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John MakkarryUS citizen
Date of Birth: 21.06.1934
Country:  USA |
Content:
- The Unfortunate Tale of John McCarry
- Financial Ruin
- Destitution
- Hardships and Incarceration
- Government Assistance
- Roosevelt's Presidency
- Confrontation with the Past
- Illness and Death
- Legacy
The Unfortunate Tale of John McCarry
Birth and Early LifeJohn McCarry was an unremarkable resident of the quaint town of Thomaston, Connecticut, born on October 24, 1929. His life took a dramatic turn in the midst of the Great Depression, becoming a victim of the economic crisis.
Financial Ruin
Before the stock market crash, McCarry owned a home and a hardware store. In 1929, he invested his life savings in RCA stock on the advice of a broker. In October, the stock market plummeted, wiping out his investment overnight. Despite selling his remaining shares at a significant loss, he was left with nothing.
Destitution
McCarry lost his job at a local knife factory and his home was foreclosed upon. The family was forced to move into a small shack on the outskirts of Thomaston and survive on a meager income from gardening. McCarry became a hobo, traveling the country in search of odd jobs.
Hardships and Incarceration
McCarry faced relentless adversity. He tried his hand at gold prospecting in Alaska and oil drilling in Texas, without success. He worked at a grain elevator in Chicago and on construction projects in New York and Hollywood. He was falsely accused of rape and spent three months in prison.
Government Assistance
In 1931, McCarry finally received government assistance under the social insurance program, but the meager benefits did not provide a sustainable livelihood. He stood in line at the unemployment office for two weeks, but finding work was impossible.
Roosevelt's Presidency
McCarry supported Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies. Roosevelt's public works programs created jobs for the unemployed, including McCarry, who worked on a local post office renovation.
Confrontation with the Past
While working at the post office, McCarry encountered Ben Lewis, his former neighbor, who showed him an article from The New York Times implicating the Federal Reserve and Treasury in the stock market crash.
Illness and Death
Unbeknownst to him, McCarry had developed lung cancer and was given a year to live. Determined to rebuild his life, he planned to open an auto body repair shop and pass it on to his son. Sadly, his plans were cut short.
Legacy
John McCarry passed away on June 22, 1934, at the age of 39. His son, Arthur, opened an auto repair shop seven years later, fulfilling his father's dream. McCarry's story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of the Great Depression on countless lives.
