Born at Toledo, Ontario, January 29, 1843. He was educated in the common schools and in 1864 came to Iowa and taught school in Story County. In 1867 he located at Ames and became engaged in farming and stock raising. He wag for many years connected with the Central Importing & Breeding Company which carried on a large business in importing French and English horses of the best breeds. In 1881 Mr. McCarthy was elected county auditor, serving four terms. In 1889 he was elected on the Republican ticket to represent Story County in the House of the Twenty-third General Assembly. During the same year he helped to organize the Iowa Savings & Loan Association of which he has long been president. In 1802 he was elected Auditor of State, serving by reelection three terms. He was instrumental in introducing many reforms in that important department. Mr. McCarthy acquired wide influence in the Republican party and became one of its most influential leaders. He has from the first been a warm supporter of Hon. A. B. Cummins for United States Senator, and was largely instrumental in securing his nomination for Governor in 1901.