William McGuire

    William McGuire was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, April 29, 1846. His father, Thomas McGuire, was also a native of Ohio, and his grandfather, Francis McGuire, was born in Virginia. His great-grandfather, William McGuire, was a native of the north of Ireland, came to America before the Revolution, participated in that struggle, and lost his life for independence. Mr. McGuire's mother, nee Sarah Johnson, was born in Orange County, New York, daughter of Henry Johnson, a native of the same county. They were of German ancestry, and are in the line of heirs of the New York Trinity Church property. Mr. McGuire's parents had three children, of whom the subject of this sketch and his sister, a resident of Ventura County, are living. Mr. McGuire was reared in Ohio. He began life as a photographer. On account of ill health he was obliged to abandon it and engaged in out-door employment. In 1875 he came to Ventura County, California, and bought a small place on the Avenue near San Buenaventura city. He built upon and improved the property, and when his health recovered he engaged in milling with Thomas Clark, in the Ventura mill. After this, Mr. McGuire purchased 262 acres of land in the beautiful Upper Ojai Valley, and has here erected a comfortable house and barns, and is engaged in stock-raising, and also producing large quantities of hay, which he feeds to his horses and cattle. 

    Mr. McGuire was united in marriage, in 1875, with Miss Nancy Darrah, a native of Ohio, and daughter of William and Elizabeth Darrah. This union has been blessed with eight children, all but one living, and all born in Ventura County, viz.: Corena, William, Myrta A., Thomas, Sarah, Claus and Katie B.

    Mr. McGuire is an enterprising, intelligent business man, one whose influence for good is felt in the community. He is now serving his district as School Trustee. Politically he is a Democrat; and socially affiliated with the Masonic fraternity.

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