John J. McGrath

 

San Mateo is fortunate in having so many of San Francisco’s substantial business men listed among its residents.  John J. McGrath is one of them who, although burdened with the responsibilities of an important position, gives pains-taking support to every movement for the good of the city and enable the community to reap the benefit of having men of his type as a resident.

 

Mr. McGrath is an expert sales-manager, having been in this line for twenty-five years.  His first sales position was with Swift & Co., when he had emigrated from Ireland and settled in Chicago.  Two years later he came to California and became identified with the Western Meat Company.  He ascended to the position of assistant sales manager in the eighteen years he was with this company.  He left them five years ago to become traveling representative in San Francisco for Folger & Co.

 

In his twenty-five years experience in selling goods, Mr. McGrath has handled hundreds of salesmen and has become a recognized expert in this work.  The rules and suggestions that he makes for his friends have urged him to print them in book form,  that more persons may benefit from them.

 

The heavy tax that business imposes on Mr. McGrath’s time has not prevented him from taking an active part in civic affairs, and every movement that is launched for the public good, finds him a substantial backer.

 

John McGrath was born in Limerick, Ireland, on July 23, 1872.  He received his education in his native land.  With the exception of two years spent in Chicago, Mr. McGrath has lived in San Mateo continually since coming from Ireland twenty-five years ago.  He married Miss Mary Kelly, a native of San Mateo.  His daughter Carmelita, aged 13, is a pupil in the San Mateo schools, while his son, John G., aged 18, is preparing for the priesthood at St. Patrick’s seminary.  His youngest daughter, Manolin, aged 6 years, is also a pupil of the San Mateo public schools.  Mr. McGrath is a property owner in both San Mateo and Hillsborough.

 

John J. McGrath has recently, on January 7, 1916, been appointed by President Wilson to be postmaster of San Mateo for a term of four years, relieving Thomas E. Byrnes, whose term expired Dec. 20, 1915.  Mr. McGrath was specially endorsed for this office by the Democratic County and State Central Committees, and by United States Senator James D. Phelan.

 

The office of Postmaster is an important one, as it carries a great responsibility; and those who are appointed to this office may consider themselves highly honored by the trust imposed in them by their fellow townsmen, as well as by the Chief Executive of the United States.