McCarty, John

(June 7, 1789-May 10, 1881). First Episcopal priest in the Washington Territory. He was born in Rhinebeck, New York. He practiced law for three years and then decided to enter the ordained ministry of the Episcopal Church. McCarty was ordained deacon on Dec. 23, 1825, and priest on Oct. 26, 1827. He was a chaplain in the United States Navy from Mar. 3, 1825, until Apr. 21, 1826. On Dec. 29, 1826, he began his work as a missionary in Oswego County, New York, where he remained until 1845. During the Mexican War he was a chaplain. McCarty was stationed at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, from 1848 until 1852. The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society appointed him a missionary in 1852. He reached Portland, Oregon, on Jan. 19, 1853, to begin his ministry. McCarty did extensive missionary work throughout the Pacific Northwest until his death. He died in Washington, D. C.