M. C. MACY

M. C. Macy is not only a well-known pioneer of this city and State, but is also a well-known pioneer architect and builder. He is a native of the island of Nantucket, born August 4, 1821; learned the trade of carpenter and joiner; early developed taste for architecture, and when eighteen years of age went south to superintend the building of churches. He made a voyage to England, and upon his return he remained in Providence and New Bedford, pursuing a course of study in architecture. Upon the breaking out of the gold excitement in California, he joined the throng and sailed May 6, 1849, on the ship Edward Everett, an old whaler, and came around the Horn. They had a long and rough voyage, were six months and four days on the way, and arrived here December 9, 1849. Instead of going to the mines he engaged in contracting and building. He and J. Whitmore and Harry Meiggs built the California street wharf, the first wharf in the city. Mr. Macy has been one of the leading architects of the city and State for more than a third of a century. He built the Merchants; and Marine Insurance block, next to the bank of California; Dr. Samuel Merritt's block at the foot of California street; the Toland Medical College; Eli Gladstone's block on Van Ness avenue and O'Farrell street; Stetson's building, Clay street and Van Ness avenue, and many others. Mr. Macy has taken an active interest in the progress and development of the city. He is one of the founders of the Mercantile Library, and is a life member and director of the Mechanics' Institute.

Transcribed by Sande Beach.

Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 2, pages 149-150, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.

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