This profile is from the Ames History Museum‘s exhibit People of Ames, which profiles an assortment of notable residents throughout the city’s history. To learn more, visit the Ames History Museum, 416 Douglas Ave., or AmesHistory.org.

Daniel McCarthy (1833–1921), early settler and lawyer

Daniel McCarthy, a prominent Ames citizen, was born in Ontario, Canada. In 1856, he moved to Story City (then called Fairview) and installed the first steam plant in the county in a sawmill owned by Mr. House.

In 1858, McCarthy married Mary Ann Ross, a daughter of one of his mill patrons. Eventually, McCarthy bought the mill. After two years, he sold it and became a carpenter while also studying law. He was admitted to the bar in 1870. When Ames was selected as the location for Iowa State, he was fully supportive and helped to survey the location for its first building, the Farm House. McCarthy Road, south of the ISU campus, is named for him.

Daniel and Mary Ann raised eight children in their home in what is now west Ames. Around 1897, the family moved to a house at 511 Grand Ave. The home was later converted for commercial purposes and became Shoppes on Grand until it was demolished in 2012. One of the McCarthy children, Emma, became a member and president of the Ames Woman’s Club and served as the assistant postmaster for three years. She married local lawyer C.G. Lee, who became a partner in her father’s firm and later a judge. C.G. donated the funds for Emma McCarthy Lee Park.