Born in Ohio, February 5, 1837. He was educated at North Lewisburg, Champagne county. He left this state while still a youth. On May 22d, 1861, he enlisted in the United States Volunteers at Oskaloosa, Mahaska county, Iowa; was mustered into Co. H, 3rd Iowa Infantry June 8, 1861, as a private at Keokuk, by United States Mustering officer Chambers. In September he was made first sergeant; in February, 1862, he was commissioned second lieutenant; in October of the same year he was promoted to first lieutenant, and lastly to captain. All of these offices were in the same company in which he enlisted. At the expiration of his term June 8, 1865, he was discharged at Davenport, Ia. Mr. Gary was married January 1, 1861, at Peoria, Ia., to Miss Mary E. Hunt. Capt. Gary is a 3rd degree Mason, and a member of the G. A. R. and A. O. U. W. lodges. While residing in Iowa, he held the office of Justice of the Peace. He was twice Assessor of his township, Postmaster, and was County Supervisor two terms. He was Deputy United States Marshal for the purpose of taking United States census for six townships of Mahaska County, Iowa, in 1870. He was a member of the Eleventh General Assembly in 1865 and 1866.