In 1873, Maher came with his family from Illinois to Dakota Territory, settling in Union County.
Maher engaged in business in Beresford, South Dakota and learned that he did not like it.
Maher built a hospital near his home and established a widely used line of veterinary medicines.
The meeting was called by Dr. Hanson of Brookings, South Dakota for the purpose of organizing plans for a new highway, which would pass from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
During the hour of John W. Maher's funeral, all businesses in Beresford, South Dakota were closed by proclamation of the Mayor.