My Genealogy Hound

DR. ROBERT M. McGARY, one of the leading physicians and highly esteemed citizens of Mechanicsburg, who is also engaged in the drug business here, was born Oct. 27, 1858, at Shiremanstown, Cumberland county, son of David and Elizabeth ( Mateer) McGary.

John McGary, grandfather of Dr. Robert M., was a resident of Shiremanstown, for a long period, following his trade of wheelwright, and also engaged in farming. His three children, Mary, Henry and David, have long since passed away. John McGary was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.

David McGary, son of John and father of Dr. Robert M, was born Sept. 18, 1818. He was a contractor in Hampden township for many years, and he died July 5, 1874. On reaching manhood he married Elizabeth Mateer, a member of one of the oldest families of Scotch-Irish extraction, of the Cumberland Valley. Eight children were born to them, three of whom grew to maturity, namely: Mary R., wife of Samuel A. Balmer, of Harrisburg; H. W., of Harrisburg; and Dr. Robert M.

Dr. McGary was reared in Shiremanstown, and was educated in the public schools. Not caring to follow an agricultural life, he took the direction of his career into his own hands, and came to Mechanicsburg, entering the drug store of Dr. M. B. Mosser, and in the meantime studying medicine. His efforts at securing a medical education met with success, and in 1884 he was graduated at Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, immediately entering into practice at Mechanicsburg. In 1889 he opened a drug store in this borough, and carries a large and varied stock of goods usually found in first-class establishments of this kind, in connection with a large selection of pure drugs.

In politics, Dr. McGary is a stanch Republican. He is a Mason of high degree, having been made a 32nd degree Mason in 1892. He is also one of the oldest members of the Singer Band of Mechanicsburg. Dr. McGary has won his own way in the world through perseverance and industry, and stands today as one of the leading and most respected citizens of Mechanicsburg.