George Washington McNear

At Rest at Cypress Lawn: George Washington McNear (1837-1909)

The “Wheat King” was the largest California exporter of the commodity in the late nineteenth century, building a milling and warehouse empire in the process. The business assumed bonanza proportions and brought great wealth to the family. George McNear shipped grain from Vallejo, Crockett, Benicia, Oakland, and San Francisco. But the town of Port Costa, built on the Carquinez Straits (1879) was the principal wheat exporting spot on the Pacific Coast and became a hub of an international network extending to England, Europe, Australia and Asia.

 

AGED GRAIN KING CALLED BY DEATH

George W. NcNear Dies at Age of 72 After a Long Illness

San Francisco Call, December 30, 1909

 

His son, George Washington McNear, Jr. assumed presidency of the firm upon his father’s death, and under his leadership the company broadened both its products, most particularly oil, and global reach. The firm also owned large water, land, and business interests in Contra Costa.

Factoids:

  • Mr. McNear, Jr. served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association from 1913-1933.
  • The McNear memorial property at Cypress Lawn currently contains seventeen members of the extended family.

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George McNear is laid to rest within Section L of our East Campus. Click here to view an interactive map of our Memorial Park.