irish trip:-
5/3/1837 Patrick - Patrick & Rose (Whelan) Mahedy
at Rathowen as per Register A - Page 62
26/1/1844 Mary - Michael & Rose (Whelan) Mahidy
at Rathowen as per Register B - Page 3
7/10/1850 Catherine - Michael & Rose (Wheelan) Mahidy
at Rathowen as per Register B - Page 14
The above details,with name variations,were as recorded.
Contributed by Matt Mahady