The McEwen Family

James Monroe McEwen was a pioneer grocer of Holgate. He was born in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1838, and settled in Henry County with his parents Robert and Margreta McEwen in 1849. James McEwen enlisted in Co. B. 38th Ohio Regiment in 1861, serving under Colonel Bradley. At the end of his term of service, he enlisted in the same company and served to the close of the war being discharged in July, 1865.

James McEwen was married in 1859 to Sarah Ingle of Harrison Township. They were the parents of six daughters: Elza, Virginia, Myrta, Della, Fannie, and Bessie.

Elza married Oren Creager and had Harry and Ethel. Virginia, who was the wife of William T. Belding, had no children. Myrta, who was the wife of Charles Becker, had Charles, Jr., Mabel, Helen, and Virginia. Della, who was married to James Montgomery, had no children. Fannie, who was married to Western M. Hall, had one daughter, Helen. Bessie, who was married to Harry Gardner, had Marguerite, Carmen, Robert, Richard, and Geraldine.

Living today in 1975 are Ethel Hess of Pleasant Bend, Helen Peper of Holgate, Robert Gardner of Defiance, and Richard and Geraldine Gardner.

Ethel has three children: Wilma Yahney of Napoleon, Virginia of Adrian, and William of Columbus.

Helen has two sons: William of Holgate and Edmund of Napoleon.

Submitted by Mrs. Helen Peper