Biographies M
William C. McNary
William C. McNary was born September 12, 1801, in Fayette County, Ky. His parents, William and Ann (Campbell) McNary, were of Scotch descent. In the year 1812 his father removed to Muhlenburgh County, thirteen miles west of Greenville, where he died and was bured in the family graveyard, where also sleeps the subject of this sketch together with a good many members of at least three generations of the family. William grew up on the farm, and when he arrived at the age of manhood he purchased a tract of land containing 500 acres adjoining his father's farm, where he lived until his death, which occurred on September 19, 1875.
All through his long life he was prominently identified with all measures tending to improve the condition of his county. He represented his county in the lower house of the Kentucky legislature, five years, and four years in the senate. He was for several years a member of the board of internal improvement for Green River. In 1858, he accepted a call to the presidency of the Greenville Female Collegiate Institute, which position he filled with honor for three years, 1857, 1858, and 1864. It was owing to his exertions that the iron bridge on Pond River, connecting Hopkins and Muhlenburgh Counties, was built. He made two trips to Louisville at his own expense to see the manufacturers and was present at several courts both in Muhlenburgh and Hopkins Counties before he could secure an appropriation for the erection of the bridge. He was for twenty-five years an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He died full in years and honors, beloved by all who knew him.
Source: Battle, J.H., W.H. Perrin, and G.C. Kniffen. Kentucky: A History of the State. Louisville, KY: F.A. Battey, 1885. Page 787-788. Image opposite page 787.
Updated July 9, 2018