| Notes |
- From: dtivener
To:
Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2000 5:52 PM
OBITUARY OF DAVID MCGREW
Again we are called upon to record the death of one of Jefferson County's oldest, and most respected citizens, David McGrew, which occurred at his home in New Alexandria shortly after one o'clock Saturday afternoon. David was the son of Nathan McGrew, who, with several of his brothers, emigrated from Pennsylvania to Smithfield at an early day, and whose descendants are exceedingly numerous throughout the south central part of Jefferson County, Ohio.
Elizabeth Winders was the maiden name of the wife of Nathan, and they were married previous to coming to Smithfield, where they reared a large family, the subject of our sketch being born one mile west of that place October 15, 1810, and he was consequently nearly 73 years of age at the time of his death. In November, 1832, when about 22 years of age, David was married to Harriett Davis, of Westmoreland, Co. Pa. , and with her has lived a happy wedded life of more than 50 years, during which time thirteen children were born to them, of whom five survive, N. B. McGrew of Columbus, Oh.; Mrs. Elizabeth Ong of Centerville, Iowa; S. S. C. McGrew of Mahoningtown, Pa.; and B. D. McGrew and Mrs. Ada D. Buckingham of New Alexandria. Then with the wife of his youth were present at his death.
About the time of his marriage Mr. McGrew engaged in business as a cabinet maker in Smithfield, where he continued until 1844, when he removed to New Alexandria. Still retaining his furniture business until 1852, he meantime engaged in farming which he prosecuted successfully thought the remainder of his life, although a large part of his time was taken up in attending to legal business, which was largely placed in his hands by the whole community of which he was a member. he was familiarly called "Squire" because of his knowledge of the law and the attention he gave to that branch of business, but he never held the office of Justice of the Peace, as has been generally supposed, his only official recognition being his possession of a notaries commission for some twenty years. It goes almost without saying that to Mr. McGrew was entrusted more legal business, particularly in relation to settlement of estates, drawing deeds and like work, than to any other man outside the legal profession in Jefferson County. he had a peculiar qualification for such business, added to which his rugged honesty led to general demand for his services. he was a man of ability much above the average, and was naturally looked up to by his friends and neighbors, who depended largely upon his advise.
In politics Mr. McGrew was a Wig until sometime in the "Forties", when finding that the principles held by that party did not suit his views, he went over tot he Democrats and remained a consistent member of the Party of the Constitution until he died, his work and influence for forty years being effectual for good.
Born and brought up a Quaker, he lost his birthright by marrying out of the church, and soon after untied with the M. E. Church of which his wife was a member, and with which he was in full sympathy for many years, but latterly his views coincided more nearly with those held by the Presbyterians, although he never untied with that Church, and M. E. Minister officiated at his funeral. His moral character was above suspicion and his habits remarkably temperate, he never having either chewed or smoked or taken a drink of liquor.
Submitted by Donna (Maxwell) Tivener.
4 Oct. 2000 [1]
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1810 - Yes, date unknown