JOHN MACKEY

Sacramento County

Biographies

JOHN MACKEY

JOHN MACKEY. As superintendent of the Haggin ranch, generally known as Rancho Del Paso, of Sacramento, Cal., John Mackey is ably demonstrating his executive ability and business judgment, as the management of these extensive interests demands an unusual display of thought and labor. This is one of the most extensive and most noted ranches in the State of California, being devoted exclusively to the breeding of race horses. It has produced many of the best racehorses in the United States and has acquired a reputation, not only in the United States, but throughout Europe. The colts produced on this ranch are simply halter broken and shipped to New York City, where they are sold at auction, commanding prices from $1000 to $10,000. They are known and admired for their beauty, speed and endurance, the sires having come from famed Kentucky and the most noted stables of England. John Mackey, who is the most noted horseman of the west, has entire charge of this ranch of forty-five thousand acres. He goes in person to various parts of Europe and imports horses to this country, his superior judgment enabling him to pass readily on the quality of the animals. He has a number of men under him who are well versed in the care of horses, and both care and money are counted well spent in bringing the stock of this ranch to the front. The annual shipment of yearlings and two-year-olds from this ranch aggregate eight carloads, all going direct to New York City.

John Mackey is a native of Ireland, born and reared on a farm, receiving a common school education in boyhood. In young manhood he immigrated to the United States and for a time remained in the eastern states. In 1856 he came to California and for a time following was variously engaged. In 1873 he became an employe on the Haggin ranch and by his activity and diligence and superior ability, as well as judgment, he was made superintendent of the Rancho Del Paso, which, under his supervision and skilful management, has become one of the most successful horse ranches in the state. Mr. Mackey is married and has four daughters. He is a man noted for his intelligence and is versed upon all subjects relating to the best interests of the state. He is clever and broad-gauged and no man is more widely or better known than he in this section.

Transcribed by Louise E. Shoemaker, November 15, 2007.

Source: “History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the Sacramento Valley, California” by J. M. Guinn. Page 1707. Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1906.